Lawsuit: UIHC doctor had inappropriate relationship with patient

A civil lawsuit filed in Johnson County on July 22 alleges that a University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics psychiatrist had an inappropriate relationship with a 29-year-old female patient that had been under his care for treatment of an eating disorder and alcoholism from 2008 to 2010.

Records indicate that the former patient, who has been medically diagnosed with anorexia, alcohol abuse and depression, is suing UIHC psychiatrist Sergio Paradiso, M.D., PH.D, 48, for negligence, breach of contract, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The woman also included the State of Iowa and the UIHC in the lawsuit on allegations of negligent hiring and supervision of Paradiso.

The lawsuit alleges that Paradiso took advantage of the Des Moines woman for his own "sexual gratification" after she had initially contacted him through a social networking site on the Internet beginning in February 2010.

According to the lawsuit, the woman suffered psychological harm and relapse of alcohol abuse because of her relationship with Paradiso, who knew her mental health history and allegedly used that knowledge to exploit, seduce and maintain a sexual relationship with her.

Contact between the woman and Paradiso allegedly began when the woman sent Paradiso a message using the social networking site in early February 2010. From that point they exchanged several general messages regarding her post-treatment progress with her various conditions.

The woman alleges that things changed on February 16 when Paradiso indicated that he wanted to see her outside "the hospital setting."

On March 4, Paradiso allegedly met with the woman at an event in Iowa City and later suggested that they should leave the venue to go have a beer and talk. During the conversation Paradiso allegedly asked the woman if she knew that he could "get in a lot of trouble" for meeting with her under such conditions.

Paradiso and the woman met again on March 10 in Grinnell. On March 11, Paradiso allegedly told the woman that she could not tell anyone about their relationship, especially her current psychologist. Paradiso suggested that the only way they would be able to be together is if they moved out of the United States, the lawsuit indicates.

On March 19 and 20 the woman allegedly met with Paradiso at his residence, where she was offered wine. On March 29, the conduct between Paradiso and the woman allegedly became sexual, and would continue to be throughout the duration of the relationship.

The lawsuit states that the woman began to drink out of shame for her relationship with Paradiso and anxiety about the prospect of Paradiso trying to have sex with her. On the night of June 12, the woman allegedly drank, took pills and threatened to kill herself.

On June 13, Paradiso allegedly sent the woman an e-mail which indicated that he was ending their relationship and would have liked to remain friends. No further communication between the pair occurred.

The woman is seeking monetary judgment against Paradiso for necessary medical services in the past and for those that will be incurred in the future, physical, emotional and mental pain and suffering, the reasonable value of lost wages, and value of loss of future earning capacity.

"Doctor Paradiso is an employee in good standing at the University of Iowa and the University is not currently aware of the lawsuit," a UIHC media relations spokesperson said on Tuesday afternoon.

Paradiso is listed on the UIHC website as being an Associate Professor in psychiatry and the 41st Recipient of a Mallinckrodt Scholarship from the Edward Mallinckrodt, Jr. Foundation in St. Louis.

Calls to Paradiso's office at the University were not immediately returned for comment.