Former Cardiologist Surrenders License After Elaborate Hoax

A former cardiologist, Dr. Christopher David Adams, has surrendered his medical licenses in Tennessee and Kentucky after admitting to faking a cancer diagnosis and fabricating details about his medical training and experience. The case, which unfolded over several years, involved multiple investigations and revealed a pattern of deceit intended to cover up a personal affair.

Timeline of Deception

Dr. Adams worked as a cardiologist for Tennessee Heart at Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) for five years, until his termination in late 2023. Concerns arose in July 2023 after the deaths of three patients associated with his care within a two-day period, prompting an internal review by the hospital [1].

Shortly after the review began, Adams filed for medical leave, claiming he was undergoing treatment for penile cancer at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic. Investigations quickly revealed that Adams had never been diagnosed with cancer and had not received treatment at either facility [2]. He likewise admitted to submitting fraudulent letters of recommendation to support his false claims about his medical training [3].

Escalating Issues and Surrender of Licenses

Following his departure from CRMC, Adams briefly joined Baptist Health Lexington in Kentucky in 2024. However, his issues continued when staff reported that he requested they falsify supervision documents, specifically asking for approximately 25 documents to be altered to indicate he had been supervised on procedures he had not performed [2].

Adams voluntarily surrendered his medical license to the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners on January 20, 2026, waiving his right to a hearing and judicial review [1]. The Commonwealth of Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure followed suit on August 1, preventing him from seeking reinstatement for at least two years. The Virginia Department of Health Professions also suspended his medical license in August [1].

Adams’ Admission of Wrongdoing

In an application for license renewal in Kentucky, Adams admitted to his actions, stating that he became “workaholic” and engaged in an extramarital affair. He claimed he fabricated the cancer diagnosis in an attempt to conceal the affair, stating, “I told the hospital that I was diagnosed with cancer, thinking that would dispel rumors of the affair. I also submitted false letters of recommendation in further effort to project myself in a positive light.” [2].

Hospital Response and Patient Impact

Cookeville Regional Medical Center initiated a review of nearly 1,000 procedures performed by Adams during his five years of employment. Hospital officials did not respond to requests for comment regarding the case [2]. The details surrounding the deaths of the three patients under his care remain undisclosed [4].