Baystate Health Neurologist Placed on Probation After Incident

A neurologist at Baystate Health in Springfield, Massachusetts, Dr. Robert A. Martin, has been placed on five years’ probation after being observed engaging in inappropriate behavior through his office window. The incident occurred on November 21, 2023, after he had seen six patients for the day, and led to his administrative leave from Baystate Health.

Details of the Incident

According to a document released by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, Dr. Martin was seen masturbating in his office, which faces the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care. An employee of the cancer center witnessed the behavior and recorded a video, which was shared with both Baystate Health executives and the state medical board.

The employee, who requested anonymity, reported that Dr. Martin was “definitely not behind his desk” and was visible for approximately an hour. She alleged that Baystate officials initially questioned her account and those of other witnesses, and even sent an IT worker to her office to inquire about deleting the video.

Baystate Health and the Medical Board’s Response

Baystate Health placed Dr. Martin on administrative leave following the incident. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine initially suspended his license in October 2024, but immediately stayed the suspension when Dr. Martin agreed to a five-year probationary period.

As part of the probation, Dr. Martin has been undergoing regular behavioral health monitoring through Physicians Health Services, a subsidiary of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and receiving unspecified treatment. He resumed practicing medicine at Baystate around the time the board approved the consent order.

Legal Representation and Defense

Dr. Martin’s lawyer, Paul R. Cirel, stated that his client was unaware he was visible to anyone and that the incident was a matter of “poor judgment,” not exhibitionism. Cirel maintains that Dr. Martin is fit to practice medicine and that the medical board and the Massachusetts Medical Society have vouched for him.

Board Findings

The consent order signed by Dr. Martin concluded that he “lacked good moral character and engaged in conduct that undermines the public confidence in the integrity of the medical profession.”

Background of Dr. Martin

Dr. Martin graduated from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 2017, completed his residency at Boston Medical Center in 2020, and a fellowship in movement disorders in 2022. He specializes in the treatment of movement disorders.

Baystate Health spokesperson Heather Duggan declined to comment on the specifics of the incident, citing personnel matters, but stated that the health system ensures doctors comply with medical board requirements.