Fw: TMB suspends license of Dr. Alan Dale Shiller of Palestine

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OMG! An ophthalmologist!

----- Forwarded Message ----Sent: Thu, March 18, 2010 11:07:37 AMSubject: TMB suspends license of Dr. Alan Dale Shiller of Palestine

Texas Medical Board

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Media contact: Public Information Officer Leigh Hopper at leigh.hopper@... or . Non-media contact: or .

Medical Board Suspends License of Alan Dale Shiller, M.D., of Palestine

A panel of the Texas Medical Board suspended the license of Alan Dale Shiller, M.D., license number H8398, after determining that Dr. Shiller’s continuation in the practice of medicine presents a continuing threat to the public welfare. Dr. Shiller is board-certified in ophthalmology and practices in Waco and Palestine.

The temporary suspension hearing took place Wednesday under the Board’s authority, granted by the Medical Practice Act, to suspend or restrict a physician’s license without notice when it determines the physician’s continuation in practice would constitute a continuing threat to the public welfare. The suspension is effective immediately.

The action was based on the following findings: On December 4, 2009, Dr. Shiller, while on-call for ophthalmological emergencies at Palestine Regional Medical Center, was observed driving his vehicle into a utility pole. He left the scene and drove off the highway, through several mailboxes and into a tree. He was taken to the emergency room where staff found an empty 100 mg vial of Demerol in his pants pocket. A toxicology screen performed at the hospital was positive for barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opiates and PCP.

The length of a temporary suspension is indefinite and it remains in effect until the board takes further action.

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The Texas Medical Board, the state agency that regulates physicians, physician assistants, surgical assistants and acupuncturists, provides consumer protection through licensure, investigation and disciplinary action. The Board, under President Irvin Zeitler, M.D., and Executive Director Mari , J.D., and mandated by the Medical Practice Act, is strengthening and accelerating the disciplinary process for licensees who fail to meet the required standards of professional proficiency and behavior. Information on filing a complaint is on the agency web site at www.tmb.state.tx.us/consumers/complain/complain.php or by calling . See the home page at www.tmb.state.tx.us

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Leigh Hopper

Public Information

Texas Medical Board

www.tmb.state.tx.us