Alcohol charges dismissed against University of Iowa radiology professor

Charges against a University of Iowa radiology professor cited for excessive use of alcohol have been officially dismissed by the Iowa Board of Medicine.

Wendy R. K. Smoker, 65, was initially cited in 2011 and fined $5,000 after being accused of using alcohol to the extent that it could impair her ability to practice medicine. She was also required to participate in monitoring, drug screening, substance abuse meetings and therapy and given five years probation.

The dismissal comes nine weeks after the Iowa Court of Appeals reversed and remanded a disciplinary action taken by the Iowa Board of Medicine against the professor, the Board voted to withdraw the previous findings of fact, conclusions of law, decision and order, statement of charges and settlement agreement.

The April Court of Appeals' ruling questioned whether the case was properly investigated by the Board of Medicine, ultimately determining the board based it's decision on the fact Smoker is a diagnosed alcoholic who had relapsed on two previous occasions. The court ruled  “a reasonable mind would find the facts and circumstances presented in this proceeding to be inadequate to reach the conclusion reached by the board.”

“Normally, the board investigates claims brought against physicians by interviewing the accused physician, witnesses, colleagues, and the complainant in order to determine whether the allegations are founded,” according to the appellate court's ruling. “In this case, however, no interviews were conducted.”

Smoker's medical license is active and will expire next February.