Radiologist convicted of illegal opioid distribution heads to jail, judge rejects leniency plea
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) radiologist Marios Papachristou’s plea to evade jail time was rejected by US District Judge Arthur Schwab, according to a report from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Papachristou wrote phony Vicodin prescriptions for family and friends, ultimately feeding his own prescription drug addictions.
Papachristou, lost his license to practice medicine and now faces a two-year prison sentence. Additionally, he will have to pay a $15,000 fine and upon release from jail, will also serve a three-year probation sentence.
Despite appeals and requests from his attorneys, colleagues and supporters, who said should not be jailed because “he only victimized himself and took steps to get clean through rehab,” Schwab held Papachristou accountable.
"A probation sentence is a just a bridge too far in light of this conduct,” Schwab reportedly said. Later adding, “This was not a ‘mistake.’ This was a crime.”
Papachristou’s colleague Omar Almusa was also involved in the misconduct and is currently awaiting sentencing.
Previous Radiology Business coverage of this case can be read here, here and here.
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As a senior news writer for TriMed, Subrata covers cardiology, clinical innovation and healthcare business. She has a master’s degree in communication management and 12 years of experience in journalism and public relations.