Lubbock plastic surgeon faces discipline from state board

A Lubbock plastic surgeon is facing disciplinary action from the Texas Medical Board following findings of improper patient care, inadequate supervision, and unprofessional conduct.

Dr. Thanapoom Boonipat must pass a Jurisprudence Examination as part of the board’s order, according to official documents. He is required to achieve a score of at least 75 within three attempts and to complete the requirement within one year.

The board will also conduct a review of patient care by selecting records from at least 30 patients treated during specified three-month periods, officials said.

Investigators found that Boonipat failed to properly diagnose a patient’s adverse reaction to anesthesia prior to a procedure, according to court records. In another case, he removed more than 5 liters of lipoaspirate from a patient, a volume that typically requires a higher level of care, including overnight monitoring.

The panel also determined that Boonipat acted unprofessionally by leaving the operating room for more than two hours during a procedure.

Additional findings cited inadequate supervision of a licensed vocational nurse, improper handling of sedative medications and insufficient documentation in patient medical records.

The board’s order outlines corrective actions aimed at improving compliance with medical standards.

If Boonipat fails to meet the terms of the order, he could face additional penalties, including fines, according to the documents.

The disciplinary action reflects ongoing oversight by state regulators tasked with ensuring patient safety and professional accountability in medical practice.