The Importance of Credentialing

Dr. Oluwafemi Charles Igberase entered the United States in October 1991 on a nonimmigrant visa. In November 1991, January 1995, and September 1998, Igberase obtained fraudulent social security numbers using other names and false identifying information. Between 1992 and 1998, Igberase obtained three certifications from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) under different names, dates of birth and fraudulent social security numbers, in order to practice medicine and get into a residency program in the United States. The ECFMG Committee on Medical Education Credential subsequently revoked or suspended two certifications in December 1995, after learning that they were fraudulently obtained. In 1998, after receiving his third ECFMG certification in the name of Charles John Nosa Akoda, Igberase was admitted to a residency program in New Jersey. Igberase was dismissed from the program two years later after officials learned that the social security number he used did not belong to him.

In 2016, Dr. Igberase pled guilty to using a fraudulent Social Security number to obtain his medical license. His medical license was subsequently revoked. Prior to revocation of his medical license, Dr. Igberase obtained medical staff privileges at a hospital and delivered hundreds of babies. The hospital was sued in a putative class action for negligent credentialing and the case is pending. In its defense of credentialing Dr. Igberase, the hospital recently argued that it had no duty to ensure that a physician is using his real name and placed the blame on the Maryland Board of Physicians for granting Dr. Igberase a medical license.

To our hospital clients, you should verify that a physician is using his or her real name and that he or she has proper training and credentials.

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The opinions expressed on this blog are those of the author and are not to be construed as legal advice.

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