Villages doctor

[The Shadow]

Villages doctor stopped for DUI, faces prescription pill charges
Villages doctor dui pills - OrlandoSentinel.com (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-villages-doctor-dui-pills-20120217,0,2800807.story)

[graciegirl]

Just got the new 2012 physician directory and Sheri E. Hamnik, MD is listed under neurology.

Medical School; University of Illinois College of Medicine.
Internship; Mount Sinai Hospital
Residency; Loyola University Medical Center.

The photograph in the article is so different from the one in the book. Drugs are awful.

[ilovetv]

That is a very sad, pathetic situation.

I feel sorry for her and hope she responds constructively to this big wakeup call, but I hope the state medical licensing board yanks her license at least for a few years.

Hopefully the licensing board is strict.

[villager99]

Sheri E. Hamnik, MD, the doctor who was arrested is the head of the brand new primary stroke center at our village hospital. she recently moved here from virginia and worked hard to establish this much needed service in our community

[redwitch]

What a shame and a waste. Hope she gets the help needed. What's even more tragic is that this is nothing new in the medical profession. I truly believe mandatory, random drug testing should be a prerequisite to any position in a hospital.

[De Lis]

I am a stroke survivor and may have called for her services in the future. Thank you so much Redwitch for bringing this to our attention!!

[2BNTV]

So sad. This doctor needs help and the willingness to overcome this problem.

I hope she gets it and does what's right to get her life back on track.

[Mudder]

I was happy when she was appointed head of The Villages Hospital new certified stroke center. Met her, seemed nice and also knowledgable, planned to make an appt, not now. Maybe already she is no longer head of stroke center. If another stroke strikes I'll go to Munroe for sure now.
What was she thinking ???????????????????

[paulandjean]

Think its a little early to say pull her license for a couple of years.Maybe one or two drinks over,not sure.. The pills,do not know,seems mighty strange.Maybe when all the facts come out,something will make sense.

[graciegirl]

Played golf this morning with one of her patients and he had high praise for her as a physician.

She worked so hard for her success.

This is tragic.

[The Village Girl]

Never come out looking pretty.

Don't ask me how I know this!

[graciegirl]

bump for paulandjean. No conspiracy....see?

[paulandjean]

Just seems strange,gone like that. Such a newsworthy story within our village. Picking up dog poop might be more news. Maybe pressure from some other sources.

[graciegirl]

Just seems strange,gone like that. Such a newsworthy story within our village. Picking up dog poop might be more news. Maybe pressure from some other sources.

Are you talking about THIS thread? Or lack of news in the paper or what?

I am confused.

[Barefoot]

Sheri E. Hamnik, MD, the doctor who was arrested is the head of the brand new primary stroke center at our village hospital. she recently moved here from virginia and worked hard to establish this much needed service in our community

She must be a brilliant woman to have attained that position. She obviously has some personal demons to confront. I hope she gets any help that she needs and that she continues to be a positive influence in the medical community.

[Graytop]

Villages doctor stopped for DUI, faces prescription pill charges
Villages doctor dui pills - OrlandoSentinel.com (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-villages-doctor-dui-pills-20120217,0,2800807.story)

That's too bad,...hope she gets some help....

[graciegirl]

I am going to pose a very difficult question.

If you knew that an MD might possibly have problems with abusing alcohol or drugs would you go to him/her?

[Don Dukes]

I'm not sure a DUI and some pills in the bottom of her purse means she needs help. Most of us have gone out for a few drinks and driven home when we shouldn't have, and she's a doctor, so who knows what pills they might have, or if they were her pills that dropped out in her purse.

We don't know what may have been going in in her life on that day.

I'm not implying that driving drunk is good a good thing. I'm just saying that, maybe we shouldn't judge too quickly. :smiley:

[Posh 08]

I am going to pose a very difficult question.

If you knew that an MD might possibly have problems with abusing alcohol or drugs would you go to him/her?

I would not if they were still abusing. If they were clean, I would.

[graciegirl]

I'm not sure a DUI and some pills in the bottom of her purse means she needs help. Most of us have gone out for a few drinks and driven home when we shouldn't have, and she's a doctor, so who knows what pills they might have, or if they were her pills that dropped out in her purse.

We don't know what may have been going in in her life on that day.

I'm not implying that driving drunk is good a good thing. I'm just saying that, maybe we shouldn't judge too quickly. :smiley:

Don...and by the way, welcome. I just met someone from your neck of the woods the other day.

You are correct on driving and drinking, not that uncommon. BUT...on the other subject, Doctors don't dispense pills anymore. (Like in the little envelopes when we were kids) They may have sample packs, but unless you would need them, why would you carry them? MD's don't make housecalls....And they wouldn't be someone elses pills in her purse. I think it looks pretty damning.

Gracie the suspicious...and going back to my question. Would you go to a doctor who was arrested for DUI and was carrying pills around in car?

Or would you go to another doctor who beat his wife and you didn't know about it?

Don..I am trying to be funny.

[Barefoot]

I'm not sure a DUI and some pills in the bottom of her purse means she needs help. Most of us have gone out for a few drinks and driven home when we shouldn't have, and she's a doctor, so who knows what pills they might have, or if they were her pills that dropped out in her purse.

We don't know what may have been going in in her life on that day. I'm not implying that driving drunk is good a good thing. I'm just saying that, maybe we shouldn't judge too quickly.

Some pills in the bottom of her purse? 251 pills in the bottom of her purse, according to the newspaper article.

I think we're mostly not judging, just saying that if she needs help, we hope she gets it.

[Posh 08]

If she can produce prescriptions that were written for her prior to this charge, it will probably be dropped. The DUI is another matter.

[Don Dukes]

Don...and by the way, welcome. I just met someone from your neck of the woods the other day.

You are correct on driving and drinking, not that uncommon. BUT...on the other subject, Doctors don't dispense pills anymore. (Like in the little envelopes when we were kids) They may have sample packs, but unless you would need them, why would you carry them? MD's don't make housecalls....And they wouldn't be someone elses pills in her purse. I think it looks pretty damning.

Gracie the suspicious...and going back to my question. Would you go to a doctor who was arrested for DUI and was carrying pills around in car?

Or would you go to another doctor who beat his wife and you didn't know about it?

Don..I am trying to be funny.

Some pills in the bottom of her purse? 251 pills in the bottom of her purse, according to the newspaper article.

I think we're mostly not judging, just saying that if she needs help, we hope she gets it.

Sorry ladies, I need to put my reading glasses on. I didn't see the number of pills when reading the article.

Thank you Gracie. I've been reading the forum for a few days and decided to join in. My wife and I are going down soon to see what The Villages is all about.

[zcaveman]

Sorry ladies, I need to put my reading glasses on. I didn't see the number of pills when reading the article.

Thank you Gracie. I've been reading the forum for a few days and decided to join in. My wife and I are going down soon to see what The Villages is all about.

Please read the article referenced in the first post of this thread. It is different than the Daily Sun article.

[zcaveman]

If she can produce prescriptions that were written for her prior to this charge, it will probably be dropped. The DUI is another matter.

Those 251 pills were for several different medications and not in marked medicine vials. A no-no right there.

[Posh 08]

Those 251 pills were for several different medications and not in marked medicine vials. A no-no right there.

Precisely my point. If she comes up with proof of prescription, I predict a dismissal of that charge.

[graciegirl]

Precisely my point. If she comes up with proof of prescription, I predict a dismissal of that charge.


Alright...but it was a painkiller noted for it's addictive quality mentioned in the article. hydrcodone. I don't think if I had an issue with a neurological problem, I would want to go to someone who just very well be addicted to something. Her picture makes her appear to me, very drugged. Here is the link again.

Villages doctor dui pills - OrlandoSentinel.com (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-villages-doctor-dui-pills-20120217,0,2800807.story)

[angiefox10]

I'm pretty sure I could not!

In most businesses there is a standard that you are expected to live up to to continue working there. I would not want to go to a doctor who might be under the influence.

We are hiring these people. Would you hire someone to care for your elderly mother who had a drug and alcohol problem? I doubt it.

What are the chances they prescribe the wrong drug to you or preform and incorrect procedure? I think it's hard enough without outside influences interfering.

[Posh 08]

Alright...but it was a painkiller noted for it's addictive quality mentioned in the article. hydrcodone. I don't think if I had an issue with a neurological problem, I would want to go to someone who just very well be addicted to something. Her picture makes her appear to me, very drugged. Here is the link again.

Villages doctor dui pills - OrlandoSentinel.com (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-villages-doctor-dui-pills-20120217,0,2800807.story)

I think we are on the same page here. I said I couldn't use her services if she is addicted. If she went clean. Yes I could. How would we know though?

Her charges being dismissed doesn't mean she is not an addict.

I do wonder why the Feds may become involved.

[Mudder]

To answer Gracie's question....no I will not go to her. Now I'm really going to be yelled at, but......when I met her it was at a health fair event which was outside on what happened to be an unusually cold day a few months ago. The first thing that stuck me about her was what she was wearing. Everyone else had conservative clothing on, she however had a very low cut blouse on and each time she leaned over to talk to someone it was just too much. She would have looked more "doctorly" if she at least put a white coat on. She is much prettier than the mug shot. I feel a little bad for her, but she should know better. I'm looking for another neurologist.

[elevatorman]

I understand that a perscription has been turned over to the police. The reason given for the pills was that she works long hours and is not home very often. She was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2006.

[paulandjean]

Mug shot probably taken at 3 or 4 am, do not think any of us would be looking that good in the morning.Seems like she has had some health issues,maybe this could explain the pills. Think that charge would be dropped,her being a MD and all. DUI she will probably have to handle with fines and some kind of service.

[graciegirl]

I think how we perceive a person by how they look and dress is valid. I think Mudder is wise in her perception. Going back to all of the work it took to get her where she is, this is a terrible thing. But, I wouldn't consult her.

Even in medicine it is free enterprise, if you do a better job, or are perceived to do a better job, you will be more successful.

Nothing is ever, ever simple, but it is no crime for each to come to their own conclusion. That isn't judging her in the biblical sense, it is coming to a logical conclusion about what we know or think we know and how it will affect us.

[duffysmom]

Recently, especially here in Florida there has been a crackdown on Doctors prescribing narcotic medications. They are also checking into Pharmacies with high volumn narcotic distribution. If this phycian has prescribed narcotic meds to herself and if she is abusing them it will become apparent. Sometimes they write scripts to ficticious people and that too will be found out. Prescription medications kill more people than all other drugs combined. Our young people are becoming addicted to these potent meds almost instantaneously. Very serious problem and any physician who is drunk driving with a boat load of pills in here purse is someone in need of intervention. Perhaps the arrest will be the very thing she needs but in the meantime she should not be treating patients without being drug tested daily.
Drugs addiction is no respector of class or economic status, it's an equal opportunity killer.

[paulandjean]

Its not just our young people having drug problems, many older residents are having the same results.

[BnCinME]

If she can produce prescriptions that were written for her prior to this charge, it will probably be dropped. The DUI is another matter.

That will be difficult. Narcotic prescriptions carry limits on how many can be prescribed at one time. It will be difficult to prove that one physician wrote prescriptions for stimulents and narcotics for >250 pills at once. The DUI is the least of her problems at this point.

[jhamnik]

I have known Dr. Hamnik for 10 years. The whole truth will come out over the next few days. All the Prescriptions are and have been documented by her personal physician. The Fruitland Part police have, yet again, stained the good name of those who up hold our laws. It is never a good idea or behavior to drink and drive or text while driving. There is a lesson in this for all of us....

Look for a press conference tomorrow. Dr. Hamnik is an awesome person.

[BnCinME]

There's an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal about the DEA investigating Cardinal Health and CVS regarding the large amount of oxycodone prescribed in Florida, specifically the areas of Lakeland and Sanford. This is a growing nationwide problem and I'm glad to see it's being addressed.

[graciegirl]

I have known Dr. Hamnik for 10 years. The whole truth will come out over the next few days. All the Prescriptions are and have been documented by her personal physician. The Fruitland Part police have, yet again, stained the good name of those who up hold our laws. It is never a good idea or behavior to drink and drive or text while driving. There is a lesson in this for all of us....

Look for a press conference tomorrow. Dr. Hamnik is an awesome person.

Your name is very similar to hers and this is your first post. Are you related?

I would not be quick to assume a police department would attempt to stain someone's good name. That is quite a lot to accept.

[mrfixit]

I have known Dr. Hamnik for 10 years. The whole truth will come out over the next few days. All the Prescriptions are and have been documented by her personal physician. The Fruitland Part police have, yet again, stained the good name of those who up hold our laws. It is never a good idea or behavior to drink and drive or text while driving. There is a lesson in this for all of us....

Look for a press conference tomorrow. Dr. Hamnik is an awesome person.

..................interesting......
......There have been ?? rumors ?? about the Fruitland Park Police Dept.

....such as PRIOR chief resigned under pressure for ? ? ?
....officer(s) "broomed" for belonging to the white-robed pointy hat club.
....officer pouring Pepsi in a persons Motor Oil causing engine failure....

.....anybody know more ?????.....or are these just rumors ??.....

[Graytop]

..................interesting......
......There have been ?? rumors ?? about the Fruitland Park Police Dept.

....such as PRIOR chief resigned under pressure for ? ? ?
....officer(s) "broomed" for belonging to the white-robed pointy hat club.
....officer pouring Pepsi in a persons Motor Oil causing engine failure....

.....anybody know more ?????.....or are these just rumors ??.....

I have heard enough from locals, and I have worked in the Fruitland Park outskirts for a few years,....they are pretty vigilant about their speed limits and law enforcement,...I personally wouldn't want to cross paths with them,...but I guess if I don't break the law I don't need to worry about that !:smiley:

[graciegirl]

I have heard enough from locals, and I have worked in the Fruitland Park outskirts for a few years,....they are pretty vigilant about their speed limits and law enforcement,...I personally wouldn't want to cross paths with them,...but I guess if I don't break the law I don't need to worry about that !:smiley:

Mr. Fixit, are you saying they are corrupt? Are you saying that this is some kind of a not valid arrest? Wow.

Mr. Fixit, I am not challenging you, as I know you to be a person we can count on. .........but why would they arrest someone for DUI? And why would someone with the same name as the doctor arrested post in her defense?

What would the motive be for a police department to smear someone's name? Blackmail? What could they gain from it?

Gosh. Please tell us if others have heard rumors about the Fruitland Park Police belonging to the KKK. That is pretty awful.

[Indydealmaker]

That is a very sad, pathetic situation.

I feel sorry for her and hope she responds constructively to this big wakeup call, but I hope the state medical licensing board yanks her license at least for a few years.

Hopefully the licensing board is strict.

I can't believe all of the incipid speculation on this non-issue. A rural police department used to dealing with the dregs of society jumped the gun and released information and photos prior to even the simplest investigation with absolute disregard for the damaging effects disproportionate to the violation.

I have known Sheri Hamnik for over 8 years and I know that there is no possible way she had illegal drugs in her possession. Sheri is a very caring, professional doctor as well as a loving mother and wife.

And, by the way, please note that this is NOT my first post. Not all first time posters have some sort of hidden agenda, particularly when they (unlike most on here) are not anonymous.

[Indydealmaker]

I think how we perceive a person by how they look and dress is valid. I think Mudder is wise in her perception. Going back to all of the work it took to get her where she is, this is a terrible thing. But, I wouldn't consult her.

Even in medicine it is free enterprise, if you do a better job, or are perceived to do a better job, you will be more successful.

Nothing is ever, ever simple, but it is no crime for each to come to their own conclusion. That isn't judging her in the biblical sense, it is coming to a logical conclusion about what we know or think we know and how it will affect us.

Gracie, You are wrong on this one.

I have received "life changing" medical advice from Dr. Hamnik. She was the one and only neurologist that recognized that my "myasthenia gravis" was totally misdiagnosed.

[graciegirl]

Gracie, You are wrong on this one.

I have received "life changing" medical advice from Dr. Hamnik. She was the one and only neurologist that recognized that my "myasthenia gravis" was totally misdiagnosed.

I respect you Steve. And I VERY MUCH trust your judgement. But why was she arrested?

I am trying to figure this out...as many must be? What do you think is really going on? Do you think this was a dui, and nothing else and an isolated instance?

Was there a press conference today?

And Steve, read my posts. I am just reacting to the published accounts. My neighbor has just begun to consult her. Something like this would make anyone pause.

[msalanius]

I think we all need to remember that just because we see something on the news does not mean we have all the facts. Until Dr. Hamnik is proven guilty in a court of law why convict her in the court of public opinion? I don't know her personally but I have heard more good things than bad about what she has brought to The Villages. And let's face it, just because someone has "Dr." in front of their name, does not mean they are not excluded from making mistakes. Yes, she is being held, and should be, to a higher standard but if she is a good Doctor then why don't we wait and see how all of this pans out before crucifying her. She and her family are in my prayers.

[msalanius]

I had another thought...I carry my prescriptions in one of those little pill holders...not in the original container...I think they need to give you time to produce the prescriptions because I bet that's how most of us carry them! I admit I don't have as many but I would still be held accountable.

[brostholder]

If she can produce prescriptions that were written for her prior to this charge, it will probably be dropped. The DUI is another matter.
Not necessarily. If she was "doctor shopping" to obtain that many pills, charges will not be dropped. If she was writing prescriptions for controlled substances for herself, charges will not be dropped. If she wrote prescriptions for non-existent patients so she could keep the pills herself, charges will not be dropped.
Of course all this is speculation. If she is an impaired professional, let's just hope she gets the help she needs. Addiction is a very treatable disease.

[graciegirl]

But someone brought up that one of the local police departments was corrupt. I still don't understand why she was arrested and what that has to do with Fruitland Park Police Department which I know nothing about. If some are Klansmen, that would be very shocking indeed.

If someone has dire need of a neurologist, and they have seen she was arrested for DUI, most people would choose someone that as far as they know wasn't arrested for DUI. I myself made the point early on in this thread that her education was excellent and the work that she has gone through to get to this point is truly remarkable. I hope she isn't having trouble and that this was an isolated instance. I hope that it was a grave error and she is completely o.k.

So someone tell us the dirt on the Fruitland Park Police?

[Graytop]

But someone brought up that one of the local police departments was corrupt. I still don't understand why she was arrested and what that has to do with Fruitland Park Police Department which I know nothing about. If some are Klansmen, that would be very shocking indeed.

If someone has dire need of a neurologist, and they have seen she was arrested for DUI, most people would choose someone that as far as they know wasn't arrested for DUI. I myself made the point early on in this thread that her education was excellent and the work that she has gone through to get to this point is truly remarkable. I hope she isn't having trouble and that this was an isolated instance. So why would I be wrong to choose someone else for my dear Sweetie or my Helene if they needed the delicate and extremely complex services of a neurologist. People act like people most of the time. Is this profound Graytop and Bimmert? I was trying to be sincere. I have to be myself. Everyone else is taken.

So someone tell us the dirt on the Fruitland Park Police?

Ooooohhh!.....got me ! :)

[jhamnik]

Grace, I have been her husband of 9 years. I have know her for 10 years.

I went though a battle with colon cancer in 2006/2007 with her, while she was going through her residnecy.

Watched her work 60-70 hours per week during her 4 years of residency, 1 of those years with a Chemo-Therapy pump strapped to her body eating her life away.

Witnessed her recovery from a nearly fatal car accident (she was broad sided by a car running a red light) in 2006, that left her with trama to her neck and back.

After going through all of what I just descirbed and clinically being dead on the operating table after giving birth to triplets daughters...and having those daughters die days later...she has never wavered from her purpose/passion in life...to be a Nuerologist and to love her patients as she loves her family.

Watching a person go through these near life ending experiences you really get to experience and understand who a person really is....and she is NO drug addicted like what was sensationally protrayed by the police & media. Unless, you believe everything you read...then you and I have nothing further to discuss.

However, if you are educated, fair-minded and believe there can possibly be two sides to a story... then you will know her as I do....a smart, beautiful, loving and compassionate person. That always puts the needs of others before hers...sometime too much. She loves her patients as she does her family and those who are her patients can better tell you than I.

Has she made mistakes, yes...just like the rest of us. All I ask is for you and others to be patient on drawing conclusions about her. There is more that will come out over the next few days/weeks on this matter and you will have a better understanding.

...so YES I KNOW HER....ask yourself...how do you know her?..and is it possible to know the whole story from a single news event..

Joseph Hamnik

[ceejay]

Thank you for sharing this story, Joseph...you will both be in my prayers.

[renielarson]

Just got the new 2012 physician directory and Sheri E. Hamnik, MD is listed under neurology.

Medical School; University of Illinois College of Medicine.
Internship; Mount Sinai Hospital
Residency; Loyola University Medical Center.

The photograph in the article is so different from the one in the book. Drugs are awful.

Where can I get that book?

[graciegirl]

Grace, I have been her husband of 9 years. I have know her for 10 years.

I went though a battle with colon cancer in 2006/2007 with her, while she was going through her residnecy.

Watched her work 60-70 hours per week during her 4 years of residency, 1 of those years with a Chemo-Therapy pump strapped to her body eating her life away.

Witnessed her recovery from a nearly fatal car accident (she was broad sided by a car running a red light) in 2006, that left her with trama to her neck and back.

After going through all of what I just descirbed and clinically being dead on the operating table after giving birth to triplets daughters...and having those daughters die days later...she has never wavered from her purpose/passion in life...to be a Nuerologist and to love her patients as she loves her family.

Watching a person go through these near life ending experiences you really get to experience and understand who a person really is....and she is NO drug addicted like what was sensationally protrayed by the police & media. Unless, you believe everything you read...then you and I have nothing further to discuss.

However, if you are educated, fair-minded and believe there can possibly be two sides to a story... then you will know her as I do....a smart, beautiful, loving and compassionate person. That always puts the needs of others before hers...sometime too much. She loves her patients as she does her family and those who are her patients can better tell you than I.

Has she made mistakes, yes...just like the rest of us. All I ask is for you and others to be patient on drawing conclusions about her. There is more that will come out over the next few days/weeks on this matter and you will have a better understanding.

...so YES I KNOW HER....ask yourself...how do you know her?..and is it possible to know the whole story from a single news event..

Joseph Hamnik

My heart aches for all of you. I hope it was a mistake, the arrest for DUI.

[duffysmom]

[QUOTE=jhamnik;458378]
However, if you are educated, fair-minded and believe there can possibly be two sides to a story... then you will know her as I do....a smart, beautiful, loving and compassionate person. That always puts the needs of others before hers...sometime too much. She loves her patients as she does her family and those who are her patients can better tell you than I.
Has she made mistakes, yes...just like the rest of us. All I ask is for you and others to be patient on drawing conclusions about her. There is more that will come out over the next few days/weeks on this matter and you will have a better understanding.(QUOTE)

Jhamik, thank you for telling us about your wife and her many life experiences. I believe you and all that you have shared about your remarkable wife. Nevertheless, I know many smart, loving and compassionate people who get caught up in Alcoholism and/or prescription drug addiction. If she was driving while impaired she needs help not enabling because of who she is and my prayer is that if she is quilty of a DUI she gets the help she needs and not a lot of excuses.

[swimdawg]

Recently, especially here in Florida there has been a crackdown on Doctors prescribing narcotic medications. They are also checking into Pharmacies with high volumn narcotic distribution. If this phycian has prescribed narcotic meds to herself and if she is abusing them it will become apparent. Sometimes they write scripts to ficticious people and that too will be found out. Prescription medications kill more people than all other drugs combined. Our young people are becoming addicted to these potent meds almost instantaneously. Very serious problem and any physician who is drunk driving with a boat load of pills in here purse is someone in need of intervention. Perhaps the arrest will be the very thing she needs but in the meantime she should not be treating patients without being drug tested daily.
Drugs addiction is no respector of class or economic status, it's an equal opportunity killer.


Duffysmom....both your posts were excellent. First of all...in all fairness....we should use the word, "alleged" when referring to the charges she was arrested for. And I will be interested to hear all the facts. I understand she has had a multitude of stresses in her life....physical and mental. However, that is not an excuse for an excess of medication or alcohol.

We have a high-profile case here in WNY. Several months ago, a very prominent and well-respected gastroenterologist went to a country club and had too much to drink. On his way home, he allegedly hit a skateboarder and drove away. The teenager died. He later was arrested....and the story is ongoing now. He has the best lawyers.... We have a dead girl here...so very sad.....(and the waste of a formerly excellent doctor).

No, Gracie, I would not go to this physician. I want someone at the top of their game when I'm in need of care.

And yes, I do want to hear all the facts. I'm sorry for the physician and her family. I'm glad no one was hurt....or even worse.

[paulandjean]

I thought people jumped to quickly about her. You know taking her license away and all.

[graciegirl]

I thought people jumped to quickly about her. You know taking her license away and all.

What people? It wasn't a public opinion vote if her license was revoked.

Nothing in life is simple. Here is a fine woman who has had major health problems and soldiered though them. A person who has worked very hard for years and attended fine schools and picked a loving husband and gained the approval of many villagers and had the job as head of the stroke facility. She certainly has so many admirable qualities. How could you not like her? How could you not be pulling for her?

But if she was driving impaired, she too would have the same laws applied to her as to anyone else. If she was driving impaired she was a danger to herself and to others.

No matter who we are or what we have accomplished, we are all subject to the laws of the land.

It is a sad, sad thing to hear about.

This is my sincere, but not profound opinion.

[Posh 08]

Some numbers from MADD.

MADD - Statistics (http://www.madd.org/statistics/)

[natickdan]

Grace, I have been her husband of 9 years. I have know her for 10 years.

I went though a battle with colon cancer in 2006/2007 with her, while she was going through her residnecy.

Watched her work 60-70 hours per week during her 4 years of residency, 1 of those years with a Chemo-Therapy pump strapped to her body eating her life away.

Witnessed her recovery from a nearly fatal car accident (she was broad sided by a car running a red light) in 2006, that left her with trama to her neck and back.

After going through all of what I just descirbed and clinically being dead on the operating table after giving birth to triplets daughters...and having those daughters die days later...she has never wavered from her purpose/passion in life...to be a Nuerologist and to love her patients as she loves her family.

Watching a person go through these near life ending experiences you really get to experience and understand who a person really is....and she is NO drug addicted like what was sensationally protrayed by the police & media. Unless, you believe everything you read...then you and I have nothing further to discuss.

However, if you are educated, fair-minded and believe there can possibly be two sides to a story... then you will know her as I do....a smart, beautiful, loving and compassionate person. That always puts the needs of others before hers...sometime too much. She loves her patients as she does her family and those who are her patients can better tell you than I.

Has she made mistakes, yes...just like the rest of us. All I ask is for you and others to be patient on drawing conclusions about her. There is more that will come out over the next few days/weeks on this matter and you will have a better understanding.

...so YES I KNOW HER....ask yourself...how do you know her?..and is it possible to know the whole story from a single news event..

Joseph Hamnik

Thanks for sharing! Far too many are willing to judge before all the facts are known. I've read many comments that began with "IF" and that can pretty much keep this thread going on for a very long time.

Having to deal with such a personal matter in a public forum has got to be painful for your wife on both a personal and professional level. I'm sure its also been difficult for you and your family.

[cappyjon431]

Before we convict her here on TOTV, please remember that breathalyzer tests can be wrong. Simple over the counter products can cause false positives to occur--there have been court cases thrown out of court because people accused of drinking and driving had used products containing alcohol including cough syrup, cold medicine, mouth wash even lip balm. See Common items cause false positives on breathalyzers | abc7news.com (http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=7186641) for documentation.

I understand she was driving erratically (not that I don't see that on TV roads daily!), I understand that it was late at night (perhaps she was tired from working so hard), and I understand that she had a positive breathalyzer test--all I am saying is perhaps it is wise to get all the facts before judging somebody. I guess I'm just a believer that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

[Posh 08]

Before we convict her here on TOTV, please remember that breathalyzer tests can be wrong. Simple over the counter products can cause false positives to occur--there have been court cases thrown out of court because people accused of drinking and driving had used products containing alcohol including cough syrup, cold medicine, mouth wash even lip balm. See Common items cause false positives on breathalyzers | abc7news.com (http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=7186641) for documentation.

I understand she was driving erratically (not that I don't see that on TV roads daily!), I understand that it was late at night (perhaps she was tired from working so hard), and I understand that she had a positive breathalyzer test--all I am saying is perhaps it is wise to get all the facts before judging somebody. I guess I'm just a believer that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

They are referring to what is commonly known as a PBT or preliminary breath test done in the field. The more complex test done at the jail or PD is not a factor in this mouthwash scenario. Doubt it would get that far along if a field sobriety test was passed. ABCs, walk and turns, touch nose etc.

[cappyjon431]

They are referring to what is commonly known as a PBT or preliminary breath test done in the field. The more complex test done at the jail or PD is not a factor in this mouthwash scenario. Doubt it would get that far along if a field sobriety test was passed. ABCs, walk and turns, touch nose etc.

I understand that, but looking back at the original article, it said "Officers smelled alcohol and used breath tests to measure her blood-alcohol content at .087 and .081, both over the legal limit for driving." It sounds like these results were from field tests, which can result in false positives.

The article did not state that any more "complex" tests were done at the jail or PD, OR if they were, what the resultsof such tests were.

I have not seen any follow-up articles showing results of blood tests, follow up tests, etc., so all I have to go on are the field tests reported in the original article.

I am unwilling to judge this woman until I have all the information (and it is very possible she is guilty). It is a pity that many people are willing to play the role of judge and jury without knowing all the facts.

[sista]

If everyone driving home from the squares everynight in their carts or cars had to take a breathalizer before their vehicle would start.... well, I'd bet half of them would be stuck there.

[PennBF]

Maybe the best thing that could happen is that if the alcohol level and excessive pills is true, (still to be proven) and it is published it may cause the Dr.to seek professional addiction help. It is unfortunate she has had to experience such horrible challenges in life and deal with them but I would submit we are looking with two seperate issues. One is the medical tragedies and the other is alleged alcohol/drug abuse. To allow the medical tragedies
to provide support for the abuses is a classic case of enabling. It is a text definition of being an enabler. If that is in fact being done lets all pray for
her to have the strength to reach out and get professional support for the abuse and find other support (emotional and medical) for the tragedies.:wave:

[paulandjean]

Graciegirl, What do you mean,Not pulling for her.I do not know her. If you look at the very early posts. yes people said they should pull her license.I do think you are wrong,Seems if a person disagrees with your views,then they are wrong. Seems I am the level-headed one who says lets get the facts be fore we make a statement,something you do not do.

[Posh 08]

I understand that, but looking back at the original article, it said "Officers smelled alcohol and used breath tests to measure her blood-alcohol content at .087 and .081, both over the legal limit for driving." It sounds like these results were from field tests, which can result in false positives.

The article did not state that any more "complex" tests were done at the jail or PD, OR if they were, what the resultsof such tests were.

I have not seen any follow-up articles showing results of blood tests, follow up tests, etc., so all I have to go on are the field tests reported in the original article.

I am unwilling to judge this woman until I have all the information (and it is very possible she is guilty). It is a pity that many people are willing to play the role of judge and jury without knowing all the facts.

I haven't judged her. She is accused and will have her day in court, however, I am strongly opposed to drinking and driving. A drunk driver caused me to be a single parent raising an 11 year old.

[SALYBOW]

If I am correct the legal limit here in Fla. is .08. It seems that this doc is a bit over that. It is only a bit not a whole lot. I agree she should be prosecuted. She did break the law, but aren't we criminalizing her to a pretty high degree. She has done something which I am sure many people in the Villages have done regularly...she drove drunk. I don't think however that we should condemn her for anything more than that. We do not know for certain that she has done more that that. I hope she is not as hooked as some people have her. I pray she has not.
I have heard people say the they were taking the cart because they were going to be drinking. What is up with that? They are still driving a motor vehicle. It is very easy to become a social drinker in the villages. The problem is that there are chances to be sociable all day most days here. I was playing Sandhill yesterday and 4 folks were sitting on their lanai at 11:00 am. The table was quite filled with beer and wine bottles. I reflected that it seems pretty early to have consumed that much alcohol.
Maybe the problem in TV is larger than we imagine. I have heard people say they were taking their cart because they were going to be drinking, What's up with that? It is still a motor vehicle.
Not being a drinker I have a hard time understand the NEED to drink. I do. however, understand the concept of addiction.
I think we should pray for all people who are being controlled by any addiction,:sing:

[Posh 08]

If I am correct the legal limit here in Fla. is .08. It seems that this doc is a bit over that. It is only a bit not a whole lot. I agree she should be prosecuted. She did break the law, but aren't we criminalizing her to a pretty high degree. She has done something which I am sure many people in the Villages have done regularly...she drove drunk. I don't think however that we should condemn her for anything more than that. We do not know for certain that she has done more that that. I hope she is not as hooked as some people have her. I pray she has not.
I have heard people say the they were taking the cart because they were going to be drinking. What is up with that? They are still driving a motor vehicle. It is very easy to become a social drinker in the villages. The problem is that there are chances to be sociable all day most days here. I was playing Sandhill yesterday and 4 folks were sitting on their lanai at 11:00 am. The table was quite filled with beer and wine bottles. I reflected that it seems pretty early to have consumed that much alcohol.
Maybe the problem in TV is larger than we imagine. I have heard people say they were taking their cart because they were going to be drinking, What's up with that? It is still a motor vehicle.
Not being a drinker I have a hard time understand the NEED to drink. I do. however, understand the concept of addiction.
I think we should pray for all people who are being controlled by any addiction,:sing:

Here in the mountains/country, they arrest people for DUI on four wheelers. Same concept, different latitude.

[graciegirl]

Graciegirl, What do you mean,Not pulling for her.I do not know her. If you look at the very early posts. yes people said they should pull her license.I do think you are wrong,Seems if a person disagrees with your views,then they are wrong. Seems I am the level-headed one who says lets get the facts be fore we make a statement,something you do not do.

FOLLOWING IS MY POST, THE ONE YOU WERE REFERING To....
quote.What people? It wasn't a public opinion vote if her license was revoked.

Nothing in life is simple. Here is a fine woman who has had major health problems and soldiered though them. A person who has worked very hard for years and attended fine schools and picked a loving husband and gained the approval of many villagers and had the job as head of the stroke facility. She certainly has so many admirable qualities. How could you (we as a group)not like her? How could you (we as a group) not be pulling for her? (I was trying to be KIND)

But if she was driving impaired, she too would have the same laws applied to her as to anyone else. If she was driving impaired she was a danger to herself and to others.

No matter who we are or what we have accomplished, we are all subject to the laws of the land.

It is a sad, sad thing to hear about.
This is my sincere, but not profound opinion. END OF QUOTE.

I didn't mean YOU paulandjean...I meant all of us as a group. Of course anyone whose opinion differs is infering the other is wrong...and that is what this forum is...OPINIONS. You could be wrong and I could be wrong. Some people think you are. Some people think I am.

My opinion is that you are no different or any more level headed than anyone else that posts here...but you think so. We all think we are right. That is the human condition.

[Posh 08]

Graciegirl, What do you mean,Not pulling for her.I do not know her. If you look at the very early posts. yes people said they should pull her license.I do think you are wrong,Seems if a person disagrees with your views,then they are wrong. Seems I am the level-headed one who says lets get the facts be fore we make a statement,something you do not do.

Who voted you "the level headed one"?

[cappyjon431]

I haven't judged her. She is accused and will have her day in court, however, I am strongly opposed to drinking and driving. A drunk driver caused me to be a single parent raising an 11 year old.

Posh, I never accused you of judging her (although several have, including some suggesting her medical license be revoked, some would never use her as a physician, and I think someone even condemned her for wearing a blouse that was too low cut), but reading back on this entire thread I have seen too many judging someone who is still "technically" innocent. That concerns me. I understand that a lot of this is just basic human nature--we see a scary mugshot, we read that she was pulled over late at night, she had loose pills in her purse, she tested positive for DUI (at least initially). Most people would jump to the same conclusion. I am unwilling to do this-I've seen too many cases where police and prosecutors have made mistakes. For me personally, I need to sit back and get all of the evidence, not a brief sensationalized news report. Time will tell.

As for drunk drivers, I am so sorry for your loss. While I have never lost a loved one to a drunk driver, I have lost several dear friends (three in one car) and while the pain I experienced cannot compare, I still understand your concern over the issue. Truthfully I have become more concerned about DUI since moving to TV because I see a lot of people leaving events, the squares, etc. who should not be behind the wheel of a car or a cart.

That being said, I also have had a colleague whose reputation was destroyed and life ruined due to the media sensationalizing an arrest which turned out to be a mistake. All charges were dropped, but my friend is a highly respected professor who now is unemployed because the public judged him based on sensationalized media accounts of a crime he didn't commit.

All I am trying to say in all of my posts is "how about waiting until all of the facts are in before deciding if Dr. Hamick is guilty." I have never met her, I have no dogs in this fight, and she very well MAY be guilty. Until it is proven, I won't judge.

[Posh 08]

Posh, I never accused you of judging her (although several have, including some suggesting her medical license be revoked, some would never use her as a physician, and I think someone even condemned her for wearing a blouse that was too low cut), but reading back on this entire thread I have seen too many judging someone who is still "technically" innocent. That concerns me. I understand that a lot of this is just basic human nature--we see a scary mugshot, we read that she was pulled over late at night, she had loose pills in her purse, she tested positive for DUI (at least initially). Most people would jump to the same conclusion. I am unwilling to do this-I've seen too many cases where police and prosecutors have made mistakes. For me personally, I need to sit back and get all of the evidence, not a brief sensationalized news report. Time will tell.

As for drunk drivers, I am so sorry for your loss. While I have never lost a loved one to a drunk driver, I have lost several dear friends (three in one car) and while the pain I experienced cannot compare, I still understand your concern over the issue. Truthfully I have become more concerned about DUI since moving to TV because I see a lot of people leaving events, the squares, etc. who should not be behind the whel of a car or a cart.

That being said, I also have had a colleague whose reputation was destroyed and life ruined due to the media sensationalizing an arrest which turned out to be a mistake. All charges were dropped, but my friend is a highly respected professor who now is unemployed because the public judged him based on sensationalized media accounts of a crime he didn't commit.

All I am trying to say in all of my posts is "how about waiting until all of the facts are in before deciding if Dr. Hamick is guilty." I have never met her, I have no dogs in this fight, and she very well MAY be guilty. Until it is proven, I won't judge.

Did you get my PM? Any who, I want a house in TV walking distance to pool and CC.

[cappyjon431]

Did you get my PM? Any who, I want a house in TV walking distance to pool and CC.

Yes, just sent my reply.

[swimdawg]

I haven't judged her. She is accused and will have her day in court, however, I am strongly opposed to drinking and driving. A drunk driver caused me to be a single parent raising an 11 year old.

We have said the word, "allegedly" when referring to the doctor's charges in the case.

Those who are so eager to run to the doctor's defense....read those 3 sentences above written by Posh. Think about it.

[cappyjon431]

We have said the word, "allegedly" when referring to the doctor's charges in the case.

Those who are so eager to run to the doctor's defense....read those 3 sentences above written by Posh. Think about it.

Did you read post #72? Part of it read:

"Posh, I never accused you of judging her (although several have, including some suggesting her medical license be revoked, some would never use her as a physician, and I think someone even condemned her for wearing a blouse that was too low cut), but reading back on this entire thread I have seen too many judging someone who is still "technically" innocent."

Many did not use the word allegedly. They were awful quick to act as judge and jury. That is my issue.

It is tragic to lose someone to a drunk driver. Most of us will never know that pain.

It is also tragic to have one's career ruined based on sensational media coverage of a crime that may have never been committed. In this country we are still supposed to be innocent until proven guilty.

[ilovetv]

This is information that causes major concern:

"A following search of the console of her car revealed a black bag of pills that included dextroamphetamines, for attention deficit disorder; and hydrocodone, a pain reliever; as well as hydrocodone, acetaminophen and other loose pills

Chief Terry Issacs said she didn't have any prescriptions for any of the 251 pills, none which were in bottles.

Hamnik, a Leesburg resident, was charged with DUI, three counts of possession of controlled substances and possession of a legend drug....."

Daily Commercial - <p>Police: Doctor was drunk, had pills</p> (http://www.dailycommercial.com/021812doctor)

I don't think physicians can prescribe narcotics for themselves nor their family members.

[cappyjon431]

This is information that causes major concern:

"A following search of the console of her car revealed a black bag of pills that included dextroamphetamines, for attention deficit disorder; and hydrocodone, a pain reliever; as well as hydrocodone, acetaminophen and other loose pills

Chief Terry Issacs said she didn't have any prescriptions for any of the 251 pills, none which were in bottles.

Hamnik, a Leesburg resident, was charged with DUI, three counts of possession of controlled substances and possession of a legend drug....."

Daily Commercial - <p>Police: Doctor was drunk, had pills</p> (http://www.dailycommercial.com/021812doctor)


I don't think physicians can prescribe narcotics for themselves nor their family members.

Hadn't seen this article, sounds pretty damning. I'm still going to wait until she is convicted by a judge and jury before making my own decision.

[Posh 08]

Hadn't seen this article, sounds pretty damning. I'm still going to wait until she is convicted by a judge and jury before making my own decision.

If you are called for jury duty you should be excused.

[cappyjon431]

If you are called for jury duty you should be excused.

Why?

I seem to be one of the few on this thread who is trying to keep an open mind on this case. I have said repeatedly that I could not make an informed decision until ALL of the facts are presented.

It would seem that in the best interest of justice, the ones who have already convicted her on this thread are the ones who should excuse themselves.

[Posh 08]

Why?

I seem to be one of the few on this thread who is trying to keep an open mind on this case. I have said repeatedly that I could not make an informed decision until ALL of the facts are presented.

It would seem that in the best interest of justice, the ones who have already convicted her on this thread are the ones who should excuse themselves.

How much do you know about this case? Where did you learn this information? Have you discussed this case with any persons? You decide.

[cappyjon431]

How much do you know about this case? Where did you learn this information? Have you discussed this case with any persons? You decide.

I would certainly answer those questions truthfully, and i could truthfully say that I have no preconceptions as to guilt or innocence. I may be wrong, but i believe it would be up to the prosecutor and defense attorneys to make that decision. I wouldn't excuse myself.

[Posh 08]

I would certainly answer those questions truthfully, and i could truthfully say that I have no preconceptions as to guilt or innocence. I may be wrong, but i believe it would be up to the prosecutor and defense attorneys to make that decision. I wouldn't excuse myself.

Bingo.

[cappyjon431]

Bingo.

Posh, I'm not trying to be disrespectful or argumentative, but I don't understand your point. You said I should excuse myself. Why should I if I have no preconceptions of guilt or innocence? :confused:If the defense attorney or the prosecutor wanted to excuse me so be it, but why should I excuse myself? I still think that those who have already convicted her (and conversely, those who believe she is innocent) without hearing all the facts are the ones who should excuse themselves.

[Posh 08]

Posh, I'm not trying to be disrespectful or argumentative, but I don't understand your point. You said I should excuse myself. Why should I if I have no preconceptions of guilt or innocence? :confused:If the defense attorney or the prosecutor wanted to excuse me so be it, but why should I excuse myself? I still think that those who have already convicted her (and conversely, those who believe she is innocent) without hearing all the facts are the ones who should excuse themselves.

Bingo = Agreed.

You had me at preconceptions.

[msalanius]

Why?

I seem to be one of the few on this thread who is trying to keep an open mind on this case. I have said repeatedly that I could not make an informed decision until ALL of the facts are presented.

It would seem that in the best interest of justice, the ones who have already convicted her on this thread are the ones who should excuse themselves.

Not the only one...I have also posted about convicting in the court of public opinion before she is convicted in a real court :-)

[graciegirl]

Whoa there. This isn't a jury picking session. This is a public forum where people can freely post their opinions and feelings.

We are all stating how we feel and our opinion. When I read that a prominent local doctor has been arrested for DUI...I think, how sad.

I am of the opinion that some people's opinions change about someone when they get in trouble with the law and if people are fair and kind they will change back when further information is added or the person's behaviour changes and stays changed for awhile.


I wouldn't want to hire a carpenter or a plumber who is addicted to a controlled substance.

Maybe this whole thing was a smear campaign by a local police force because she sent a bill collector after one of them???? or because they had someone have a stroke after they consulted her????? I still haven't heard any answers about allegations made on here about the Fruitland Park Police. Pointy hats...is very troubling to read...

It is hard to get useful information on a forum like this...we are all so emotional about how we feel.

I don't go to her. My neighbor does and says she is a great person and a smart person...but hearing about the arrest and the pills would give most people pause.

And a person with a substance abuse problem can be a great person and a smart person, but at some point the substance runs their life.

[swimdawg]

Whoa there. This isn't a jury picking session. This is a public forum where people can freely post their opinions and feelings.

We are all stating how we feel and our opinion. When I read that a prominent local doctor has been arrested for DUI...I think, how sad.

I am of the opinion that some people's opinions change about someone when they get in trouble with the law and if people are fair and kind they will change back when further information is added or the person's behaviour changes and stays changed for awhile.


I wouldn't want to hire a carpenter or a plumber who is addicted to a controlled substance.

Maybe this whole thing was a smear campaign by a local police force because she sent a bill collector after one of them???? or because they had someone have a stroke after they consulted her????? I still haven't heard any answers about allegations made on here about the Fruitland Park Police. Pointy hats...is very troubling to read...

It is hard to get useful information on a forum like this...we are all so emotional about how we feel.

I don't go to her. My neighbor does and says she is a great person and a smart person...but hearing about the arrest and the pills would give most people pause.

And a person with a substance abuse problem can be a great person and a smart person, but at some point the substance runs their life.

Sad..........but so very true.

[cappyjon431]

Whoa there. This isn't a jury picking session. This is a public forum where people can freely post their opinions and feelings.

We are all stating how we feel and our opinion. When I read that a prominent local doctor has been arrested for DUI...I think, how sad.

I am of the opinion that some people's opinions change about someone when they get in trouble with the law and if people are fair and kind they will change back when further information is added or the person's behaviour changes and stays changed for awhile.


I wouldn't want to hire a carpenter or a plumber who is addicted to a controlled substance.

Maybe this whole thing was a smear campaign by a local police force because she sent a bill collector after one of them???? or because they had someone have a stroke after they consulted her????? I still haven't heard any answers about allegations made on here about the Fruitland Park Police. Pointy hats...is very troubling to read...

It is hard to get useful information on a forum like this...we are all so emotional about how we feel.

I don't go to her. My neighbor does and says she is a great person and a smart person...but hearing about the arrest and the pills would give most people pause.

And a person with a substance abuse problem can be a great person and a smart person, but at some point the substance runs their life.

Gracie, you know I respect you and I agree that this forum is all about opinions. My opinion is that that I can't really have an opinion until I know all the facts. That is just me and I don't judge anyone who disagrees with me.

She very well could be guilty.

I also know that field breathalyzer tests can produce false positives.
I also know not to believe everything I read in the paper.
I also know that our system of justice is based on the fundamental belief that we are ALL innocent until PROVEN guilty.
I know that I feel very fortunate to live in a country where we are considered innocent until proven guilty. The alternative (places where you are deemed guilty until proven innocent, places like Iran, Afghanistan, Cuba, etc) are not all that attractive to me.

I also know it is human nature to pre-judge people. It is only natural. A scary mug shot, details in the paper, a doctor with the ability to get drugs all paint a disturbing picture. Pre-judging and prejudice are a way for us to rationalize the world around us. It is an innate instinct. My issue is that sometimes it is a good thing to "rise above" our base instincts and TRY to avoid pre-judging. This too is just my opinion.

I do not know this doctor, I have never met or seen her in my life. Before this thread started I had never heard of her. Sometime in the future her case will go to trial and all the facts will be presented. Maybe she will be found guilty and she will get the help she needs. Maybe she will be found innocent and she will be vindicated (unfortunately, her reputation might suffer because she has been pre-judged by many already). Personally, I will be happy with myself knowing that I left judgement up to a judge and jury.

just my $.02

[graciegirl]

Gracie, you know I respect you and I agree that this forum is all about opinions. My opinion is that that I can't really have an opinion until I know all the facts. That is just me and I don't judge anyone who disagrees with me.

She very well could be guilty.

I also know that field breathalyzer tests can produce false positives.
I also know not to believe everything I read in the paper.
I also know that our system of justice is based on the fundamental belief that we are ALL innocent until PROVEN guilty.
I know that I feel very fortunate to live in a country where we are considered innocent until proven guilty. The alternative (places where you are deemed guilty until proven innocent (Iran, Afghanistan, Cuba, etc) are not all that attractive to me.

I also know it is human nature to pre-judge people. It is only natural. A scary mug shot, details in the paper, a doctor with the ability to get drugs all paint a disturbing picture. Pre-judging and prejudice are a way for us to rationalize the world around us. It is an innate instinct. My issue is that sometimes it is a good thing to "rise above" our base instincts and TRY to avoid pre-judging. This too is just my opinion.

I do not know this doctor, I have never met or seen her in my life. Before this thread started I had never heard of her. Sometime in the future her case will go to trial and all the facts will be presented. Maybe she will be found guilty and she will get the help she needs. Maybe she will be found innocent and she will be vindicated (unfortunately, her reputation might suffer because she has been pre-judged by many already). Personally, I will be happy with myself knowing that I left judgement up to a judge and jury.

just my $.02

Excellent post and thoughtful argument and very rational and well written and so..very kind. No wonder I like you!!

We learn from each other on this forum. Posts like yours sometimes completely change my previous opinion.

[BnCinME]

Or there could be a plea deal, it would never go to trial and we may never know the whole story. Just a thought...

[PaPaLarry]

I have known Dr. Hamnik for 10 years. The whole truth will come out over the next few days. All the Prescriptions are and have been documented by her personal physician. The Fruitland Part police have, yet again, stained the good name of those who up hold our laws. It is never a good idea or behavior to drink and drive or text while driving. There is a lesson in this for all of us....

Look for a press conference tomorrow. Dr. Hamnik is an awesome person.
This looks like your 1st Post. Very suspicious that you are sticking up for her. Did you know her before she practiced here? You said you knew her for 10 years!!? Right now she is allegedly, thought to be guilty, and we will let the courts decide that, but doesn't look good for a Doctor.

[PaPaLarry]

FOLLOWING IS MY POST, THE ONE YOU WERE REFERING To....
quote.What people? It wasn't a public opinion vote if her license was revoked.

Nothing in life is simple. Here is a fine woman who has had major health problems and soldiered though them. A person who has worked very hard for years and attended fine schools and picked a loving husband and gained the approval of many villagers and had the job as head of the stroke facility. She certainly has so many admirable qualities. How could you (we as a group)not like her? How could you (we as a group) not be pulling for her? (I was trying to be KIND)

But if she was driving impaired, she too would have the same laws applied to her as to anyone else. If she was driving impaired she was a danger to herself and to others.

No matter who we are or what we have accomplished, we are all subject to the laws of the land.

It is a sad, sad thing to hear about.
This is my sincere, but not profound opinion. END OF QUOTE.

I didn't mean YOU paulandjean...I meant all of us as a group. Of course anyone whose opinion differs is infering the other is wrong...and that is what this forum is...OPINIONS. You could be wrong and I could be wrong. Some people think you are. Some people think I am.

My opinion is that you are no different or any more level headed than anyone else that posts here...but you think so. We all think we are right. That is the human condition.
Very well said, Gracie!!!!

[Bogie Shooter]

Captain Jon, I agree with your opinion.

[ilovetv]

The Florida physician license lookup for this person shows that she is also licensed in Virginia. There are several menu tabs on the person's license record and these tabs show credentials, other locations of work in the state, past or present disciplinary actions, and other state licenses currently held by the physician.

It's always good to read everything one can about one's physician and their licensing, past and present, in every state where they've been licensed.

Upon going to the Virginia physician license lookup at Virginia Board of Medicine (http://www.dhp.state.va.us/medicine/) and using "License Lookup" in the menu on the left side, the following page/link comes up and you can search by the physician's last name.

https://secure01.virginiainteractive.org/dhp/cgi-bin/search_publicdb.cgi

On the doctor's license record that comes up, there is a "Yes" at the end, indicating that "Yes", there is "Additional Public Information"......which can be current Disciplinary Action being taken by the Virginia physician licensing board.

When you click on the "Yes" leading to "additional public information", it leads to another page that shows a "Pending" matter for this physician. One can click on that document but it is not available instantly online. An email address is there with which you may request a copy of the pending disciplinary action, once you provide them your name and address for identification of you, and then they email you a copy of the pending disciplinary action.

The Pending Matter in the copy the board sends you is quite "revealing", to say the least. State bureaucracies are slow moving, to say the least. Apparently there is a window of time there where VA had not yet solidified its case while Florida was investigating past licensing for issuing a license here.

[ceejay]

This looks like your 1st Post. Very suspicious that you are sticking up for her. Did you know her before she practiced here? You said you knew her for 10 years!!? Right now she is allegedly, thought to be guilty, and we will let the courts decide that, but doesn't look good for a Doctor.

Sometimes it helps if you go back and read the whole thread instead of the last few posts or so...

Go to POST #51 to see why JHamnik is so familiar with the doctor.

[BnCinME]

The Florida physician license lookup for this person shows that she is also licensed in Virginia. There are several menu tabs on the person's license record and these tabs show credentials, other locations of work in the state, past or present disciplinary actions, and other state licenses currently held by the physician.

It's always good to read everything one can about one's physician and their licensing, past and present, in every state where they've been licensed.

Upon going to the Virginia physician license lookup at Virginia Board of Medicine (http://www.dhp.state.va.us/medicine/) and using "License Lookup" in the menu on the left side, the following page/link comes up and you can search by the physician's last name.

https://secure01.virginiainteractive.org/dhp/cgi-bin/search_publicdb.cgi

On the doctor's license record that comes up, there is a "Yes" at the end, indicating that "Yes", there is "Additional Public Information"......which can be current Disciplinary Action being taken by the Virginia physician licensing board.

When you click on the "Yes" leading to "additional public information", it leads to another page that shows a "Pending" matter for this physician. One can click on that document but it is not available instantly online. An email address is there with which you may request a copy of the pending disciplinary action, once you provide them your name and address for identification of you, and then they email you a copy of the pending disciplinary action.

The Pending Matter in the copy the board sends you is quite "revealing", to say the least. State bureaucracies are slow moving, to say the least. Apparently there is a window of time there where VA had not yet solidified its case while Florida was investigating past licensing for issuing a license here.

Interesting. So are you saying the Florida Board of Medicine was remiss in issuing a Florida license to practice without fully investigating prior license status? :shocked:

[ilovetv]

Interesting. So are you saying the Florida Board of Medicine was remiss in issuing a Florida license to practice without fully investigating prior license status? :shocked:

No, I'm NOT saying FL was remiss. I said apparently VA did not have its case built and pending yet, while FL was doing its background checking on other state licenses held by the applicant. Physician friends have told me that FL license application and background checking are extremely rigorous and intense....and thorough.

The "Pending" document which is a summons containing the allegations/violations is dated Feb. 17, 2012, and the various alleged violations took place in 2010 (and maybe other times too.....there are many incidents cited). The Florida license application processing was done in 2011 and it looks like at that time, there was nothing officially in progress yet with the VA board.

Reading the actual "Pending" document (summons) VA will email you shows detail that gives an understandable picture. People should see for themselves.

[BnCinME]

No, I'm NOT saying FL was remiss. I said apparently VA did not have its case built and pending yet, while FL was doing its background checking on other state licenses held by the applicant. Physician friends have told me that FL license application and background checking are extremely rigorous and intense....and thorough.

The "Pending" document which is a summons containing the allegations/violations is dated Feb. 17, 2012, and the various alleged violations took place in 2010 (and maybe other times too.....there are many incidents cited). The Florida license application processing was done in 2011 and it looks like at that time, there was nothing officially in progress yet with the VA board.

Reading the actual "Pending" document (summons) VA will email you shows detail that gives an understandable picture. People should see for themselves.

The links aren't working for me.

[ilovetv]

Some need to wake up, grow up, and stop demonizing Fruitland Park police for being in "the white-robed pointy hat club" (see post #40).

I'm getting sick and tired of people "playing the race card" as their only tactic when they have no logical argument.

See:

Daily Commercial - <p>Doctor found with pills stands before board</p> (http://www.dailycommercial.com/News/LakeCounty/030112doctor)

[Mudder]

After reading the article in the Daily Commercial, it would seem that Dr. Hamnik has some serious problems to address in Virginia as well as here.

[graciegirl]

....

[Challenger]

This conversation only strenghens my belief that Physicians and some other medical professionals should be subject to both regular and possibly random drug tests- including alcohol use. Pilots , truck drivers and others who have responsibilities for the safety of others are subject to these reviews:mmmm:, how can we ignor Docs.

Now that ought to stir up some interesting posts:loco:

[graciegirl]

I wouldn't have agreed a year ago, but I am shocked as to how far the presciption drug addiction problem has spread and how many senior citizens are addicted.

This is getting to be far worse than I would have ever thought.

I don't know what we can do to stop this awful mess.

We used to think of a drug addict as a dingy, crummy looking guy in the bad part of town. It now is the woman sitting next to you in the beauty shop having her silver hair cut.

[Challenger]

In a previous life I served for 17 years on the Board of a 250 bed critical care hospital. We had numerous substance abuse issues . with Docs, Nurses and other medical professionals . We suspended some from staff, required councelling for others in order to retain staff priveledges and in another case , terminated the contract of the Radiology group. How many did we miss?

[jimbo2012]

Dr. Sheri Hamnik, a Leesburg neurologist who had worked in The Villages, has been sentenced to one year probation for a DUI in Fruitland Park.

Two other misdemeanors, for unlawful possession of prescription drugs, were dropped after the judge ruled that the 46-year-old doctor had lawful prescriptions for them.

Her attorney, John Spivey, said a plea for the DUI charge was in her best interest.

"All things considered, she didn't want to wait for a trial," Spivey said. "She wanted to resolve it and move on."

Hamnik still has her medical license, according to the Florida Department of Health. She is on leave from Central Florida Health Alliance, a spokeswoman said. She had been on staff at The Villages Hospital for about a year.

[bestmickey]

To view the full Orlando Sentinel article, visit:

Villages neurologist DUI Dr. Sheri Hamnik: Villages neurologist Dr. Sheri Hamnik sentenced to probation for DUI - OrlandoSentinel.com (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/os-lk-doctor-sheri-hamnik-plea-dui-20120626,0,2081000.story)

[graciegirl]

Dr. Sheri Hamnik, a Leesburg neurologist who had worked in The Villages, has been sentenced to one year probation for a DUI in Fruitland Park.

Two other misdemeanors, for unlawful possession of prescription drugs, were dropped after the judge ruled that the 46-year-old doctor had lawful prescriptions for them.

Her attorney, John Spivey, said a plea for the DUI charge was in her best interest.

"All things considered, she didn't want to wait for a trial," Spivey said. "She wanted to resolve it and move on."

Hamnik still has her medical license, according to the Florida Department of Health. She is on leave from Central Florida Health Alliance, a spokeswoman said. She had been on staff at The Villages Hospital for about a year.

I would not ever consult her. I believe that addiction to prescription painkillers in extremely hard to conquer and very easy to conceal, especially if you can write prescriptions yourself.

I don't know what got her to this point, but no matter how bad or sad it was, I would not trust her to treat me or my loved ones.

That is just my opinion, and yes I am being judgmental. Very sad and troubling. I am kind of glad she got caught and charged with DUI.

[Mudder]

I totally agree with you, Gracie. It is sad when those who we trust to treat us fall prey to temptations. She may be able to rehabilatate herself but I will not use her for at least the foreseeable future. I wondering if she still is on staff at Village Hospital? If you need a neurologist, Dr. Smiroff is a good choice........and no, there is no Vodka involed!

[BJ Spencer]

My husband had her listed as a doctor, but after 5 months has yet to see her. He had an appointment, saw a PA instead. This was when it was still hush-hush about her legal/DUI problem. We could understand, my husband went thru the same thing in his 20's.

Set an appointment, then got a call and had it rescheduled. That day came and the office called saying she was still going thru legal/doctor things. Rescheduled it again, finally the appointment came last week. Sat in the office for 2 1/2 hours. She had been called to the hospital for an emergency - we could deal with it. Her nurse even brought us water and crackers. Finally at 5pm he told us that she wasn't coming back.

Rescheduled again for this Thursday. Just got a call from her office saying that she had to leave out of town for a family emergency and rescheduled it AGAIN. That did it, we're going to get him to another doctor. It's all well and good to show your support for her, we do too. Besides my husband having DUI problems when he was younger I was a member of Al-Anon for 2 years with my ex-husband so I'm aware of this problem. But my husband had a Grand Mal seizure last Nov. Since getting out of the hospital he's been only able to have one visit with a neurologist and one with her PA.

We went to our primary doctors office yesterday in Mulberry - Dr. B. Martinez Cruz only to find out he's no longer there, from Talk of The Villages he was fired. So right now hopefully nothing happens to my husband until we find other doctors.

Sorry to ramble on, but this whole thing is making me really really mad!

[graciegirl]

My husband had her listed as a doctor, but after 5 months has yet to see her. He had an appointment, saw a PA instead. This was when it was still hush-hush about her legal/DUI problem. We could understand, my husband went thru the same thing in his 20's.

Set an appointment, then got a call and had it rescheduled. That day came and the office called saying she was still going thru legal/doctor things. Rescheduled it again, finally the appointment came last week. Sat in the office for 2 1/2 hours. She had been called to the hospital for an emergency - we could deal with it. Her nurse even brought us water and crackers. Finally at 5pm he told us that she wasn't coming back.

Rescheduled again for this Thursday. Just got a call from her office saying that she had to leave out of town for a family emergency and rescheduled it AGAIN. That did it, we're going to get him to another doctor. It's all well and good to show your support for her, we do too. Besides my husband having DUI problems when he was younger I was a member of Al-Anon for 2 years with my ex-husband so I'm aware of this problem. But my husband had a Grand Mal seizure last Nov. Since getting out of the hospital he's been only able to have one visit with a neurologist and one with her PA.

We went to our primary doctors office yesterday in Mulberry - Dr. B. Martinez Cruz only to find out he's no longer there, from Talk of The Villages he was fired. So right now hopefully nothing happens to my husband until we find other doctors.

Sorry to ramble on, but this whole thing is making me really really mad!

Your post is more than fair and you are more than patient. I feel so bad for you. The most not perfect thing here in lower Paradise in my opinion is the medical area. There are some good doctors and some great ones and many not so good.

[BnCinME]

It sounds like the Villages health care system needs to do a better job vetting these physicians.

[ilovetv]

It sounds like the Villages health care system needs to do a better job vetting these physicians.

It certainly does seem so. Here is a link to the State of Virginia final disposition of the disciplinary action taken against this dr.

And by doing Florida physician license lookup, it shows there are no complaints/disciplinary actions against her, her license is active and clear, and she practices at TVRH.

After reading the findings of Virginia just this December of 2012, I need to ask if TVRH and the state of FL are this desperate to employ a physician??

SEE:
http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Notices/Medicine/0101242772/0101242772Order12172012.pdf

[StarbuckSammy]

Thanks for the follow up...makes you wonder about The Villages Hospital due diligence.

[ilovetv]

Thanks for the follow up...makes you wonder about The Villages Hospital due diligence.

And also the "due diligence" of the FL state licensing board.

[gomoho]

Oh my what a tragic waste of a human being with so much promise. Very sad.

[KathieI]

BJ, try Dr. Singh for a neurologist. He is wonderful. His # is 352 750 3900 and he's over on 441/27. I was referred to him by Dr. Yelamanchi who hasn't given me a bad referral yet. I'm finding GREAT specialists here in this area and out towards Leesburg and Tavares. Good Luck!!

[Mudder]

Where did you get your information that she is practicing at TVRH? She was there when she first came here, but was released after her run in , I think it was a dui. I'd be very surprised if she is still at TVRH as of now.

[salferg]

My son had a visit with Dr. Hamnik this morning. We had prior knowledge of her drug problems but figured she was certainly entitled to a second chance. I'm so glad we met her, She was very thorough and very engaged in my son's issues (he is a stroke survivor). It was a very positive experience and we will continue treatment with her. I will pray for her that she is able to conquer her demons.

[looneycat]

It certainly does seem so. Here is a link to the State of Virginia final disposition of the disciplinary action taken against this dr.

And by doing Florida physician license lookup, it shows there are no complaints/disciplinary actions against her, her license is active and clear, and she practices at TVRH.

After reading the findings of Virginia just this December of 2012, I need to ask if TVRH and the state of FL are this desperate to employ a physician??

SEE:
http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Notices/Medicine/0101242772/0101242772Order12172012.pdf

based on the report I would say that she is not the type of physician I would use, ever.

[Indydealmaker]

based on the report I would say that she is not the type of physician I would use, ever.

In this instance you would be making a big mistake. In today's environment of a myriad of government agency corruption scandals, incompetency and special interest back scratching, anyone who takes any government agency report at face value is out of touch with reality.

I would put my life in the hands of Doctor Hamnik without even a moment of concern.

[LeeM]

That is sad to hear.

[mrsyarbie]

I was very sad to see that people are so easy to judge another human being without knowing all of the facts.
Dr.Hamnik has colon cancer, she is currently in remission but still requires chemo medications, she has now provided prescriptions for all of the pills she had in her bag. She also has high pressure and requires pain medication. Her blood alchohol level was just above the legal level. Did you also know that a law passed in 1984 does not require you to carry pills around in the original container they come in??? If you knew anything about her you would know she is a fine MD extremely devoted to her family and her patients and works long hours providing care to them. I have seen her hold her patients hands and cry with them. She is not a perfect person neither are you or me. But let us not jump to conclusion on this very fine MD in our community. I have been a RN for many years and it is not unusual for a women MD to have a big purse full of all kinds of things becaue she knew she would have a very long workday and may not get home to get more supplies for many hours.. I would trust my life with her as well, I am also one of her pts.

[ilovetv]

I was very sad to see that people are so easy to judge another human being without knowing all of the facts.
Dr.Hamnik has colon cancer, she is currently in remission but still requires chemo medications, she has now provided prescriptions for all of the pills she had in her bag. She also has high pressure and requires pain medication. Her blood alchohol level was just above the legal level. Did you also know that a law passed in 1984 does not require you to carry pills around in the original container they come in??? If you knew anything about her you would know she is a fine MD extremely devoted to her family and her patients and works long hours providing care to them. I have seen her hold her patients hands and cry with them. She is not a perfect person neither are you or me. But let us not jump to conclusion on this very fine MD in our community. I have been a RN for many years and it is not unusual for a women MD to have a big purse full of all kinds of things becaue she knew she would have a very long workday and may not get home to get more supplies for many hours.. I would trust my life with her as well, I am also one of her pts.

This, quoted above, is the definition of "enabler" support to chemically-dependent addicts.

[mrsyarbie]

So you are making these quotes based on your professional training as a therapist ? a MD, a lawyer. Just interested where you get your data. Thanks for the response.

[ilovetv]

en�abler

noun \i-ˈnā-b(ə-)lər\ (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ENABLER

: one that enables another to achieve an end; especially : one who enables another to persist in self-destructive behavior (as substance abuse) by providing excuses or by helping that individual avoid the consequences of such behavior

Enabler - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enabler)

[mrsyarbie]

[QUOTE=ilovetv;718073]en�abler

noun \i-ˈnā-b(ə-)lər\ (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ENABLER

: one that enables another to achieve an end; especially : one who enables another to persist in self-destructive behavior (as substance abuse) by providing excuses or by helping that individual avoid the consequences of such behavior

Enabler - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enabler)[/QUOT

Thank you for your quote from the dictionary but I was asking for your professional credentials because you sound so knowledgeable about this subject.???I am sure other readers are curious as well.

[graciegirl]

[QUOTE=ilovetv;718073]en�abler

noun \i-ˈnā-b(ə-)lər\ (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ENABLER

: one that enables another to achieve an end; especially : one who enables another to persist in self-destructive behavior (as substance abuse) by providing excuses or by helping that individual avoid the consequences of such behavior

Enabler - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enabler)[/QUOT

Thank you for your quote from the dictionary but I was asking for your professional credentials because you sound so knowledgeable about this subject.???I am sure other readers are curious as well.

Most of us know how Ilovetv stands on most issues. I don't think people need to have credentials to voice an opinion.

If I remember correctly, back when I read that Dr. Hamnik was initially arrested for possession of lots of loose pills in her car and for driving erratically I was really shocked. I think I remember that she had been appointed as the head of the stroke clinic. Is that correct?

I know that substance abuse occurs everywhere and even in the medical community. One of the posters who I respect mightily, Steve Massey, stands up for Dr. Hamnick who he appears to know personally, and I take what he says very seriously and respect his judgment on things.............. but if someone I loved needed crucial treatment for a stroke, I would selfishly look for someone who had not had this difficulty I would have to believe after having read her education and background and her bout with colon cancer that she has had a lot of things going for and against her. Many people say she is a kind and compassionate human being and she must be one smart cookie too. She is very well trained.

But given a choice, I would choose someone who had not battled addiction if Sweetie or Helene were needing help.

[mrsyarbie]

I am not condoning the MD behavior in any way. I had asked for ilovetv credentials because she describes my comments as that of an enabler and I do not see myself that way at all. Please reread my comments and then her reply . I enjoy conversing with other medically trained people in our community and I am always curious to see who is behind the name we see. She sounds like a very intelligant, educated person. Thank you for your comments.You sound like a very kind,compassionate person....

[Jhooman]

Doctors are humans too and are afflicted with the disease of addiction. Hopefully, this will be her bottom and she will seek help.

[KARENNN]

Malpractice & Sanctions Information for Dr. Sheri E. Hamnik, MD - Neurology - The Villages, FL (http://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-sheri-hamnik-2ytvr/background-check#BackgroundBackgroundCheck_anchor)

Just a little bit of history repeating

http://www.healthgrades.com/media/english/pdf/sanctions/HGPY8DC7A410FF954F64912172012.pdf

[graciegirl]

I am not condoning the MD behavior in any way. I had asked for ilovetv credentials because she describes my comments as that of an enabler and I do not see myself that way at all. Please reread my comments and then her reply . I enjoy conversing with other medically trained people in our community and I am always curious to see who is behind the name we see. She sounds like a very intelligant, educated person. Thank you for your comments.You sound like a very kind,compassionate person....

I don't know Dr. Hamnik but she has people I respect who think very well of her. I think you are fair and kind and smart Mrs. Arby and I think Ilovetv is too.

Sometimes typed words sound cold and the real meaning is obscured.

[duffysmom]

Malpractice & Sanctions Information for Dr. Sheri E. Hamnik, MD - Neurology - The Villages, FL (http://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-sheri-hamnik-2ytvr/background-check#BackgroundBackgroundCheck_anchor)

Just a little bit of history repeating

http://www.healthgrades.com/media/english/pdf/sanctions/HGPY8DC7A410FF954F64912172012.pdf

When you read her history you begin to see a troubled individual who only sought help after whe was arrested and ordered to do so. She completed a substance abuse program but that doesn't mean that all is well with this doctor. She may have a pleasing personality but there is a lot of of questionable behavior swirling around her in two states and hopefully she is closely supervised. She has people's lives in her hands.

[mrsyarbie]

Thank you all for sharing this information. It saddens me. i will not be returning to her office and will pray for her that she gets the help she needs.

[Indydealmaker]

Thank you all for sharing this information. It saddens me. i will not be returning to her office and will pray for her that she gets the help she needs.

I cannot believe that you would allow the opinions of posters on here that have never even met Dr. Hamnik to dissuade you. You should stick with your gut. Just because you read something on the internet, does not guarantee that you are getting the entire story. You at least owe it to the doctor to share your concerns. That is something that most of the posters on here would not have the intestinal fortitude to do.

Why don't you look into how many practicing doctors and nurses have struggled with addiction to prescription drugs. Dr. Hamnik is not alone, here or anywhere else. You can be assured that if her ability to do her job was in any way compromised, she would be unable to obtain liability insurance. Stop listening to the holier than thou trolls.

[Warren Kiefer]

So you are making these quotes based on your professional training as a therapist ? a MD, a lawyer. Just interested where you get your data. Thanks for the response.

This kind of thinking and being one who always looks at the world thru rose colored glasses is why Jim Jones was able to convince hundreds of followers to drink poison kool-ade and die a horrible death. Some people will just accept almost anything without question. :(

[Deerfly]

I was referred to her and she did an OUTSTANDING job for me. She is a very nice person and knows what she is doing as a neurologist. She referred me to one of outstanding neurosurgeons in the country. He diagnosed cancer and am well into recovery. I would refer her to others and have.

[graciegirl]

I don't see my skepticism in consulting her as a holier than thou attitude. I see it as a realistic approach that anyone who has had a serious addiction to substances would have a great risk of becoming addicted again simply because that is what statistics say. An addiction is disease that is very complicated and is not overcome by good character and kindness and ethics and morality.

At least that is what I have read. The only addiction I personally have witnessed is addiction to tobacco and alcohol.

It has been a very short time since all of these problems occurred.

Are there different standards in different states about physicians returning to practice after being diagnosed with such an addiction? Does Florida have a lower bar than Virginia or Maryland in this kind of thing?

It appears that what happened is much more serious than just having a little too much to drink one night.

I remember being told to not sign legal documents for 48 hourse after having medications for certain medical procedures. I don't know how anyone would really know if someone was in full use of their reasoning by looking at them unless it was quite obvious.

[elizabeth52]

I cannot believe that you would allow the opinions of posters on here that have never even met Dr. Hamnik to dissuade you. You should stick with your gut. Just because you read something on the internet, does not guarantee that you are getting the entire story. You at least owe it to the doctor to share your concerns. That is something that most of the posters on here would not have the intestinal fortitude to do.

Why don't you look into how many practicing doctors and nurses have struggled with addiction to prescription drugs. Dr. Hamnik is not alone, here or anywhere else. You can be assured that if her ability to do her job was in any way compromised, she would be unable to obtain liability insurance. Stop listening to the holier than thou trolls.

I believe you are right. After working in the field of addictions for many years, you would be surprised at how common this problem is. As for finding someone who does not struggle with these issues, I'm not sure how you would know that. It could be that they don't have a problem OR that the problem has yet to manifest itself in a way that the public becomes aware of it. There is a huge stigma around addiction that prevents many from seeking the treatment that they need. The reactions here are typical and understandable. I believe that people are concerned for their own safety or the safety of a loved one. But again, in a lot of cases that may be a false sense of security, as you don't know what any other person, be it a Dr., nurse, or pilot, or the person who built your house or prepared your food is dealing with.
In all the cases I ever dealt with, in order not to lose a license, a doctor would have to agree to treatment and strict monitoring. And this was only an option after it was determined that there was no danger to the public.

[bjbkeylargo]

Villages doctor stopped for DUI, faces prescription pill charges
Villages doctor dui pills - OrlandoSentinel.com (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-villages-doctor-dui-pills-20120217,0,2800807.story)

Does anyone have any recent experience with Dr. Hamnik since her incident in 2012? I am considering making an appointment with her soon regarding a medical condition.

[bestmickey]

I wish you would have asked that question without resurrecting the old thread.

Times change. People change.

You could have merely asked the question (without the history) more appropriately under the Medical and Health section, where it would get the most specific attention applicable to your current situation.

[Indydealmaker]

Does anyone have any recent experience with Dr. Hamnik since her incident in 2012? I am considering making an appointment with her soon regarding a medical condition.

I have had some medical history with Dr. Hamnik and I would trust her with my life. She is very dedicated and caring. She takes the time to listen.

[Deerfly]

I have had her as a doctor who did everything in her power to help me, especially after she found that I had cancer. Her diagnosis was excellent. She had me taken at Shands at the U of Florida in Gainesville. The doctors there are excellent and have been doing whatever they can. I did have to return to The Villages, get rid of the doctor that I was seeing before everything. He has done nothing for me or anyone else I am aware of. I found doctors in The Villages who are wonderful and are doing everything they can to cure me. Not completely done but there still is a chance of me doing better for awhile. Ask around and look around before you select a doctor in The Villages. There are really good ones but some are losers in every respect you can think of.