A Southern California man treated thousands of patients – including cancer patients – without a doctor’s license, prosecutors claim, until he was caught by an undercover cop.
Stephan Gevorkian, 44, worked as a physician at his own clinic, Pathways Medical, in Toluca Lake. He treated thousands of people there,” the Los Angeles County Attorney’s Office said in a press release.
The “doctor” was discovered after an undercover officer visited the clinic in November and received a consultation during which Gevorkian “allegedly failed to accurately address abnormal hormone levels that could indicate a serious medical condition.”
Gevorkian was accused of five counts of practicing medicine without a license to practice medicine.
The man’s lawyers are defending themselves against DA’s allegations, saying, “Any suggestion that Mr. Gevorkian is posing as a doctor to deceive and treat unsuspecting patients is misleading and has been proven false.”
A SoCal man treated thousands of patients – including cancer patients – without a doctor’s license, prosecutors claim, until he was caught by an undercover officer
Stephan Gevorkian, 44, worked as a physician at his own clinic, Pathways Medical, in Toluca Lake. There he treated thousands of people,” said a press release from the LA District Attorney
Gevorkian operated out of Pathways Medical in Toluca Lake, California
On its social media pages, Pathways Medical describes itself as an alternative medicine provider specializing in intravenous vitamin therapy.
For years, Gevorkian treated patients with “severe medical conditions,” according to prosecutors, treating illnesses such as viral infections in cancer patients.
“The company performs blood tests on patients, advises them on treatments and offers treatments for serious illnesses,” according to a press release.
The undercover officer got into the business on Nov. 17, 2022, and received results that investigators say have raised red flags.
The doctor and his staff did not notice any “abnormal hormone levels that could indicate a serious medical condition,” the press release said.
It’s unclear what first caught police attention, but a Yelp reviewer questioned the legitimacy of the PhD several years ago.
“I think dr. G is a scammer,” wrote Yelp reviewer Nicole B. in 2021.
“The only thing that was ‘right’ on my blood work was my vitamin D levels. WHAT THE HELL? I’m sitting here looking at my estimate for treatments that’s just under 5,000. I ran,” the woman wrote.
“So that’s my story on Dr. G………don’t be tempted to support this office and these rude people,” she continued.
Gevorkian (right) treated patients with “severe medical conditions” for years, according to prosecutors, and treated illnesses such as viral infections in cancer patients
By all other accounts, the “doctor” was popular in his community.
Since 2019, Pathways has received dozens of rave reviews from patients and currently has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp.
“This place is amazing. They really know what they’re doing and DrG is a game changer in the natural world,” one person wrote in February.
“This company is amazing,” wrote another reviewer. “The doctor was so kind and understanding of my concerns.”
“I’ve been coming here for years and can’t say enough good things about Dr. G. and his staff say. They go above and beyond, providing unmatched results and service,” said one woman in 2019.
The five-star ratings didn’t stop the investigation and complaint filed against Gevorkian on April 19.
Gevorkian’s attorneys were then notified of the warrant.
Gevorkian was indicted Friday on the charges against him and later released on his own on the condition that he did not practice medicine.
Gevorkian was never arrested, a DA spokesman told local outlets.
“The practice of medicine without a license is not only a criminal activity in California, it can cause irreparable harm to the health of unsuspecting people, some with serious illnesses, who believe they are under the care of a licensed physician,” said prosecutor George Gascón.
“The practice of medicine without a license is not only a criminal activity in California, it can cause irreparable harm to the health of unsuspecting people, some with serious illnesses, who believe they are under the care of a licensed physician,” said prosecutor George Gascón
Gevorkian’s attorney, Justin E. Sterling, told ABC7 Los Angeles, “Criminal charges are inherently unsubstantiated allegations.”
“It is important to recognize that what one initially thinks known or understood is not always the case in the end. Mr. Gevorkian is complying with all orders of the court and looks forward to vigorously defending himself against these allegations.’
Gevorkian will next appear before a judge on May 24 for his first hearing.
The Los Angeles County Attorney’s Office is currently pursuing additional victims.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of this incident is encouraged to also call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 213-257-2465.