Beloit physician's license suspended
BELOIT — The state has suspended the license of a Beloit physician accused of twice reporting for work at Beloit Memorial Hospital under the influence of alcohol.
The state's Department of Regulation and Licensing and its Medical Examining Board suspended the medical license of Joseph A. Besso while a complaint against him is investigated and disciplinary actions proceed.
According to the suspension order approved by board:
Besso reported to work Aug. 17 under the influence of alcohol and with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit for driving. He was escorted home.
Besso resigned his employment, including hospital and clinical privileges with a 30-day notice, according to the order. As a condition of continued employment during the 30-day period, Besso was to be tested for alcohol on a daily basis.
Two days later, Besso tested positive for alcohol, again in excess of the legal limit, and his employment and privileges were immediately terminated.
In October, the board found probable cause to believe that Besso's conduct constituted a danger to the public health, safety or welfare that required the emergency suspension of his license to practice medicine.
The suspension of Besso's license is in effect for 30 days or until Besso provides proof he has successfully completed a treatment program. An administrative law judge may continue the suspension for an additional 30 days while the disciplinary proceeding is in progress and may continue it indefinitely if Besso causes any delay in the proceedings.
Before final discipline is imposed, Besso will be entitled to an evidentiary hearing.
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Dec 11, 2009 at 8:38 a.m.
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Just to let people know; he is an excellent doctor. This is his second career that is why he is older. Also it can take up to 6 months for anyone to get their license approved in WI. I beleive it was an honest mistake. He is human after all. I would still see him as my doctor.
Nov 13, 2009 at 2:27 p.m.
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Whats going on?
Doctors are drunk, pilots are drunk, politicians are drunk. Just imagine, these are the only ones getting caught. I would say that ther are more out there.
Nov 4, 2009 at 3:55 p.m.
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ABnNoGma2--Maybe I am mistaken and reading too much into your comment. But, when I get is that they 'knew' there were issues. Sounds like the getting licensed in our state was an issue, they kept a close eye on him, etc. My question would be then why did they hire him in the first place? I go elsewhere for medical treatment, but if it was me and that was where I went to the Dr, I'd be demanding some answers. What are their standards, etc? I'm sure this is not exclusive to Beloit and happens elsewhere. If I was aware that it happened where I went, I would be making some phone calls and asking some questions!!
wischick-Thank you for the answer to my question.
Nov 4, 2009 at 2:58 p.m.
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Can anyone say "Quack Quack"? From experience......I would say he is! Good riddance!
Nov 4, 2009 at 2:25 p.m.
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He was at Darien Medical Clinic for about a year, came from the state of Maryland and took a long time to clear through our State. I know he had to take Wisc tests. He was my Dr. during that time, and without airing too much on a public forum, I can assure you Beloit Memorial Hospital kept a very close eye on this new Dr., as they do all their new Drs. I was very impressed with the Clinic and the Hospital with the complaint I had and how they handled it!
Nov 4, 2009 at 2:20 p.m.
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I wanna see the people that swore off Mercy to go to Beloit start talking.
Nov 4, 2009 at 1:16 p.m.
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YIKES! That is awful! Does anyone know what clinic he worked for?
Nov 4, 2009 at 10:12 a.m.
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You need to apply for licenses in each indivdual state you practice. To apply in another state would involve a review of his past licensing history.
Nov 4, 2009 at 9:38 a.m.
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localboy-I must beg ignorance on how things ilke this work, so please bear with me and if you can answer my question, please do. Otherwise, when I get some time I'll have to do some internet surfing on the subject. Anyway, so if his license is revoked here in WI, he is still able to go to another state to practice? Is there no federal agency that oversees this type thing?
Nov 4, 2009 at 8:57 a.m.
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anon, you could start with people who aren't government employed.
Nov 4, 2009 at 8:13 a.m.
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Wow what the heck is going on in that area. Drunk Doctors, Rock County officers arrested for sexual assault. Who can be trusted anymore?
Nov 4, 2009 at 7:56 a.m.
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I hope he isn't a brain surgeon. Yikes!
Nov 4, 2009 at 7:21 a.m.
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Someone actually being held accountable for their actions??? Holy smacks man!
Nov 4, 2009 at 6:53 a.m.
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He will be practicing in another state. You watch and wait....
Nov 4, 2009 at 6:21 a.m.
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Some how someone can blame mercy for this, cmon.
Nov 3, 2009 at 11:06 p.m.
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janesvillean--I bet and what a scary thought. These are the people we are literally trusting our lives too!
Nov 3, 2009 at 10:01 p.m.
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Substance abuse is a well-known issue in the medical community. Access combined with the sense of authority granted by position leads many medical professionals to believe they can treat themselves and manage an addiction.
Nov 3, 2009 at 5:57 p.m.
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I wonder what Dr. Bob would say?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Smith_%...
Nov 3, 2009 at 5:06 p.m.
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I sincerely hope he can get treatment for his problem. If he was my doctor though I don't know if I would ever go back to him. That is a kind of trust that would be very hard to regain for me and I'm not sure I'd be willing to put myself or my family in this man's hands.
Nov 3, 2009 at 4:46 p.m.
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the theme for the 'eviler of two evils' seems to be...just one more...try
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