NEWARK – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Division of Consumer Affairs today announced that the State Board of Medical Examiners (“the Board”) has temporarily suspended the medical license of a Gloucester County family medicine practitioner following his multiple arrests on charges of domestic violence.
Dr. Jonathan M. Tavares, a Philadelphia resident who was last employed as a third-year Family Medicine Resident at Inspira Medical Center in Woodbury, was arrested by Philadelphia Police and charged with domestic violence and other offenses on three occasions this year.
“When a doctor is charged with a violent criminal offense, his professional judgment and ability to practice medicine are called into question,” said Attorney General Grewal. “By obtaining the temporary suspension of Dr. Tavares’ license pending the outcome of these charges, the Board has upheld its duty to safeguard patients and enforce the standards of the medical profession.”
In an Interim Consent Order of Voluntary Surrender of License to be Deemed a Temporary Suspension filed with the Board, Tavares agreed to surrender his license pending the resolution of the criminal charges against him, and other conditions set by the Board.
“Dr. Tavares’ multiple arrests on domestic violence charges demonstrate an imminent danger to the public,” said Paul R. Rodríguez, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “Under his agreement with the Board, he will not be eligible to practice medicine until these very serious matters are resolved.”
Under the terms of the Interim Consent Order, prior to any restoration of his license, Tavares must participate in the Professional Assistance Program of New Jersey ("PAP-NJ") and comply with the requirements of the program, including:
Tavares also must:
Tavares is precluded from managing, overseeing, supervising or influencing the practice of medicine or provision of healthcare activities in the State of New Jersey until such time that all terms of the Consent Order have been met to the satisfaction of the Board, according to the Interim Consent Order.
Deputy Attorney General Cristina E. Ramundo is representing the State in this matter.
Patients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed health care professional in an inappropriate manner can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504- 6200.
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