Doctor in DUI allowed to practice under tight rules

An interim suspension order remains in effect against the medical license of a Sutter North Medical Group physician charged with causing injury while driving under the influence, the Medical Board of California said Friday.

Ifeanyi Charles Igwegbe was arrested May 6 after his car allegedly crossed the centerline on Highway 99 south of Yuba City, hitting another car driven by an Olivehurst woman. Igwegbe said he was on his way to work to perform procedures on patients. The California Highway Patrol said his blood alcohol concentration was .15, almost twice the legal limit.

Igwegbe pleaded not guilty in Sutter County Superior Court and is awaiting trial.

The medical board imposed the interim suspension order July 16, prohibiting Igwegbe from practicing medicine anywhere in California, but modified the order at another hearing July 21, permitting him to practice at Sutter North Procedure Center and Rideout Memorial Hospital as long as he undergoes daily breathalyzer tests and random urine tests.

"Each location has policies and protocols in place to ensure Igwegbe is not intoxicated or otherwise impaired to practice medicine," the board said.

Igwegbe sought modification of the order Thursday, saying he wanted to leave Sutter North for a new job at Oroville Hospital, which he said is aware of his pending criminal matter.

"Igewegbe stated he was dissatisfied with his current employer because of their treatment of him in this matter," the board said.

An administrative law judge ruled the interim suspension order will remain in effect because Igwegbe provided no documentation to support his claim about a job with Oroville Hospital, the board said.

Sutter North Medical Group spokeswoman Julie Eckardt said July 20 that Igwegbe was not seeing patients at that time.