Fed panel rejects appeal by Ill. pain-pill doctor
CINCINNATI (AP) — A federal panel has rejected appeals by a Chicago doctor sentenced to four life terms on charges from the pain-pill overdose deaths of four patients.
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judges ruled 3-0 today against Dr. Paul Volkman. He was convicted in Cincinnati last year on federal charges including unlawful distribution of drugs and related counts at operations in southern Ohio. Prosecutors said Volkman dispensed more of the powerful painkiller Oxycodone in 2003-2005 than any other U.S. physician.
Volkman’s appeal challenged the judge’s jury instruction, witness testimony on whether his actions had a legitimate medical purpose, other evidence against him, and whether his sentences were reasonable.
The ruling says Volkman breached the prime directive of his profession to do no harm.