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AFTER months of deliberation, the Guam Board of Allied Health Examiners has released its final decision in the case of Wise Owl Animal Hospital owner and veterinarian Dr. Joel Joseph.
The board has ruled to suspend Dr. Joseph’s license for five years and has ordered that Wise Owl Animal Hospital no longer provide veterinary care.
The board has ordered Dr. Joseph to surrender his license three days after being serviced the decision. All current clients under his care are to be advised of the suspension of his license and transfer to another veterinary clinic.
Dr. Joseph argues that neither he nor his lawyer have been served the papers. He also attests that GBAHE is violating the open government law by not holding the meetings in ADA-compliant rooms and not allowing cameras in the room so the public could be made aware of the proceedings.
Dr. Joseph claims several members of the board, particularly Dr. Lisa Silk and Dr. Mamie Balajadia, are not qualified and he has filed charges against them. Dr. Joseph said these charges remain unaddressed.
“This is a farce. This is a total farce. If you think this is about medicine, you’re wrong. This whole thing is about the people’s right to petition the government,” he told the Variety.
GBAHE has found that Dr. Joseph, over a period of two years, failed to meet minimum standards of performance in the diagnosis and treatment of animals.
In addition, GBAHE said Dr. Joseph was negligent and demonstrated incompetency in the veterinary profession. The board also said the facts provided by Dr. Joseph were false, such as agreements made between himself and his clients.
Charges
Dr. Joseph is charged with not obtaining the necessary permits to expand his facility for X-ray and laboratory use. He is also charged with accepting payment for cremation, but not providing the service.
Under the GBAHE decision, no signs should be displayed that would mislead the public that Dr. Joseph is still practicing veterinary medicine. Instead, there should be a sign stating the Wise Owl Animal Hospital has been suspended from veterinary practice and cannot treat pets for five years.
The board is also ordering Dr. Joseph to go back to school, requiring him to complete 60 credit hours of formal course work in veterinarian medicine, including diagnostic, treatment, and ethics.
Dr. Joseph is also being required to undergo psychological evaluation by a clinical psychologist, a licensed clinical social worker, or a psychiatrist approved by the board.
He is also ordered to make a personal written apology to Dr. Lisa Silk, Dr. Thomas Poole, Dr. Velma Harper, and Assistant Attorney General Benjamin Abrams for calling them names.
Despite the charges brought up against him by what he maintains is a corrupt board, Dr. Joseph still intends to continue his practice.
“I’m going to continue to do what I do best, which is to run one heck of a veterinary practice,” Joseph said.
Comments
Dr. Joseph is the best vet on Guam...no competition. Caring, thorough, reasonably priced, etc.
I've never had a vet (and I've been all over this planet) care for my pets the way Dr. Joseph has. He is the best.
Problem is, on Guam, everything is political. He told it like it is, he called crap crap and he stands up for what is right. Again, our local, fair government is causing the rich to get richer and the have nots to have less.
GBAHE should be disolved! Fight Dr. Joseph.
4) The Asst AG has to know this or he is a bigger country bumpkin than he acts. If he knows; then all this is just to cause Dr. Joseph to spend money and time. If he does not know; then his boss needs to fire him, and his boss needs to be investigated for letting this happen to a citizen. Either way Dr. Joseph should be paid all his legal bills by this guy or the AG office. It is only fair, it may not happen but it is only fair.5) The Governor did not replace Balajadia, Harper, Crisostomo, Pereda, and other board members as he must do according to law. His excuse that it is inorganic holds little water and after what we have seen can only bring him shame for keeping these people in office.
#11- did he really laugh at the animals dieing under his care or did he scoff at the accusation that he had killed them. We are all animal lovers here. I wasn't there at the hearing but the man that I know, that cared for my pets wouldn't do that.
Right, because standing up for something "on your own" is a great way to get the community involved in caring for animals and animal issues on Guam. I am for a TEAM that provides fantastic care - and has excellent manners - towards my animals.
I hate when people say team this and team that. Have a brain and stand up for something on your own.
After experiencing the poor care at Wise Owl, I am all for closing this guy down. Team Malakooti, FTW!
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