US doctor, Dr. David Diffine based in Blytheville, Arkansas, and known on Instagram as “Naked Dr. Dave” had his medical license suspended in October following the release of shocking videos allegedly showing inappropriate and lewd behavior within his practice. The Arkansas State Medical Board launched an investigation after receiving the incriminating footage, which has since garnered widespread attention.
The videos, reportedly recorded in 2019 through the surveillance system at Diffine Family Practice, were shared with the board by a whistleblower. The footage reveals Dr. Diffine walking through his medical office completely naked during business hours, including in hallways between patient rooms. In one particularly disturbing clip, the doctor is seen entering the reception area, where three female staff members were present, and performing a sexual act on one of them. The act culminated with him ejaculating on the woman while the others looked on.
According to documents obtained under a Freedom of Information Act request, the woman involved in the incident was a laboratory technician employed by another company but also one of Dr. Diffine’s patients. The whistleblower accused the doctor of exploiting his “position of power” to sexually groom both employees and patients through financial incentives and workplace manipulation.
The Arkansas State Medical Board’s investigative documents shed further light on Dr. Diffine’s troubling behavior. Dr. Bradley Diner of the Arkansas Medical Foundation expressed concerns about a potential “sexual compulsive disorder or paraphilia,” suggesting that Diffine’s actions may have crossed ethical and legal boundaries in his medical practice. “The interaction with his office staff suggests an entanglement in his medical practice,” Dr. Diner noted, recommending a comprehensive professional evaluation to assess Diffine’s fitness to continue practicing medicine.
When questioned by the Arkansas Department of Health about the allegations and video evidence, Dr. Diffine denied knowledge of the incidents, stating, “I don’t know anything about that at all. I would have to see those things to have any idea what you’re talking about.” Attempts by local news outlets to reach Dr. Diffine for comment, including phone calls and visits to his residence, have been unsuccessful.
This isn’t the first time Dr. Diffine has faced scrutiny. Earlier in 2024, he was the subject of a complaint over his so-called “naturist activities.” The complaint detailed Diffine’s now-deactivated Instagram account, @naked.drdave, where he posted nude photos as part of what he claimed was a body-positivity initiative. In a letter to the medical board, Dr. Diffine defended his naturist lifestyle, asserting that it promoted acceptance of the human body and did not interfere with his professionalism as a physician. The board ultimately decided not to take action at the time, choosing instead to document the complaint for future reference.
The controversy surrounding Dr. Diffine extends beyond these incidents. His medical license was previously suspended in 2017 over allegations of overprescribing pain medications. Although that investigation concluded without evidence of malpractice, it raised questions about his professional judgment. Additionally, in 2011, Dr. Diffine faced legal trouble in Missouri after being accused of illegally distributing pain medications. He avoided prosecution by agreeing not to practice medicine in Missouri for three years, after which the matter was closed without further disciplinary action.
The Arkansas State Medical Board’s decision to suspend Dr. Diffine’s license in October marks a turning point in the ongoing investigation. A formal hearing scheduled for December 6 will determine whether his license will be permanently revoked, effectively barring him from practicing medicine in Arkansas. The board has emphasized the need to prioritize patient safety and uphold the integrity of the medical profession.
This unfolding scandal has sparked outrage and concern, not only among the local community but also within the broader medical field. Advocates for stricter oversight in the healthcare industry argue that this case underscores the importance of robust mechanisms to hold medical professionals accountable for unethical behavior.
As the December hearing approaches, the public and medical community alike await the outcome, hoping it will provide clarity and justice in a case that has shaken trust in the profession. The Arkansas State Medical Board has pledged to continue its efforts to ensure that healthcare providers maintain the highest standards of professionalism and care.
