Substance Abuse Program Completed

JUDGMENT DEFERRED ON PHYSICIAN'S GUILTY PLEA

A Former Radford Doctor Pleads Guilty To Prescription Fraud, But A Judge
Defers Making A Ruling Until Next Year.

CHRISTIANSBURG -- Stress in both his professional and personal lives led a
physician who formerly practiced at Carilion New River Valley Medical
Center to turn to a narcotic for escape.

But with an in-patient substance abuse program successfully completed and
more counseling continuing, Dr. Michael K. Patrick, 44, now of Roanoke, is
moving forward, his defense attorney, John Lichtenstein, said.

On Monday, Patrick pleaded guilty to felony prescription fraud in
Montgomery County Circuit Court. Circuit Judge Bobby Turk deferred further
action on the case for a year.

If Patrick successfully completes a year of probation, Turk has the option
to either convict Patrick of a misdemeanor charge or dismiss the case.

"I think today represents the continued, authentic success of Dr. Patrick,"
Lichtenstein said afterward. "He's very appreciative of the support he has
received. He has taken complete personal responsibility for the situation,
and he looks forward to returning to take care of his patients as soon as
possible."

Patrick was indicted by a multi-jurisdictional grand jury in September, two
months after he confessed to taking Demerol from the office of the Carilion
Internal Medicine practice where he formerly worked. The indictments
alleged the thefts had been going on for the past three months.

In July, hospital staff had noticed a discrepancy in the narcotics log kept
at the office and notified authorities. Agents with the Virginia State
Police set up a surveillance camera and caught Patrick taking 15 milliliter
vials of the narcotic from the office and doctoring the logbook,
Commonwealth's Attorney Joey Showalter said.

Showalter said some of the doctor's personal problems were related to a
divorce with his wife.

Patrick immediately cooperated with authorities. He told investigators he
only used the drug as an escape on nights and weekends, Showalter said. No
patients ever reported being affected, Showalter said.

Patrick had joined the Carilion Internal Medicine practice at the hospital
outside Radford in the spring of 1999. He was dismissed when the
investigation came to light.

Patrick told authorities he never felt addicted to the painkiller but still
sought immediate treatment at an in-patient facility in Mississippi. He
successfully completed that program and has continued to attend additional
out-patient counseling, Lichtenstein said.

Additionally, Patrick has been volunteering at other substance abuse
programs, allowing patients to learn from his mistakes, and has been a
volunteer cook for a local rescue mission, Lichtenstein said.

The state medical board is conducting another investigation, which will
determine the fate of Patrick's medical license. That action is still
pending, Lichtenstein said.