Media investigation found no record of medical license in Michigan or New York

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Center to Advance Security in America (CASA) has filed a complaint with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) requesting an investigation into whether former Wayne County health director Abdul El-Sayed violated state law by repeatedly holding himself out to the public as a “physician” despite reports that he has never held a Michigan physician license.

The complaint asks LARA’s Bureau of Professional Licensing to determine whether El-Sayed is violating provisions of Michigan’s Public Health Code that prohibit individuals from misrepresenting themselves as licensed healthcare professionals.

According to media reports, El-Sayed has repeatedly described himself as a “physician” and “doctor” in public appearances, interviews, campaign materials, and professional biographies. For example, El-Sayed has described himself as a “physician and epidemiologist,” claimed that he had “been a doctor my whole career,” and appeared in campaign imagery wearing a physician’s white coat.

“Abdul El-Sayed represents himself to be a practicing physician, but the facts may show otherwise. Public reporting shows that El-Sayed has never been granted a medical license in either Michigan or New York,” said CASA Director James Fitzpatrick.

 

“Given the confusion and the potential for the deception of Michigan residents, we are requesting a full investigation by the Michigan Bureau of Professional licensing. Any representation that may have the public believe that El-Sayed is licensed to practice medicine should be closely examined.”

CASA’s complaint requests that LARA determine:

• Whether El-Sayed currently holds or has ever held a Michigan physician license;
• Whether his public representations violate Michigan’s Public Health Code;
• Whether injunctive or other enforcement proceedings are warranted; and
• Whether any criminal provisions of state law may be implicated.

If LARA finds that El-Sayed violated Michigan law, the complaint requests appropriate action be taken, including criminal prosecution if warranted, to prevent him from continuing to mislead the public about his credentials.

About CASA

The Center to Advance Security in America (CASA) is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving the safety and security of the American people. CASA educates and informs the public about the actions of their government and its officials that impact their safety; peace and security; democracy, civil rights, and civil liberties; and privacy.

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