EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 A woman who asked not to be identified is speaking publicly to KFOX14\/CBS4 about what she says happened inside a trauma room at University Medical Center after an epileptic episode following the arrest of a doctor. <\/p>\n
Edward Michelson, an El Paso doctor who was arrested for indecent assault, is facing an investigation after a patient alleged he touched her private parts without her consent while she was receiving treatment at UMC.<\/p>\n
The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, spoke with KFOX14\/CBS4 about what she says happened, adding that she decided to share her account to raise awareness and encourage others who may have experienced similar situations to come forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I opened my eyes, he looked shocked, as if to say, \u2018She\u2019s realized what I\u2019m doing,\u2019\u201d the woman told KFOX14\/CBS4. \u201cI didn’t want to say anything because, at the same time, I didn’t have the strength. I thought, \u2018If I say something, he\u2019s going to attack me, hit me, or do something to me.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Destiny Venecia reports on Woman speaks out after alleged trauma-room assault left her fearful and seeking to move (Credit: KFOX14)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
According to an arrest affidavit, the woman told deputies that Dr. Edward Michelson entered her hospital room, lifted her gown and blanket, and touched her private parts.<\/p>\n
The alleged incident occurred after the woman was taken to the hospital following an epileptic episode. <\/p>\n
The affidavit states that she was going in and out of consciousness at the time.<\/p>\n
The documents state that Michelson denied the allegation, telling investigators he was examining the woman’s abdominal area.<\/p>\n
The affidavit also states that Michelson did not appear to be wearing medical gloves during the incident.<\/p>\n
Investigators reviewed surveillance video that allegedly showed Michelson entering the room alone and moving an examination light in a way that appeared to obstruct the camera’s view. <\/p>\n
According to the affidavit, the footage also showed him lifting the patient’s gown near her private area.<\/p>\n
Michelson was arrested on September 30 and bonded out the same day, according to previously reported information.<\/p>\n
The woman told KFOX14\/CBS4 she was physically vulnerable during the alleged incident and feared what might happen if she confronted the doctor.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was very vulnerable, far too vulnerable, far too exhausted and on oxygen; I couldn\u2019t breathe,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She also said she believes the incident occurred because of her condition at the time.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe took advantage of the fact that I was weak and asleep,\u201d she told KFOX14\/CBS4. \u201cWhatever he did to me, I don’t know exactly what it was, but it actually woke me up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michelson is a physician who previously spoke with KFOX14\/CBS4 during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing medical expertise on developments in the virus and its variants.<\/p>\n
KFOX14\/CBS4 contacted University Medical Center for comment on the allegations.<\/p>\n
In a statement, UMC said Michelson is a contracted provider, not a hospital employee. <\/p>\n
The hospital confirmed that he has been suspended pending internal and third-party investigations and said it is cooperating with outside agencies.<\/p>\n
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center of El Paso also confirmed Michelson’s suspension. <\/p>\n
The institution said it would not comment further because the matter involves an ongoing personnel and legal issue.<\/p>\n
The woman told KFOX14\/CBS4 the experience has left her afraid, and she is now trying to move to another home.<\/p>\n
Despite those fears, she said she wanted to speak publicly so others who may have had similar experiences would know they are not alone.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor anyone to speak up, and for those who know someone who’s been touched or were at the same hospital to see this yes, I was afraid too, but I did it anyway, because it shouldn’t just be left at that,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Texas Medical Board records show Michelson’s physician license remains active.<\/p>\n
The sheriff’s office told KFOX14\/CBS4 it has not identified any additional victims at this time.<\/p>\n
The allegations remain under investigation.<\/p>\n
RELATED: El Paso doctor accused of indecent assault of patient at UMC, affidavit say<\/a><\/p>\n