Neurologist on Probation After Incident at Baystate Medical Center

By Abby Patkin

March 12, 2026 | 5:04 PM

A Springfield, Massachusetts neurologist has been placed on five years of probation after being observed masturbating in his office at Baystate Health, according to recently unredacted records from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine. Dr. Robert A. Martin admitted to the incident, which occurred in an office across from the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care on November 21, 2023.

Details of the Incident

Between 10 and 20 employees of the cancer center witnessed Martin’s actions and reported the incident to hospital security and administrators. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine initially suspended Martin’s license but stayed the suspension after he agreed to a five-year probation and other conditions. Martin subsequently entered into a behavioral health monitoring contract with the Physicians Health Services Program of the Massachusetts Medical Society in May 2024.

Response from Involved Parties

Martin’s lawyer, Paul Cirel, stated that his client “resumed his practice in the fall of 2024 and has practiced without incident or blemish ever since.” Cirel explained that Martin was “unaware that he was — or that he could be — seen” through his office’s windows, characterizing the incident as “a very unfortunate lapse in judgement.”

However, a cancer center employee who spoke with The Boston Globe described a different scene, stating she saw Martin standing partly undressed, facing the windows with his penis in one hand and his cellphone in the other. The employee reported the incident to the state medical board after Baystate officials allegedly dismissed her concerns.

Baystate Health’s Statement

Baystate Health stated it does not comment on personnel matters but confirmed it has “established systems and processes to govern compliance with any conditions and guidance issued by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine.”

Board Findings and Martin’s Acceptance of Responsibility

The Board of Registration in Medicine found that Martin had engaged in disruptive behavior and “lacked good moral character and engaged in conduct that undermines the public confidence in the integrity of the medical profession.” Martin accepted responsibility for his conduct and apologized when Baystate Health launched an investigation and placed him on administrative leave. The board noted Martin, a 2017 graduate of the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine, was “fully cooperative.”

Recent Financial Challenges at Baystate Health

This incident comes as Baystate Medical Center, part of the larger Baystate Health system, faces financial difficulties. According to the Boston Globe, Baystate Health lost $63 million in 2023 and $177 million in 2022. The health system has taken steps to address these losses, including delaying pay raises and selling a laboratory.