Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, a national civil rights and public interest law firm, is investigating reports of alleged misconduct involving a medical provider at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC) at Fort Hood (Fort Cavazos) in Texas. According to news outlets, including Stars and Stripes and Military.com, Fort Hood medical officials suspended a medical provider from patient care following a report of alleged misconduct with a patient. The individual has been identified as Dr. Blaine McGraw, an OB-GYN who is no longer treating patients. The Army Criminal Investigation Division has opened a criminal investigation. The conduct alleged constitutes sexual assault and an egregious invasion of privacy in a medical setting. Officials at Fort Hood stated that the base and the medical center are contacting all patients who were seen by Dr. McGraw during his time at the facility. A dedicated call line has been created to answer questions and connect individuals with additional support as needed. According to the Fort Hood Media Center, the Army Criminal Investigation Division will also be contacting patients who may have relevant information.

Christine Dunn, Co-Managing Partner and Co-Chair of the firm’s Sexual Violence Practice Group, Speaking on CNN About the Case:

Why This Investigation Matters

Military service members, military families, and beneficiaries rely on medical providers to deliver care that is safe, professional, and respectful. Allegations of misconduct in military medical settings can be distressing and can have long-term effects on those involved. Patients have the right to receive care that upholds their dignity and well-being. Our firm is investigating this military medical abuse and advocating for survivors of this gynecologist scandal at Fort Hood (Fort Cavazos).

Our Experience

Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight has extensive experience representing survivors of medical abuse within military healthcare systems and we are prepared to do the same for those affected at Fort Hood. Christine Dunn, the Co-Managing Partner and Co-Chair of the firm’s Sexual Violence, Title IX, and Victims’ Rights Practice Group, has represented survivors in the military medical sexual assault matter involving Maj. Michael Stockin, a former Army doctor convicted of sexually abusing patients at Joint Base Lewis–McChord in Tacoma, Washington. The firm filed 44 complaints on behalf of John Does 1–44 in their civil claims against the Army for its negligence in overseeing Dr. Stockin. Dr. Stockin ultimately pled guilty to 41 counts of sexual abuse committed under the guise of medical examination. Christine is also representing more than two dozen survivors of sexual assault at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. These experiences inform our understanding of the institutional processes and the particular challenges that can arise when misconduct occurs in military environments.

Frequently Asked Questions