Radiologist reprimanded after writing hundreds of problematic prescriptions

A radiologist is facing fines and disciplinary action for writing hundreds of in appropriate prescriptions.  

Sheida Mehrain, MD, a diagnostic and interventional radiologist who practices in Waikato—the upper North Island of New Zealand—was found guilty of misconduct by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal last year. She is accused of writing nearly 300 prescriptions to herself, friends, family and other contacts over a decade, between 2014 and 2024, according to media reports published Tuesday. 

During a prior hearing, it was revealed the radiologist had previously been warned about writing inappropriate prescriptions. In 2014, the Medical Council urged Mehrain to be more judicious with her professional privileges, but just one month later, she was again dispensing drugs to individuals who were not her patients. 

Some of these scripts were written for controlled medications, including the opioid Tramadol and antiseizure drug Gabapentin. She also wrote prescriptions for mental health medications, like Sertraline, which typically require providers to monitor patients to ensure they do not experience  adverse effects, including worsened depression and suicidal ideation. Mehrain prescribed medications to herself, her partner and their young child as well. 

The tribunal described Mehrain’s attitude toward her actions as “cavalier” and “casual,” indicating the radiologist did not understand the potential repercussions. However, her actions do not reflect her capabilities as a radiologist, the Council determined. As such, she was recently fined about $3,500 (USD), directed to pay 30% of her prosecution costs (estimated at around $14,000) and was placed on probation for a period of three years, during which she is not allowed to write prescriptions unless they are directly related to her role as a radiologist. Mehrain also has been ordered to attend an ethics education course and must inform any current or prospective employers of the tribunal's ruling.