BELMONT, N.C. — A Belmont gynecologist could lose his medical license after he admitted to sharing pictures of his patients without their consent.
The North Carolina Medical Board reprimanded Dr. Sean Lynch after he was reported for sharing details information about patients while at a bar last December. According to the board, Lynch shared detailed information and photos about his patients while at the restaurant.
Two people reported Lynch to the board after the incident, with one of the people saying Lynch shared private information on multiple occasions. A consent order obtained by WCNC Charlotte alleges Lynch showed graphic images of a patient on the operating table and that the photos were not part of the patient's medical record. The photos were on Lynch's personal cellphone.
Lynch admitted to sharing the information when questioned by the board, according to the consent order. Lynch reportedly said he was just trying to make conversation and "illustrate the severity of the patient's condition."
Lynch's medical license will be indefinitely suspended if he does not complete a continuing medical education course. Once he completes the course, the board says it will reconsider the suspension. He must also allow himself to be monitored by the North Carolina Professional Health Program and follow all laws that govern medical professionals in North Carolina. He must also provide evidence that he's complying with the terms of the consent order to resume practicing.
Lynch was first issued a license to practice in North Carolina in May 2002.
CaroMont Health told WCNC Charlotte in a statement that it can't comment on situations regarding employment, but it did confirm Lynch has not been employed by the organization since late 2023.
"CaroMont Health does not, under any circumstance, tolerate the behavior cited in the North Carolina Medical Board’s Consent Order and the situation does not reflect the ethical standards expected of physicians and providers at our organization," the statement added.