An orthopedic surgeon who was fired from Harbor-UCLA in 2024 brokered a deal with Los Angeles County to allow him to retire from the West Carson, Calif.-based hospital, Daily Breeze reported May 18.
Louis Kwong, MD, who faced multiple complaints of sexual misconduct involving patients, delaying acute surgeries in favor of elective procedures and making misogynistic comments,was fired in February 2024.
However, in an agreement finalized Nov. 4, 2024, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services rescinded Dr. Kwong’s firing and allowed him to say he retired, the report said. In exchange, Dr. Kwong agreed to release the county from future lawsuits and claims related to his departure.
Misconduct allegations against Dr. Kwong were similar to pending lawsuits from Harbor-UCLA orthopedic surgeons who allege the county ignored their complaints. One attorney for those surgeons criticized the move and told Daily Breeze that he felt the county was aligning itself with Dr. Kwong.
Dr. Kwong also faced allegations of financial impropriety related to undisclosed employment with a medical devicemaker. The devicemaker has since cut ties with Dr. Kwong, the report said.
The Daily Breeze couldn’t reach Dr. Kwong for comment.
