Seattle doctor accused of sexting during surgery

A Seattle physician's medical license has just been suspended after officials received reports he committed a number of offenses that include exchanging texts of an explicit sexual nature during surgery.

CBS Seattle affiliate KIRO reports Arthur K. Zilberstein, an anesthesiologist, was caught sexting when he should have been focused on caring for patients while present at childbirth and surgeries. According to investigators, during one procedure he sent 45 text messages of a sexual nature, including explicit 'selfies' sent to a patient.

So far two of his patients at Swedish Medical Center have come forward to file complaints. The doctor is a contractor at Swedish Medical Center through Physicians Anesthesia Services in Seattle.

Zilberstein refused to respond to KIRO's request for comment on the allegations.

Additionally, Zilberstein is accused of committing a number of other offenses, which include having sexual relations with patients, improperly accessing medical imaging for sexual gratification, issuing at least 29 unauthorized prescriptions for oxycodone and other medications, and improperly diagnosing and treating patients, according to the Medical Quality Assurance Commission, which develops rules, policies and procedures to regulate physicians' and physician assistants' competency and quality.

"That is an egregious breach of trust for a doctor to have a sexual relationship with a patient," Michael Farrell, state investigator for Washington State's health department, told KIRO's Alison Grande. "It raises grave concerns with the commission and his ability to practice medicine safely."

Officials also report Zilberstein made racist remarks against patients and misrepresented his work schedule to an investigator. He is currently prohibited from working and has 20 days to respond to these allegations and request a hearing.