Key Takeaways
- Dr. Edward Allen Michelson was arrested on September 30, 2026, following allegations that he inappropriately touched a female patient at University Medical Center of El Paso.
- On October 14, 2026, the Texas Medical Board temporarily suspended Michelson’s medical license after determining that his continued practice of medicine posed a threat to public welfare.
- Andreozzi + Foote represents survivors of medical sexual abuse and investigates institutional negligence.
Dr. Edward Allen Michelson, 69, a prominent El Paso physician, was arrested in September 2026 following allegations that he sexually assaulted a 58-year-old patient receiving treatment for an epilepsy episode at University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC).
On October 14, 2026, the Texas Medical Board temporarily suspended Michelson’s medical license after determining that his continued practice of medicine posed a continuing threat to public welfare.
What Is Dr. Edward Michelson Accused Of?
According to a criminal complaint affidavit reported by the El Paso Times, the alleged assault occurred around 7pm on August 28, 2026, at University Medical Center of El Paso.
The 58-year-old patient was receiving treatment for an epileptic episode and was reportedly drifting in and out of consciousness. According to the Texas Medical Board, ambulance personnel reported that the patient had received a sedative en route to the hospital.
Michelson “is accused of lifting the hospital bed sheets and the woman’s gown from underneath her legs and placing both his hands on her private areas, the affidavit states. He was not wearing medical gloves.” (El Paso Times)
The woman reportedly woke up, became aware of the touching, and confronted Michelson, saying in Spanish, “‘Why are you doing this to me? This has nothing to do with epilepsy?’”
Hospital Surveillance Footage Reviewed by Investigators
According to KVIA, “The patient’s son, who learned about the alleged assault minutes later, also confronted Michelson. The doctor told him he didn’t do that and ‘was just touching her abdominal area,’ documents said.”
According to the affidavit, surveillance footage showed Michelson entering the patient’s room alone and leaving approximately two minutes later. “Documents said Michelson entered the patient’s room and closed the curtain at the door. The investigator noted the doctor moved an examination light hanging from the ceiling in a way ‘to appear to obstruct the security camera’s view” of the doctor and patient.” (KVIA)
Michelson was arrested on September 30, 2026, on a felony charge of indecent assault by a health care service provider. He was booked into the El Paso County jail and reportedly “released the same day after posting bail.”
UMC’s Reported Patient Safety Procedures
According to KVIA, “The security manager told deputies that UMC policy requires two medical staff members to be in a patient’s room when conducting any procedures involving the genital area.”
However, investigators allege Michelson entered the patient’s room alone.
UMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Victor Waters also told investigators that pelvic examinations are not standard treatment for seizure patients unless there is reason to suspect trauma.
University Medical Center and Texas Tech Suspend Michelson
Following his arrest, University Medical Center of El Paso announced that Michelson had been suspended from his duties. UMC spokesperson Estefanía Morgan stated that Michelson was a contracted medical provider, rather than a direct hospital employee.
Michelson also served as a professor and chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, which also suspended him from his duties.
Statements from both organizations were published by KXAN.
Texas Medical Board Suspends Michelson’s Medical License
On October 14, 2026, the Texas Medical Board temporarily suspended Dr. Edward Allen Michelson’s medical license after determining that his continued practice of medicine posed a continuing threat to public welfare.
The board noted that Michelson had been arrested on a felony charge of indecent assault by a health care service provider.
The board also announced that a subsequent temporary suspension hearing would be scheduled as soon as practicable, unless Michelson waived the hearing.
Michelson’s Texas medical license was originally issued in March 2017 and had been set to expire in May 2028.
Who Is Dr. Edward Allen Michelson?
Dr. Edward Allen Michelson was an emergency medicine physician who has held prominent medical and academic leadership positions in several states.
Michelson earned his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and completed combined internal medicine and emergency medicine residency training at Northwestern University’s McGaw Medical Center.
In April 2016, Michelson became chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso.
He also worked as chief of the emergency department at University Medical Center of El Paso, where the alleged assault occurred.
In 2018, Michelson was named Editorial Board Member of the Year by the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine, where he also served as an associate editor. He was also featured in a 2020 El Paso Times article about frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Michelson’s previous positions include:
- University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio: Founding chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine (2002–2014)
- Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois: Emergency Medicine Program Director (1992–2002)
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio: Visiting Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine (2015–2016)
In addition to Texas, Michelson previously held medical credentials in Ohio and Illinois, which have since expired or not been renewed. No disciplinary actions have been listed for either state.
Could Healthcare Institutions Face Civil Liability?
The allegations against Michelson raise questions about civil liability healthcare institutions may face.
A civil investigation may examine:
- Patient safety policies: Whether UMC adequately enforced safeguards, including its reported policy requiring two medical staff members during genital examinations.
- Physician oversight: Which institution was responsible for supervising Michelson and ensuring compliance with hospital policies.
- Prior complaints: Whether UMC or Texas Tech had received previous reports of misconduct or warning signs.
- Institutional response: Whether appropriate action was taken after the allegations surfaced.
The allegations alone do not establish institutional negligence. Whether either institution could face legal responsibility would depend on additional evidence and applicable law.
Civil Legal Options for Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Physicians
Patients place significant trust in medical professionals, particularly when receiving emergency care.
Individuals who are sexually abused during medical treatment may have civil legal options separate from criminal proceedings or professional disciplinary actions.
Depending on the circumstances, survivors may be able to pursue compensation for emotional distress, psychological injuries, and other damages. Civil lawsuits can also help expose institutional failures, hold responsible parties accountable, and encourage stronger protections for future patients.
Andreozzi + Foote Represents Survivors of Physician Sexual Abuse
Andreozzi + Foote represents survivors of sexual abuse, including individuals harmed by doctors and other medical professionals.
Our attorneys investigate potential claims against physicians, hospitals, and other institutions that may bear legal responsibility for sexual abuse.
If you or someone you love experienced sexual misconduct or abuse by Dr. Edward Allen Michelson, or another healthcare provider, you may have civil legal rights.
Our trauma-informed attorneys are here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
We encourage you to contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Image sources: Left: Dr. Michelson, via Texas Tech Health, El Paso, X. Right: Edward Allen Michelson, via El Paso Times, courtesy of El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Background: UMC, via kmdarchitects.
