NWA doctor who allegedly groped patient is suspended

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas (KNWA/KFTA) – A licensed physician has been suspended after being accused of raping a woman on September 21, 2023.

On June 12, the Arkansas State Medical Board ruled that Robert Steven Baker caused “emotional harm” by examining a woman’s breast when it was not medically necessary.

During an eye exam appointment on September 16, 2023, Baker had asked the woman to “pull up her shirt and remove her bra,” according to medical board documents. She refused, telling him she was uncomfortable. When she returned on September 21, he again asked her to remove her shirt and bra. She did so. She was not given a nightgown or any type of covering.

Baker is accused of touching all sides of her breast and nipples, the report states. After he finished examining her breast, the victim asked twice if she could put her shirt back on, but Baker refused.

The board said Baker’s conduct “posed a continuing danger to the public in his continued practice of medicine” and therefore revoked his license by emergency suspension.

The committee’s report states that Baker had sexual contact with a patient parallel to the doctor-patient relationship and acted with gross negligence or was unaware of medical errors.

The majority of the board voted to suspend Baker’s license.

An upcoming disciplinary hearing will take place on August 7 in Little Rock.