That's definitely not the news you want to receive right before undergoing a vasectomy.
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A urologist in Houston has had his medical license revoked following allegations that he conducted surgeries while under the influence of cocaine.
According to the Texas Medical Board‘s (TMB) press release., Dr. Nathan Starke oversaw several procedures at Houston Methodist Hospital, in August and September of 2024 seeming impaired, and in October, he tested positive for cocaine and Kratom.
According to Fox 26 Houston, Starke, 39, performed a prostate biopsy while under the influence and only showed up for the last three minutes of another surgery for which he was the attending physician. Multiple reports say Houston Methodist suspended Starke in September, at which time he agreed to drug testing.
“On December 20, 2024, the Texas Medical Board announced the immediate temporary suspension of Nathan Robert Starke, M.D. (Lic. No. R3597), stating that his ongoing practice of medicine presents an ongoing risk to public safety. This decision was made by a disciplinary panel and was enacted without prior notice,” the TMB reported.
The TMB stated, “A hearing for temporary suspension with prior notice will be conducted as soon as possible, providing Dr. Starke with 10 days’ notice, unless Dr. Starke chooses to waive the hearing. The temporary suspension will stay in effect until the Board makes additional decisions.”
Starke's latest drug test result is not his first encounter with legal troubles. In the previous year, he faced charges for assaulting his girlfriend, which resulted in a chipped tooth. Additionally, he has a history of arrests for driving under the influence, with incidents recorded in 2007 and again in 2017.
Starke may have the opportunity to have his license reinstated.
A Houston Methodist doctor has been suspended after the state medical board learned Dr. Nathan Robert Starke appeared to be impaired during several surgeries last year and then tested positive for cocaine. https://t.co/EjeWc9IK2b
— KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) January 8, 2025
Starke’s suspension is not permanent. To regain his status, “he must demonstrate that he is free from substance use. Substance abuse is a health issue,” explained Legal Analyst Chris Tritico during an interview with Fox 26 Houston. Tritico noted that it is probable Starke will be directed to a treatment center sanctioned by the board, and after finishing the program, he will undergo monitoring—potentially for several years—“to guarantee the safety of his patients.”
"Experiencing chronic pain even now"
Inbox: TMB suspends medical license of Houston physician, Nathan Robert Starke, after finding he participated in “several” surgeries while “appearing impaired” pic.twitter.com/Pp0q7PHoTZ
— Mary Elise Cosgray (@MaryEliseCos) January 8, 2025
It remains uncertain whether any previous patients have filed legal actions against Starke. However, Jacob Castillo, 25, who underwent a vasectomy by Starke three years prior, mentioned that he is unsure if Starke was under the influence during the procedure. He noted, “It took me nearly four weeks to completely recover,” whereas recovery from a vasectomy usually takes only a few days.
“I wasn’t really able to walk [for two weeks]. Bedridden and still in chronic pain to this day,” Castillo said, according to Houston’s ABC 13 Eyewitness News.
Castillo noted that Starke was the sole urologist who agreed to carry out a vasectomy on someone as young as he was. At just 22 years old at the time, Castillo reflected that this should have raised a warning sign.
Following the announcement of Starke’s suspension, some individuals rallied to support him. Jasmine Crockett, a medical assistant who collaborated with Starke for three years, regards him as an “excellent physician” but concedes that he is confronted with significant allegations.
It's hard to overstate how alarming the thought of a medical professional conducting any procedure under the influence of cocaine is. Reactions on social media regarding the Starke situation vary widely, with some expressing outrage over his actions and worrying about the “poor patients,” calling for his prompt dismissal. Meanwhile, former patients of Starke are also chiming in, recounting their positive experiences and successful surgeries, and commending his approach to doctor-patient relationships.
