EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — A woman who asked not to be identified is speaking publicly to KFOX14/CBS4 about what she says happened inside a trauma room at University Medical Center after an epileptic episode following the arrest of a doctor.
Edward Michelson, an El Paso doctor who was arrested for indecent assault, is facing an investigation after a patient alleged he touched her private parts without her consent while she was receiving treatment at UMC.
The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, spoke with KFOX14/CBS4 about what she says happened, adding that she decided to share her account to raise awareness and encourage others who may have experienced similar situations to come forward.
“When I opened my eyes, he looked shocked, as if to say, ‘She’s realized what I’m doing,’” the woman told KFOX14/CBS4. “I didn't want to say anything because, at the same time, I didn't have the strength. I thought, ‘If I say something, he’s going to attack me, hit me, or do something to me.’”
Destiny Venecia reports on Woman speaks out after alleged trauma-room assault left her fearful and seeking to move (Credit: KFOX14)
According to an arrest affidavit, the woman told deputies that Dr. Edward Michelson entered her hospital room, lifted her gown and blanket, and touched her private parts.
The alleged incident occurred after the woman was taken to the hospital following an epileptic episode.
The affidavit states that she was going in and out of consciousness at the time.
The documents state that Michelson denied the allegation, telling investigators he was examining the woman's abdominal area.
The affidavit also states that Michelson did not appear to be wearing medical gloves during the incident.
Investigators reviewed surveillance video that allegedly showed Michelson entering the room alone and moving an examination light in a way that appeared to obstruct the camera's view.
According to the affidavit, the footage also showed him lifting the patient's gown near her private area.
Michelson was arrested on September 30 and bonded out the same day, according to previously reported information.
The woman told KFOX14/CBS4 she was physically vulnerable during the alleged incident and feared what might happen if she confronted the doctor.
“I was very vulnerable, far too vulnerable, far too exhausted and on oxygen; I couldn’t breathe,” she said.
She also said she believes the incident occurred because of her condition at the time.
“He took advantage of the fact that I was weak and asleep,” she told KFOX14/CBS4. “Whatever he did to me, I don't know exactly what it was, but it actually woke me up.”
Michelson is a physician who previously spoke with KFOX14/CBS4 during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing medical expertise on developments in the virus and its variants.
KFOX14/CBS4 contacted University Medical Center for comment on the allegations.
In a statement, UMC said Michelson is a contracted provider, not a hospital employee.
The hospital confirmed that he has been suspended pending internal and third-party investigations and said it is cooperating with outside agencies.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center of El Paso also confirmed Michelson's suspension.
The institution said it would not comment further because the matter involves an ongoing personnel and legal issue.
The woman told KFOX14/CBS4 the experience has left her afraid, and she is now trying to move to another home.
Despite those fears, she said she wanted to speak publicly so others who may have had similar experiences would know they are not alone.
“For anyone to speak up, and for those who know someone who's been touched or were at the same hospital to see this yes, I was afraid too, but I did it anyway, because it shouldn't just be left at that,” she said.
Texas Medical Board records show Michelson's physician license remains active.
The sheriff's office told KFOX14/CBS4 it has not identified any additional victims at this time.
The allegations remain under investigation.
RELATED: El Paso doctor accused of indecent assault of patient at UMC, affidavit say
Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.