A Gastonia gynecologist has been reprimanded by the North Carolina Medical Board for allegedly sharing graphic photos of patients, along with information about them, with people at a bar.

Dr. Sean Michael Lynch, who previously worked at CaroMont Regional Medical Center, was the subject of two complaints in December 2023 within three days of each other, according to a consent order issued by the Medical Board.

The first complaint alleged that while at a local bar, Lynch repeatedly shared detailed information and photos of his patients with other patrons of the establishment, the consent order said.

The graphic photos were on Lynch’s personal cell phone and depicted patients on the operating table.

The second complaint was from a female patron of the same establishment who had never met Lynch before. The woman claimed that Lynch spoke to her in the bar, recounting detailed information about a procedure he had performed earlier that day and showing her graphic photos on his cell phone of an unconscious patient on his operating table . The photos did not show the patient’s face or contain any identifying information.

The photograph was taken without the patient’s knowledge, was not part of her medical record and was shown to the woman at the bar without the patient’s consent. It was not taken or presented for any valid medical purpose.

Lynch’s conduct was unprofessional and unethical, according to the consent order.

He was officially reprimanded. However, the suspension of his medical license was suspended as long as Lynch meets the following terms: he must allow himself to be professionally monitored by the North Carolina Occupational Health Program, he must complete a 16-year continuing medical education course hours, follow all laws governing the practice of medicine, meet with the Medical Board for an investigative interview if requested, and provide evidence of compliance with the terms of the Medical Board.

If they do not comply with these terms, their license to practice medicine could be suspended.

CaroMont Regional Medical Center said in a statement that Lynch has not worked at the hospital since late 2023. CaroMont declined to comment further.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gastonia gynecologist reprimanded for violating patient’s privacy