Philip J. Leonard MD, Neurology, Austin, Texas

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great pleasure and a sense of gratitude that I recommend Richard Willner and his Center For Peer Review Justice to you.

I was fortunate to have come to know Mr. Willner shortly after I became involved in seemingly insurmountable difficulties regarding my medical Practice. I can truly say that Richard was a real life saver for me.

At a time when my world seemed to be crashing down on my head, Richard Willner was sent like an angel to help me in my fight for justice.

It was very lucky for me that Mr. Willner and his Center for Peer Review Justice were involved in the areas of Peer Review, Licensing and Data Banking and has carved out a niche in which he utilizes “extra legal and extrajudicial” defenses to come to the aid of doctors who are paralyzed by a legal morass in which the other side seems to have all the protection and there is not the legal protections that we expect in America. The fact is that Boards and Review Panels do not work under the premise that you are innocent unless proven guilty. They see their role as one to protect the public even if it means that the professional is wrongly convicted or restricted. Sometimes they have. other less noble motives.

In a field where the success rate is very low because the other side has immunity, he seems to win for his clients.

He gives lectures to healthcare lawyers and is well respected by his peers. Each case is different. There are different situations and different players, so he develops creative solutions which change with the playing field. Don’t expect a cookie cutter job. He won’t tell you what he is going to do. He gets to the bottom of things and gets results one step at a time.

Over the last two years, I have seen his clients have satisfactory results time and time again. Often the wins are very quiet. Sometimes, I have seen where he has toppled a corrupt board and its lawyer or mounted a legislative battle to result in a win. Richard knows how to utilize the media to your best use. Most wins are much lower key. He has been a trial consultant and keeps up with cases all over the country.

He is intensely focused with your winning and staying in practice, whether it is making some behind the scene calls or working to get data bank information changed to better reflect a situation. Sometimes he is just there to support you emotionally so you have the strength to win the game.

Richard Willner started the field of extra legal and extra judicial defense with his center for Peer Review Justice. He affordably provides things that lawyers are unable to do. Certainly, you may need to have expert Legal Advice as well. Mr. Willner balances your defense with an offense which the system is not expecting.

I might liken using a legal defense to playing piano with only the white keys. Mr. Willner’s extra legal defense, rounds out your program with the black keys …. The sharps and flats that are needed to get you through a perilous situation.

I would heartily recommend Mr. Willner to most people wanting to have a full defense.

Philip J. Leonard MD, Neurology, Austin, Texas

P. M., MD

Dr Richard Willner is the most dedicated, compassionate Physician Advocate that I have ever known. I have known him for 20 years and he is always available, and has a very different creative, psychological approach to Peer Review scams. His instructions, experiences thinking “outside the box” methods work. He has helped me in the dark hours of despair with encouragement and logical but maverick approaches to problems. His evaluation and assessments of complex legal problems that physicians faces can be resolved by his unorthodox innovative ideas. I would and have recommended him to any Physician who is subjected to “peer reviews” which aren’t and witch hunts with bad intent in destroying careers of Doctors. He is a wonderful human being.

P. M., MD

R. M., MD

Dear Dr. Willner,

Thank you for listening to me and trying to help me. You are a very good person, honest, sincere, trust worthy, over all a person who really cares and says and does what is practical/real/helping with open heart…no amount of money can do that….I am so much grateful I met you and you are helping me.

Thank you DOC…. You are one of a kind…

 

R. F.

I have worked with Dr Willner. I have seen him get miraculous results. I know he can be a bit trying, but to pursue a legal course has a significant chance of being disastrous. They have you right where they want you, in their ball park. The rules of “sham” peer review are all in their favor. Remember this is not about your competency, but something much more sinister.  I have utmost faith in him.

R. F.

Dr. G. W.

I send you strength. You are doing amazing work. All you say is true. Tragic and true. Bless you for studying up and doing.

Dr G. W.

S. O., MD

Richard, I am sitting here today after coming back from a consult wearing the same scrubs that I was wearing Friday July 13, 2007. I know these are the fateful scrubs since I can still see the pen marks of hasty notes I made on the scrubs after the hospital chief of staff summarily suspended me on Friday the 13th.

At the time, I had no clue what the summary suspension meant. I did not understand what peer review meant and ultimately I had no clue what I was facing. My mother was a retired physician and as a woman minority she had only one piece of advice FIGHT. She was willing to lend me her retirement money to set things straight. In the days that followed I spoke with colleagues, risk managers, and proceeded to undergo a sham peer review which felt like I was in wonderland thru the looking glass. My friends at the hospital were worthless and now I know who my true friends are.

Everyone told me get an attorney, sue, claim discrimination etc… I still cant remember exactly how I found you but I believe it was after I Googled some articles about hospital review and found the term “peer review”. That ultimately led me to a cross road. I had contacted 3 attorneys and you. I was surprised when you called me so quickly and your original supposition/observation that I might be stressed out was 1000% correct. When you meet someone on the internet it is hard to believe if what they are saying is true or complete fabrication so we talked and talked and talked.

I took your advice, testing it along the way. I was able to turn the heat/anger down by taking a conciliatory route while at the same time negotiating with the hospital with an attorney that was interested in solving the problem not dragging it out. After comparing notes with other physicians which spent 50, 100, 200, 300 thousand dollars I realize how lucky I was.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with my mother (retired neurologist) since she was the only person whose advice I trusted and she wanted to fight to the last dollar. I am also glad that I took you advice on avoiding publicity, public discussion, reports to JCAPHO and the state. Ultimately those efforts would have painted the hospital and medial staff into a corner and they would have National Practitioner Databanked me as well as reporting me to the state board for certain.

Your advice reminds me a lot of the cognitive benefit of the internist. Sometimes doing nothing or advising to do nothing can avoid unproductive costly intervention and mistakes. That is a lot more difficult to quantify then performing a surgery but far more valuable to the patient. Unfortunately not all patients appreciate that when I give them advice to have no surgery or prescribe no medications during a consultation. The cognitive is truly very difficult to quantify.

The end result of my current summary suspension is that the summary suspension has been lifted, full privileges have been restored and the chief of staff has agree to expunge the summary suspension. I was able to settle with the hospital with an agreement which left my privileges intact and was a complete win for me. The hospital Medical Executive Committee has approved the agreement and last I heard from the attorney the board will endorse the MEC approval.

Just in time for my birthday today! That was a hell of a gift. I wish it had a receipt so I could return the damn thing but it was a tremendous learning experience.

Thank you for all your advice and I have referred a few colleagues who have been databanked or have a peer review sham pending.
S. O. MD

MD 3 (Anonymous)

Dear Dr. Willner,

Thanks for your help again. You truly are a physician advocate for life. You successfully help me reverse a Hospital Summary Suspension in the past. I successfully got a physician job and hospital privileges in another Hospital. I was being a doctor caring for my patients and being an advocate for them. The Health insurance wanted to have meeting with me. I got nervous and “out of the blue” one week before the meeting, you called me to ask how I was doing and do I like my job. I told you about my meeting coming up with the insurance company and you gave me tips to help me with meeting. When I had the meeting with the insurance company, I” hit the ball out of the park” in defending myself. The insurance wanted me to save money them money, rather than be an advocate for my patients, I told them my commitment to saving them money and I am “safe” for now thanks to your advice. God Bless You!

Dr

Dr. C.

My name is Doctor C and I contacted the Center for Peer Review Justice after viewing their website. The purpose of this note is to document how Dr. Willner helped me.

I was employed for many years as a physician at a state institution. . I was falsely accused in a sham peer review that not only put my position at stake, but also my license and my life. Due to his help, not only was position and license saved, but also my life. I was hysterical and depressed to the point that I was suicidal. As soon as Dr. Willner realized this, he personally got in his vehicle and drove hundreds of miles to come get me. To him, I owe my life and now consider him my closest friend.

Dr C.

Dr. G.

To whomever it may concern: I am a physician specialist, currently retired. I spent my entire career employed at a state institution. . Dr. Richard Willner and the Center for Peer Review stood up for me and protected my career in 2 separate instances of alleged sexual harassment:

a) The first involved a female Vietnamese physician. She was standing at the main lobby counter with nearby snack machines. I purchased a rather large candy bar: not wanting to eat the whole thing, I offered her a piece. With multiple witnesses present, it was clearly evident to what I was referring. She immediately starting screaming about sexual harassment and ran to Human Resources to file a complaint against me. When the dust settled after they did their investigation, I was told that during the Vietnam War, American GI’s used to offer Vietnamese girls candy for sex. I adamantly didn’t know anything about that sordid piece of history … With the Center for Peer review Justice vigorously defending me, I was totally exonerated …..

b) The second involved my long term friendship, totally platonic, with a female employee of the medical records department. we both used to jokingly berate each other, often with outrageous sexual overtones. Neither one of us was serious and neither one of us took offense. Any one that knew us, even casually, would know that we both were pranksters and that we used to cut up with each other …. one day my friend’s supervisor’s supervisor walked by and instituted a sexual harassment suit WITHOUT MY FRIEND EVEN KNOWING ABOUT IT IN HER NAME …

Again with the vigorous (consulting) defense of Dr. Richard Willner and the CENTER FOR PEER REVIEW JUSTICE, my name was exonerated and my career saved …… My career owes a big debt of gratitude to Dr Willner!

Dr G.

MD (Anonymous)

I also encourage you to contact the Center for Peer Review Justice. This is a reconstitution of the Semmelweis Society that advocates a peer review being done with clean hands. The current leader, Dr. Richard Willner, a podiatrist, has been exceptionally aggressive in advocating for physicians, particularly those who may have been the targets of ethnic discrimination. The website is peerreviewjustice.org You can contact them by E-mail at info@peerreviewjustice.org .

Please do let us know of any new developments.

– Executive Director of a Physician and Surgeon Organization

R. F., MD

I don’t know that I am an expert, just an unwilling participant in this very process. I found a site called Peer Review Justice, and contacted to site owner, Richard Willner. I found his expertise and advise extremely helpful. He is always available to talk with and bounce off ideas.

There comes a time for one to “cut bait” and move on. The odds and cards are stacked against you, as they are with anyone who finds themselves in this predicament. Lick your wounds, move on and live to fight another day. Any further attempts to righteously and courageously fight “City Hall” can and will have devastating and lethal consequences. It is a new world my friend.

R. F,. MD

Dr S. Montgomery

Hi Charles,

I have not heard anything from you today and am not sure if you have been in contact with anyone else from the team. I’m not sure if you realize that Richard has a very high success rate in an area where failure is a more common occurrence than breathing. I urge you to consider your future because it involves not just you but also your wife and your children who rely on you.

Again, I respectfully request that you seriously consider Richard’s proven record of success as well as the future of your family. Think about what would give you the best chance and take action today. Thank you,

Dr S. Montgomery

MD 2 (Anonymous)

Dear Dr. Willner,

The health care world is changing. It is being more regulated by health insurance companies. As you know, I am a Board Certified Occupational Physician. I order physical therapy all the time for my patients. Few weeks ago, retired Orthopedic Surgeon called me and said the physical therapy I ordered on a patient was ‘appropriate and he will authorize it. I asked him why are “you” calling me. He said this particular insurance company hired him to do utilization review on physicians and said he must do doctor to doctor calls on all orders of physical therapy to verify if it is appropriately ordered. The retired orthopedic surgeon said he makes good money working for the Heath insurance Company; What is happening to medical care?

Sincerely,

Anonymous

Dr. I. L., M. D.

You’re the best qualified candidate I know to assist these people. Keep up the good work (and your appendages properly secured).

Dr. I. L., M. D.

Dr S. Montgomery

Richard,

You have been so wonderful with all of the advice and support you have given me over these past few months, and honestly I cannot thank you enough.

I never realized how incredibly difficult it would be to get a program for a resident after they’ve been dismissed. We both know that this does not apply to my situation, but there is a similarity in that both require an unbelievable effort by everyone involved.

I have seen how much effort you have put into the cases involving these dismissed residents, and it blows me away to think that you are able to dedicate that much time and effort into such a task. The first time these young doctors landed a residency it was much easier, much simpler. But the second time must be infinitely more difficult, especially if the program dropped the young doctor for a moral infraction such as lying, cheating or stealing. I would think the biggest hurdle with that would be the lack of integrity with the dismissed resident, and I am lI:0t sure how you would go about correcting that.

Regardless, I am certain that you would do everything possible to help these young doctors get another program. I have complete trust in you and strongly believe that you will do everything possible to help with my situation, as I will do what I can to help myself since it is a combined effort that is required with mine or the dismissed residents’ cases in order to have a chance at success.

Thank you again, Richard, for everything.

Dr S. Montgomery

Robert W. Liles, ESQ, MBA, MS

Dear Richard,

I’ve written this recommendation of your work to share with other LinkedIn users.

Details of the Recommendation: “Dr. Willner is an experienced advocate. He represents physicians and other licensed health care providers around the country who have been accused of wrongdoing and are facing the loss of their hospital privileges and / or their license to practice medicine. Notably, Dr. Willner has been able to succeed in cases where legal representation may have failed. While there are some cases where even Dr. Willner may not ultimately prevail, his clients are assured of a hard-fought battle on their behalf. As an attorney, I heartily welcome Dr. Willner’s expertise and assistance in peer review cases.”

Service Category: Doctor
Year first hired: 2006 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Good Value

Robert W. Liles, ESQ, MBA, MS

( Robert Liles, Esq is a managing partner in a large health care law firm in Washington DC as well as in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and in the Valley. He was formally with the Department of Justice and was the first Chief of the Health Care Fraud Department. )

Y. N.

Richard you are providing an amazing service to these doctors

Y. N

Dr. D.

Dr. Richard Willner and his organization The Center for Peer Review Justice have coined the following tagline: “Doctors Are Our Patients.” As someone who over the past several weeks has been directly involved with Dr. Willner and the work he does, I can unequivocally state that his tagline rings more than true.

Dr. Willner provides a service that is not offered by attorneys. Over the past 16 years he has been serving as a “maestro” of sorts in orchestrating a multi-pronged offense and defense for doctors who are being subjected to sham peer review. In the short time that I have known Dr. Willner, he has taken charge of my case and assembled an experienced team, including attorneys, to combat the frivolous charges made against me. Most importantly, Dr. Willner’s approach seeks to get to the “intangibles” at play in any sham peer review – he seeks to identify the source of the physician persecution and does so in the most cost-effective and non-confrontational way.

In addition to the above, Dr. Willner goes above the call of duty and makes himself available 24/7 for phone calls and consults. Dr. Willner truly believes in what he is doing and as a physician himself, is acutely aware of how the dark cloud of a sham peer review can weigh on a physician both mentally and economically. Because he has his finger on the pulse of doctors going through such a trauma, he is uniquely capable of counseling and advising physicians in what is often times their darkest hour both professionally and personally.

Dr. Willner allows a physician that is subject to peer review to stop the downward tailspin they initially find themselves in, and take charge of their career and future. He does so not only with his own actions, but through the countless contacts he has nurtured and developed throughout the country who share his determination and vision to to see physicians through what may initially seem like an insurmountable battle.

I could not recommend him more highly.

Dr. D, cardiologist and emailed by his Attorney

March 7, 2016

Dr. D, cardiologist

 

Dr. Richard Willner and his organization The Center for Peer Review Justice have coined the following tagline: “Doctors Are Our Patients.” As someone who over the past several weeks has been directly involved with Dr. Willner and the work he does, I can unequivocally state that his tagline rings more than true.

Dr. Willner provides a service that is not offered by attorneys. Over the past 16 years he has been serving as a “maestro” of sorts in orchestrating a multi-pronged offense and defense for doctors who are being subjected to sham peer review. In the short time that I have known Dr. Willner, he has taken charge of my case and assembled an experienced team, including attorneys, to combat the frivolous charges made against me. Most importantly, Dr. Willner’s approach seeks to get to the “intangibles” at play in any sham peer review – he seeks to identify the source of the physician persecution and does so in the most cost-effective and non-confrontational way.

In addition to the above, Dr. Willner goes above the call of duty and makes himself available 24/7 for phone calls and consults. Dr. Willner truly believes in what he is doing and as a physician himself, is acutely aware of how the dark cloud of a sham peer review can weigh on a physician both mentally and economically. Because he has his finger on the pulse of doctors going through such a trauma, he is uniquely capable of counseling and advising physicians in what is often times their darkest hour both professionally and personally.

Dr. Willner allows a physician that is subject to peer review to stop the downward tailspin they initially find themselves in, and take charge of their career and future. He does so not only with his own actions, but through the countless contacts he has nurtured and developed throughout the country who share his determination and vision to to see physicians through what may initially seem like an insurmountable battle.

I could not recommend him more highly.

emailed by his Attorney March 7, 2016

Dr. W.

I just want to personally thank you for all of your help and for being there when I needed you!  Your unbelievable personal attention to the enormous amounts of information in my case has definitely helped me to see the light of day regarding my licensing situation. Despite all of the time and waiting, it seems like forever, it is looking to be well worth it. Anyone would be lucky to have you help them. especially when it comes to the bullying physicians experience from the medical boards, peer review committees, and issues with the PDB. Thanks for being there !

Dr W. 3-2-16

M. R., DPM

Richard Willner and the Center for Peer Review Justice

If you are reading this, you are probably a victim of some kind of sham peer review or action against you by a hospital board, state practice board or other authority over which you have no control. You may (reasonably) ask why and how a non-lawyer who himself is a non-practicing podiatrist can possibly be in a position to help you.

After the devastating initial shock of the event, and after you consider the ramifications of this attack, your first impulse is to call an attorney. This is a logical choice. Attorneys are familiar with and have training on how to handle issues where there are constitutional protections. But the problem with peer review is that there are none. There are only “procedural” protections, the majority of which are in place to protect the members of the Board, not you. That is a stunning and shocking revelation.

There are other elements of law where there is also no real constitutional protection as well, the most common one being “bullying” done to children who are not yet of legal age. Children do not have the same “constitutional protections” as adults. In most jurisdictions, when bullying occurs the law has no application of protection unless the child is actually physically attacked. Even in cases of actual physical attack, often there is no prosecution against the attackers, or “legal” recourse.

This is a perfect metaphor for sham peer review. In adolescent and child bullying, most of the “protections” are built in to protect school districts and municipalities. While it is possible to sue districts for inadequate child protection, this is a Pyrrhic victory because actual settlements are exceedingly rare and in any case, your child has already been damaged, sometimes irreversibly.
You need MORE than a lawyer, because the legal ammunition that lawyers provide is very limited in cases where there are no Constitutional protections.

Fortunately there is a person who actually has the skills to fight sham peer review, since the year 2000. More recently he also has developed methods to get relicensed and find locum tenens positions for physicians who have had denials of state licensure. This is an entirely new format of services for the CPRJ and has been surprisingly successful for clients willing to share the “work-load” with the Center.

In fact, Dr. Richard Willner has been active and highly successful in both sham peer review and rehabilitation of “lost” licensure in cases that have run to that extreme. Dr. Willner is an unusual person, with both great empathy and a curious ability to see the reasons behind the actions against his clients. Much of this comes with his vast experience, but there is certainly an “innate” talent that very few people, physician, lawyer or administrator have. Just as a great concert pianist starts out with innate talent, Dr. Willner seems to have been “born” to accomplish things that very few people can do.

I urge you to hire the CPRJ in your battle against the bullies. Most of you have worked through attorneys. The very fact that you are considering CPRJ means that you probably have reached the end point of their consultations and efforts. But in truth, you should have started out with Dr. Willner and HIS own hand-picked legal counsel. You cannot make a better choice. Feel free to call me if you have any questions.

M. R, DPM

Mon, 22 Feb 2016

P. M., MD

I am happy to tell you the Center for Peer Review Justice cleared me without any Databanking & I am at my first day back to work after a long 5 months!!

Thank you for all your help. I am thrilled.
P.M., MD 2-9-16

Linda Brodsky, MD

I think you want to speak to Dr. Richard Willner. He has extraordinary experience in situations, such as you, while a resident, are terminated wrongfully. Let me know how things work out and keep me in the loop.

Linda Brodsky, MD Professor

Dr. V, MD, JD

Dr. Richard Willner sustains the ‘spinal integrity’ of a champion. His efforts and witness are for those suffering the abusive efforts of ‘would be’ regulators. ‘Would be’ as evidence abounds the regulation is of the regulator’s self interest.

It has been my pleasure and honor to author some efforts that endorses YOU as well your convictions so apparent. It is honest for me to note that while I share your goals, a time for me under your mentoring is needed before I’d know a faintest hope of being as effective as you, this endeavor. A card carrying “Willner applauder” I am and will remain and I will encourage my own growth to better assist you and your so vital mission. Knowing you in a first person has allowed my review and appreciation of your efforts based on hard facts birthed from the results evident flowing causally from the ‘why’ and ‘how’ as you stand resolute.

Respectfully, Dr. V., MD JD

12/3/2015

Dr. R.

My observation is that Rich has “cracked” the code of being able to find physicians Locum Tenens positions for doctors who have been data banked.

I don’t know of anyone else who has this unusual skill or experience. He probably did not mention this to you, but he has various “connections” in this industry that nobody else has. These were not developed by any special techniques or “slight of hand”. They were EARNED by years of experience in the sham peer review and data banked physician’s industry. Obtaining these took thousands of hours of telephone calls and applications for various “down on their luck doctors.

Regretfully it is not just “what you know’, but whom you know. Rich knows the “whom” ( Please excuse my fractured English) When you work with Rich, you have access to them.

Dr R. 8-10-15

Donna Rovito, Editor

An appeal will have about a 1% chance of success. The reason is that he really did resign while under investigation. This is no longer a legal battle but one for super arbiter Richard Willner

Attorney A.T, MD, JD Medical Staff Legal Expert 4-14-15 1:00PM

Kudos for the work you do, Dr Willner”

4-16-15 public on Facebook

A. T., MD, JD

An appeal will have about a 1% chance of success. The reason is that he really did resign while under investigation. This is no longer a legal battle but one for super arbiter Richard Willner.

Attorney A.T, MD, JD Medical Staff Legal Expert

4-14-15

Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM

It should be obvious reading the sage advice of Dr. JD above that the cards are stacked against any victim of sham peer review. Often economic interests of competitors making charges against the victim are the very first concern. Your first thought is to race ahead, run screaming, into the office of the hospital CEO, calling your opponents up and swearing vociferously at them. Don’t do it.

You cannot do this yourself. You need expert help. Fortunately, such help is available.. Dr JD above-mentioned you should consult lawyers who are experts in peer review. Actually, there are very few who have the experience you need.

Ironically, and surprisingly, there is an ex-DPM who, although he is not an attorney, had exactly that experience. I have no working relationship with him, but have known him for many years. Most of his “clients’ are medical doctors in various stages of having their careers and lives shredded. he first started out “defending” a fellow DPM, but in fact almost all of the people he now works with are medical doctors.

You can learn about him here: Peer Review Justice .. His name is Richard Willner.

Thankfully, i have never had a personal experience with sham peer review. Although he is not himself an attorney, he has an entire phalanx of expert attorneys at his beck and call. His knowledge of the laws regarding peer review are unmatched, with the obvious exception of the attorneys he works with. At the very least, you should give him a call. there is a very real possibility that Dr JD above also works with Dr Willner and obtains clients from him.

Dr Willner has an excellent reputation in a very arcane and unexpected domain for an ex-podiatrist. You will never find a more vigorous, able and experienced consigliere in your new struggle.

He also has contacts and skills in helping you put your life together, with the very real possibility of getting another job, should you be forced to leave your present situation. Not surprisingly, that happens all too frequently after you face a sham peer review experience. Ostensibly this was designed to protect patients. Ultimately, it is war.

Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM Response to a blog, 1/17/15

Name Withheld

At a time when my world seemed to be crashing down on my head, Richard Willner was sent like an angel to help me in my fight for justice.

It was very lucky for me that Mr. Willner and his Center for Peer Review Justice were involved in the areas of Peer Review, Licensing and Data Banking and has carved out a niche in which he utilizes “extra legal” and “extra judicial” defenses to come to the aid of doctors who are paralyzed by a legal morass in which the other side seems to have all the protection and there is not the legal protections that we expect in America. The fact is that Boards and Peer Review Panels do not work under the premise that you are innocent unless proven guilty. They see their role as one to protect the public even if it means that the professional is wrongly convicted or restricted. Sometimes they have other less noble motives.

In a field where the success rate is very low because the other side has immunity, he seems to win for his “clients”/doctors.

He gives lectures to healthcare lawyers and is well respected by his peers. Each case is different. There are different situations and different players, so he develops creative solutions which change with the playing field. Don’t expect a cookie cutter job. He won’t tell you what he is going to do. He gets to the bottom of things and gets results one step at a time.

Over the last two years, I have seen his clients/doctors have satisfactory results time and time again. Often the wins are very quiet. Sometimes, I have seen where he has toppled a corrupt Board and its lawyer or mounted a legislative battle to result in a win. Richard knows how to utilize the media to your best use. Most wins are much lower key. He has been a trial consultant and keeps up with cases all over the country.

He is intensely focused with your winning and staying in practice, whether it is making some behind the scene calls or working to get data bank information changed to better reflect a situation. Sometimes he is just there to support you emotionally so you have the strength to win the game.

Richard Willner started the field of “extra-legal/ extra-judicial” defense with his Center for Peer Review Justice. He affordably provides things that lawyers are unable to do. Certainly, you need to have expert Legal Advice as well. Mr. Willner balances your defense with an offense which the system is not expecting.

I might liken using a legal defense to playing piano with only the white keys. Mr Willner’s extra-legal defense, rounds out your program with the black keys….The sharps and the flats that are needed to get you through a perilous situation.

I would heartily recommend Mr Willner to most people wanting a full defense.

Name Withheld, Texas

Dr M. R.

The irony is that YOU are the only person who can fix her. She doesn’t know that. And for that reason she will be squeezed out of medicine. And that is surely her own fault. A “closed mind” will close her down. I would tell you that you are the only person who can find a way to keep her medical license.

1-3-15

Anonymous

By Chance ( and his hard work), there is a podiatrist ( of all people) who has taken on Sham Peer Review and has tried on numerous times to not only change the law, but also helped a number of victims in substantial and surprisingly effective ways.

As a matter of disclosure, I do not work for him, although I have assisted some of his clients. His name is Richard Willner, DPM, and he can be reached at: The Center For Peer Review Justice. He did not ask me to post this and is not aware that I have. If you are a victim, you could find it to your benefit to contact him.

1-2-15 Public Post on a Forum.

Dr. C.

Richard,

I don’t care if you are successful or not successful helping me. You were there when I needed you. Richard, you are a genius and a wonderful caring person dedicated to helping others.

Dr C. 1-1-15

Dr. D. C.

Regarding helping to protect doctors from retaliation there are effective organizations out there.

For example, The Center For Peer Review Justice. Not only do they protect against retaliation but they repair credentialing problems and help with hospital privileges. I have noticed about 100 testimonials on that site.

I have talked to them many times. They are very intelligent.

Dr D. C. Posted on Forum. 12/31/14

XX

There are MANY knowledgeable attorneys with expertise to defend targeted docs but the most knowledgeable expert I know with the best success rate is a guy who I call the “Hospital Whisperer”, Richard Willner. You can contact him at (504) 621-1670

Referral from XX. 12-7-14

Dr. J. C.

Dear Dr. Willner,

Thanks for your help again. You truly are a physician advocate for life. You successfully help me reverse a Hospital Summary Suspension in the past. I successfully got a physician job and hospital privileges in another Hospital. I was being a doctor caring for my patients and being an advocate for them. The Health insurance wanted to have meeting with me. I got nervous and “out of the blue” one week before the meeting, you called me to ask how I was doing and do I like my job. I told you about my meeting coming up with the insurance company and you gave me tips to help me with meeting. When I had the meeting with the insurance company, I ” hit the ball out of the park” in defending myself. The insurance wanted me to save money them money, rather than be an advocate for my patients, I told them my commitment to saving them money and I am “safe” for now thanks to your advice. God Bless You!

Dr J. C.

Dan

I am shocked at all your accomplishments. You helped so many people because you care about people. You are a genius, caring and compassionate person who helps others.

Dan (podiatrist)

Friday, September 19, 2014

C.H., MD

Rich Willner has been a great source of advice and support– if I only I had known about him when all of this occurred. I found him thru Dr Linda Brodsky in the days after the trial, having many long discussions while driving.

C.H., MD 8-6-14

Pastor Alvin J. Jackson,

 

Dear Dr. Willner,

I along with the members of the First Emmanuel Baptist Church located at 1301 Solon Street, Gretna, Louisiana would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your personal concern for patients starting up the Diabetic Black American Outreach Program. The valuable information you provided regarding Diabetes and the Black community did indeed help answer many questions that the members had. In many instances for those in attendance the questions answered and information you provided were the first step in recognizing and dealing with the serious problem of Diabetes.

This outreach program already has proven to be very successful. In the short period of time it has reached Black at the following churches: Secondary Highway Baptist Church, Regular Baptist Church, St. Stephens Baptist Church.

So again, I would like to thank you for doing something that has never been done before. You have stretched out your hands to a community, and race or people that had little knowledge of a very serious problem affecting them. The implementation of the Diabetic Black American Outreach Program will help many of those that would not otherwise seek help or answers to many of their questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Rev. Alvin J. Jackson

Dr C. Allison

What is the difference between Richard Willner and a Pit Bull?

The Pit Bull will eventually give up
Dr C. Allison

9-14-13 Public Post on a Forum

C. H. A.

Subject: What it’s Like to Work with Richard Willner

One word INTENSE! He never gives up and never gives in!! If he tells you to do something that you think is strange or even crazy, just do it. He is much more experienced about what he does then you will ever be.

Winning isn’t everything with Richard, it the ONLY thing! You will know this within the first five minutes you talk to him. He is tough, blunt and relentless and all those are compliments. I cannot predict the future outcome but do know that everything will be left out on the field of battle. All efforts will be expended.

That”s what it means to work with Richard Willner.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

R. Lawrence

I have recommended that those who are having to defend a license contact a consultant specializing in licenses, Dr Richard Willner, who has a web page that has impressed me with the high profile he has gained through consulting with his clients.

R. Lawrence. 8/16/13

R. G.

“You will excel at this just as you excel at everything else”

RG 12-30-12

Craig Wax, DO

Dr. Richard Willner is an expert in government program compliance and reversing sham peer review. His track record is outstanding in both categories. Dr. Willner is dedicated to his work in righting the wrongs of absolute power. He is an exemplary consultant, worthy adversary and man of many talents.”

12/6/12

Anonymous

Richard—-
thank you again for your help in successfully derailing a sham peer review at the Hospital. I request your help currently in my future participation with the hospital.

Over the past 5 years, I hardly ever admit patients to the Hospital nor do I perform elective surgery at their facilities. However, I have been MANDATED to perform on-call at the hospital 1 out of every 6 nights. 3 months ago a brand new specialist came to to the city and was hired by another Hospital and given full privileges at my Hospital but has never been on the call schedule. What I am looking for from your standpoint is options that I can pursue whereby I would be dismissed from on-call obligations with the condition that I can admit and treat my PRIVATE patients under emergency circumstances without harassment. I have submitted my renewal of privileges with WRITTEN omission of facial trauma, elective tracheostomy, transfer of patients from the operating room to the ICU (the subject of my sham peer review), conscious sedation, pediatric airway, and pediatric emergencies on unassigned patients. I also made it clear in writing that I do not participate in Medicaid. I have not heard any response—-they may make it easy by denial of renewal. If they harass me over it, yet they allow a brand new specialist physician to skate out of call unopposed, I may need you and your attorney to help me push them back.

November 1, 2012 12:11 pm

Note: Names of Hospitals and specialties were deleted for privacy.

Richard, MD

(comments in English below)

A quien corresponda

Estamos en tiempos de cambio donde,cada Americano gasta un promedio 17 centavos por cada dollar en el systema de cuidado de salud en los Estado Unidos . Se espera que ne el ano 2019 el gasto va a subir a 19.3% del gasto total de la economia.

Los ganadores en este proceso son las grandes corporaciones como las aseguranzas y los hospitals y los perdedores son los pacientes y los medicos.

Con esta direccion es facil predecir el abuso sin escrupulos de los hospitals que se apoyan en las mismas leyes utilizadas para proteccion de los medicos por el govierno federal para fines de gananacia financieros.

Yo soy medico Internista ,he practicando medicina desde 1986, nunca envuelta en “law suits”. Cuando tuve mi primer experiencia de esta naturaleza a mis 49 anos me senti regresada al ano de 1986 a un nivel tercermundista, enfrentada un un monton de abuzones, montoneros sin escrupulos que se sentian y se sienten los duenos del hospital y querian destruir mi Carrera con quejas inexistentes y ambiguas.

Los hospitalistas y los medico de emergencias son un problema muy grave en los hospitals porque ellos son grupos asalariados que saltan a posiciones de “poder” escudados con la inmunidad legal que da la ley de HCQIA que esta escrita en la la constitucion de los Estados Unidos para monopolizar los hospitals y destruir competicion. En otras palabras en muchas ocasiones ellos violan las “Antitrust Law’.

En mi caso La tactica que se utiliza gneralmente es un “non spoken agreement”entre medicos asalalariados que gozan de( inmunidad federal legal HCQIA) para protegerse de cualquier actividad de ataque en contra de otro medico.

Por ejemplo la dinamica del hospital es el poder de “gate keeper” el medico de emergencia que “decide” a donde va el paciente, y el poder de “gate keeper” del medico hospitalista rechaza el paciente a el piso de medicina si no tiene aseguranza, o si esta en “grey line” o si representa una gran “liability”.

El paciente con grandes problemas medicos y un poco de depression y sin aseguranza llega a la unidad de psiquiatry ( que es el “sewage” del hospital) que no esta equipada para tratar problems medicos pero que sin embargo el hospital recive charities for la admission! medicos en solo practica recivimos la carga financiera, la “liability” y responasbilidad, asi como el abuso intimidacion y riesgo de reporte a la AMA por el mismo grupo que hace toda la distorcion de la dinamica.!!!!

Debido a esta dinamica La mortalidad de la unidad de psyquiatria estaba fracturada. Antes de que yo llegara a este hospital, yo habia visto pacientes psquiatricos por 12 anos antes de practicar en este Nuevo hospital y ellos probablemente no sabian que yo tenia zero mortalidad en mi record.

Esta gente empezo a levanter quejas y mas quejas en contra mia en menos de un ano a un numero de casi cuarenta de detalles inexistentes y como en mi cultura dicen “casi me tenian con la pata en el pescuezo.

One afternoon before I went to their peer review I had an impending fear and I called Richard B. Willner, CEO THE CENTER FOR PEER REVIEW JUSTICE and you want to know how he helped me, right Well it happen that he is also Executive VP from Americas Medical Society, as well as the CEO of the Gale News Network ( GNN) and people who abuse legal federal power also fear the shame of an scandal specially if there is evidence of abuse.

Richard B. Willner, was as a silent respectable shield that not only protected me but guided me. He assured me that I was entitled to enjoy the social benefits that the US market provide to its citizens, he asked me never to give up. Richard told me in his words “they do not own the hospital, you are a good Dr. you deserve to be where you are, and continue there Please………

Thank you,

San Antonio TEXAS

October 1, 2012

Robert W. Liles, ESQ, MBA, MS

Dr. Willner is an experienced advocate. He represents physicians and other licensed health care providers around the country who have been accused of wrongdoing and are facing the loss of their hospital privileges and / or their license to practice medicine. Notably, Dr. Willner has been able to succeed in cases where legal representation may have failed. While there are some cases where even Dr. Willner may not ultimately prevail, his clients are assured of a hard-fought battle on their behalf. As an attorney, I heartily welcome Dr. Willner’s expertise and assistance in peer review cases.

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Good Value

Robert W. Liles, ESQ, MBA, MS
October 1, 2012

Robert Liles, JD, MBA, MS
Mr Liles heads one of the nation’s leading law firms focused on healthcare fraud defense and regulatory matters representing providers in civil, criminal and administrative proceedings. He was the first National Health Care Fraud Coordinator and subsequently worked as Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for United States Attorneys. He serves as outside compliance counsel to a number of national healthcare organizations.

R. F., MD

I worked with Richard Willner at the time, and continue to work with him helping other physicians that find themselves in this precarious situation. Yes, Richard is unconventional and has unconventional methods . I have witnessed and been involved in two cases that Richard was successful in saving a doctor’s career. This is not about the cases, it is about someone not liking you.

The cases are solely a method to get rid of you. The cards are stacked against you right now and all of the assets in their corner. Much like the American revolutionaries who fought against insurmountable odds and revered to guerrilla tactics to win the war, I believe one has to level the playing field to prevail in thie arena. I believe in order to level that field, one must employ unconventional tactics. Richard is that guerrilla fighter.

R. F. MD 4-30-12

Attorney S.

You are amazing at getting in to the players early and getting matters resolved before they take a wrong turn.

Attorney S.

4-23-2012

L. L.

To: Richard W.
Sent: Sunday, December 18, 2011
Subject: Bless you!!!

So Richard; how do I express my “dripping” praise for you? Well, I am now wearing 3 winter jackets so I can perspire to the point of dripping gallons of sweat as a symbolic gesture. You are very generous and I appreciate from the heart what you are doing.
Will be in touch.

Enjoy your game as well. The Jets need to run the table I think at this point to get the last Wild Card spot.

Lou

Dean

I have seen you go to the mat for people who deserve it and win, Richard. Glad to be a part of what you do”

Dean ( Network Administrator and our digital consultant).

2/08/11

L. G., MD

Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Subject: thank you

Rich,

Just under a year ago, I was in danger of losing my career. I was thrown into an experience which was horrifying, stressful, expensive, and downright degrading. I was being attacked. When I first spoke with you, I was afraid you would think I was a horrible person (as those shammers would have one believe.)

You listened and saw the truth and helped me; you stuck with me and we ended up victorious. I wanted to thank you for all your help. that sounds so trite in comparison to all you did for me. You truly are a saint. You even took the time to speak with me late at night when I would call terrified about keeping my career. You are intelligent, committed, energetic, and innovative; and you have many good friends in many places. You are dedicated to your work and to doing the right thing whatever it takes. I commend you.

You are probably responsible for many lives being saved that you don’t even know of. Why? Because you save the practices of those physicians who are the good ones, who get wrongly accused by the bad ones. You really should be sainted or knighted or something like that. Words do not do justice to express my heartfelt appreciation to you!

Sincerely,
L.G., MD

K. M. S., MD

Sent: Monday, November 7, 2011

Dr. Willner,

I just want to express my heart felt gratitude towards you. I truly believe God put you in my life as a guardian angel. When I first contacted you, I felt relieved just to have someone to talk to who believed in me and offered me guidance throughout this whole process. I had no idea what a huge role you would play in helping me get my license. Throughout the months, I have not always known exactly what your plans would be or what you were doing behind the scenes, but now in looking back, it all makes sense. I know I say this a lot, but I definitely feel as though you were made for doing what you do. You have the knowledge and experience to correct the wrongs of the medical field, but above all, you have the heart. You have a heart of gold and truly care about people, and that is why you are so successful.

The past few weeks leading up to the medical board hearing were so stressful and I could not have gotten through it without you. I can never express enough to you my gratitude for you driving all the way down here to be at my side during the hearing. Without you, I would not have a license or a career in medicine. You have made a friend for life. Please let me know if there is anything I can ever do for you…

K. M. S., MD

K. S.

From: KS
To: Richard Willner
Sent: Monday, May 2, 2011

Subject: Dear Richard,

Thank you for all your hard work. I know you have your heart and soul in what you do. It is clear to me you give everything a great deal of thought and you are always working on your cases, day and night. I know what you do doesn’t happen without a tremendous amount of caring as well as a keen intelligence. I have been so grateful you have been there for me so many time. It is very overwhelming going through all the changes and to work through all the uncertainty it brings to one’s life. I am confident if there is anyone who can help me it is you. My very best to you for your dedication and unyielding desire to help those of us who find ourselves in what feels like an insurmountably array of difficulties that come with a scam peer review.

K. S. in Massachusetts

W. P. R.

Sent: Mon, October 11, 2010
Subject: Thank you

Dr. Willner,

Thank you for your hard work and invaluable insights with regard to handling disciplinary matters with the medical board. Your approach to handling these matters helped avoid a deportation because the lack of due process protections in medical board matters may frustrate favorable resolution through the adversarial legal processes available to physicians.

W. P. R.

A letter from the Hospital following a killer sham? That is a first. Who would believe it?

T. H., DO, FACOOG

Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Subject: Happy Holidays!!

Dear Rich, Our spirits were raised today when we read the APOLOGY letter from our old hospital. It has been expensive, stressful, and educational for myself and my family to survive the ordeals begun a year ago. Thanks for your ongoing support and for always being there for us. Talking to you first prevented me from doing or saying the wrong thing….our surgeons’ angel!! Thanks for everything!!

T. H., DO, FACOOG

(Anonymous)

December 10, 2007

Dear Rich,

Until recently, I had never known the real depths of despair. As an individual who has desired to be a physician from a very young age, witnessing first-hand the near destruction of my career was tantamount to being annihilated as a person. Your perseverance to rectify my situation and to seek-out the hidden method to unravel and thus resolve the dilemma of my career is nothing but phenomenal. The drive with which you approached the case and your unyielding desire to see this “wrong” put to “right” is remarkable. Few individuals have the motivation to help anyone in a situation such as this, yet you assisted me although I was previously unknown to you. Quickly, you established a method to salvage my career. You did that for me as well as many others. I can not thank you enough for the work that you have accomplished.

If I could reward you the Nobel Prize for humanitarianism… I would do so. There are many unsung heroes in this world. You are definitely one of them. A civil rights activist of sorts…. Leading the fight for those unjustly accused who have committed no crime except that of desiring quality. Unfortunately, the medical community has named the outspoken disruptive. Ironic, I think, in a land where speech is to be free. Is it really free if it costs one his/her career? I think not.

I applaud your efforts and those of your hidden “band of brothers” who guide you along the way.

May you continue to persevere for those of our medical family who are unjustly persecuted.

Please continue your grass-roots efforts to inform the uninformed of the misnomer assigned to the phrase peer review.

With heart-felt gratitude,

(Anonymous)

B. B.

December 5, 2007
Subject: RE: Orlando Medical News

Fascinating, Rich.

I have to say, when I read this, I felt a deep sense of pride & privilege. I wish my Mom had been alive to know what you¢re doing. She was like that; she’d stand up, and defend others, the weak, and those who’ve been given a raw deal. You ended up helping many, many others with their careers. This is not only cool, it¢s great. I¢m really impressed at the position you’ve established here. You¢re a f***** ghost buster!

B. B.

M. P., M.D.

December 2007 – Follow Link for Orlando Medical News Article
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Subject: LOUISIANA MEDICAL NEWS
DATE: October 30, 2007
TO: Richard Willner, DPM
RE: LOUISIANA MEDICAL NEWS (follow link for full article)

Rich:
Congratulations! This is an excellent article. I applaud your accomplishments, and wish you continued success in the battle against the ‘Whores of Healthcare’.

Sincerely,
M. P., M.D.

Ted Griggs, Louisiana Medical News

Dr. Richard B. Willner’s crusade began seven years ago (2000) with an e-mail. In it, Dr. Brian Gale described his battle with the North Dakota Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners. Gale maintained the dispute began when he left another doctor’s practice to begin his own. That doctor sued Gale, and the board filed disciplinary charges against Gale. The resulting ordeal was at the eight-year mark when Willner got involved. By that time, Gale had run through seven attorneys and burned through more than $500,000 in legal fees, only to lose at the state Supreme Court.

I asked him to send me a copy of the source documents,” Willner said. “He sent me 29 pounds worth. I went through them. I saw he was 100 percent truthful, and I did not understand how a state board could terrorize a licensee. I volunteered to help him.” Three years later, every board member had resigned from the North Dakota board, Willner said.

You’ve got a guy, a middle-aged man who said, ‘You know, I don’t really want to do another hammer toe surgery again. I’ve had enough,’ Willner said. “I want to do something better. I want to do something dynamic.” He founded The Center for Peer Review Justice Inc. The center now has offices in Kenner and Dallas. Eventually Willner retired as a podiatrist.

Source: Ted Griggs, Louisiana Medical News [10/25/07]

 

Pam

September 24, 2007 7:19:29 PM
Subject: Re: Holiday Season

Rich,

I too want to wish you and your family the happiest of holidays! I am still hopeful that all of your efforts will help to salvage the career my husband has worked so hard for, literally giving up everything to dedicate himself to the care of his patients. It is heartbreaking to watch such a truly gifted surgeon, who has made such a profound difference in the lives of so many, be literally robbed of his livelihood and his ability to provide for his own family — unjustly, by others who feel threatened by his skill and compassion. For literally five years now I have watched the man I love suffer in a way I never knew possible…the collateral damage is unfathomable.

If it weren’t for your ongoing encouragement and support, I don’t know what might have happened… you continue to be his beacon of light leading him out of the darkness. I too will never forget you and will forever be grateful for all that you have and continue to do to help him! You are an angel of mercy sent from heaven above to fight for the downtrodden when they have lost the will to fight for themselves. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for all the support you continue to provide!

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Pam

S. M., MD

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Richard all of you will be recognized for your good deeds. Since experiencing the process first hand the world seems a much more complex place than just a few months ago. I look around and every one is gunning for doctors. What is the point of all this schooling, training, experience and talent if groups want you obliterated on whim? Is this the price of physician existence constant? vigilance, preparation, and engagement? As an aside I remember Clarence Thomas during his nomination hearings refer to a “lynching” Justice Thomas has no clue what a real lynching is.

Modern organized medicine is a joke. Physicians need to take some of that money they are throwing away and donate it to a group that can help them where the rubber meets the road.

The “REAL” organized medicine is the CPRJ and its think tank.

Peace,

S. M., MD

Candace

Sept 17, 2007

My husband did not utilize Rich. He decided to continue it on his own. Rich will work very hard for you. I am familiar with the cases he has won and it’s incredible actually. Rich is relentless & an amazing individual. Thank you and good luck. I wish you the best. I was not prepared for the battle. It was relentless and shocking & so very unfair. My husband was my soul mate & best friend. He was a beautiful human being: Generous, kind, nurses referred to him as a gift to their hospital. It’s important that you do not try to carry this all on your own. I trust that you have a tremendous support system.

Candace (widow of obstetrician who committed suicide)

Dr. D. G.

Dr. Richard Willner, the director of the Center for Peer Review Justice, has been an ardent, strong supporter of me during the attempts of my ex-business partner and my wife’s ex-husband to destroy my professional career. These two professionals (?) filed complaint, after complaint in an attempt to get my license suspended and revoked between 2004 and 2008. Despite obstacle after obstacle in my battle to save my professional career, we prevailed with the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts. That is not to say, I didn’t get reprimanded. It must continue medical record-based supervision until 2012; faced public censure; and fines. The “win” for us was that I am able to continue to treat hundreds of patients who rely on me for their professional treatment. My patients have been loyal and dedicated to me. I remain loyal and dedicated to them. I owe my professional career to my patients and Dr. Richard Willner. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Dr. D. G.
Child Psychiatrist

Lawrence Huntoon, MD, PhD.

I think it is a major accomplishment – i.e. it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, in most cases, for a prophet to be recognized in his own town (comes from the New Testament).

Justice and fairness that is dependent on people and not the rule of law is a very tenuous thing. People come and go.

Lawrence Huntoon, MD, PhD.

Sam, MD

August 7, 2007

Dr. McKalip, the biggest risk to medical practice economic viability I have never heard mentioned at the FMA, AMA, or any county medical society meeting.

Read this excellent article (link below) and the insert sections on peer review. As a 2 time FMA delegate who is just beginning to get a feel for the process, I may have simply missed resolutions on this issue. Ultimately the biggest imminent threat to your practice economic viability and your medical licensure comes not from insurance companies but from your fellow physicians and local hospital systems.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/03299/234499.stm

The 4 part series of articles was written in 2003 and I cannot believe I had no clue about their significance and content. There are few if any organizations that actually help physicians with this threat to their economic practice viability. It is quite literally the mucormycosis of your professional career. Like that disease it is rare, poorly recognized, and rapidly devastating with high degree of morbidity and mortality.

I have no financial interest in the center for peer review justice except that I am a member.

Sam, MD

Candace

April 19, 2007
Subject: Re: Fw: Sham Peer Review survival

Rich, thank you for keeping me abreast and updated.

You are an Angel of Light for the professionals. A strength during their storm, a light of hope and one who is able to produce results in favor of the Professional.

Candace (widow of obstetrician who committed suicide)

T. H., OB/GYN

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Dear Rich,

It has been a pleasure working with you. By taking your advice, even when it seemed to go against what some attorney and medical practice advisors told me, I am saved. Unless you have experienced a shamming, you won’t know how isolating and anxiety producing life in the hospital trenches can be. Your experience and knowledge were my light and beacon. You can’t cover true light with darkness.

All of the “experts” that I have had to use in my situation did their jobs, you actually helped me stay on the correct course. I now have many “experts” interested in your opinion and we have been working with your advice in mind.

My husband was happy that I could call you late at night, over weekends, multiple times when we needed to do some problem solving. I was actually able to have some wonderful family moments during this very rough patch, because the Center helped me to “decompress”.

Some of my colleagues, who knew I was being shammed, were impressed by how happy and calm I was during my peer review process. It wasn’t Prozac; it was Rich. I was able to stay positive and focused on saving my career because you helped me maintain my confidence in myself.

My life took a different course than expected. I am on the verge of some wonderful opportunities. It was because you kept me strong with my head held high, that I was able to see that there were other places to use my skills. You have many connections to very useful and talented people. It was wonderful to belong to this medical, professional fraternity.

I owe you everything. I will gladly help others if I can. Please let me know what I can do. Sham peer review is a career – ender. Sham peer review should be stopped. It can happen to anyone.

Sincerely,

T. H., OB/GYN

OB GYN, Michigan

Sunday, February 25, 2007 5:59 AM

Seems to me Rich, you look like my guardian angel. I can just barely make out the halo.

OB GYN, Michigan

R. L., M.D.

Dec 15, 2006

Rich,

It is really quite amazing to me the degree of perseverance you have for working on these sham peer review cases. As we all know, some of these cases take a great deal of time to resolve, yet you continue to look for windows of opportunity until there is a resolution. The resolution we all seek is to get back to work in our field of training, and nobody has a success record that can compare to yours.

I want to thank you for your consideration and continuing efforts, and always being available whenever I have a question or a problem. I can’t think of anyone else, in any business, who is literally available all hours of all the days of the week! I cannot imagine trying to negotiate this course without your assistance.

Sincerely,

R. L., M.D.

Bernie

December 2006

Dear Rich:

Thank you for the long email. You ARE a beacon of light.

Absolutely! I remain deeply saddened of the reality that physicians are being hunted and destroyed by hostile hospital administrators, medical boards and peers. You are fighting a war that you certainly will win. My heart continues to grieve for the talented professionals who become targets and “are driven to slaughter.” You are their light and their hope. It is wonderful to watch your organization grow.
Candace (widow of obstetrician who committed suicide)
Saturday, November 04, 2006

Thanks for the encouragement Rich. I really do appreciate your insight and perspectives relative to my situation. These have been quite helpful. Have a great weekend even though I know that you work continuously.

Bernie

J. C., MD

Oct 28, 2005

I will do anything you suggest. I am very impressed with what you have done and the people you have surrounded yourself with. you have surrounded yourself with reputable people and thank you for letting me even be part of this.

J.C., MD

Dr. K.

September 2005

Dear Rich,

Thanks for being a light in the darkness. Losing my license because bad people did things in my office has been the pits. You have been a great encouragement to me; and helped me to reach out and do the right thing and the positive “makes a difference thing”. You have given me worthwhile and supportive advice and helped me to get through these bad days. It has helped me to understand the people and power plays behind the injustice.

You have helped me get to a positive outcome. I think you have a great grasp of the games being played .I just would like you to know that I count you among my friends. Sometimes you have to do what creates the best outcome, not what ever comes first to mind. I was really too mad and down to think straight.

I would recommend your consulting for anyone that gets shot down by a very flawed system. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Sincerely,
Dr. K.

R., MD

Sunday, September 04, 2005

Dr. Willner,

I want to thank you for your support throughout my dealings with peer review fraud since 2001. You have truly helped my family and I survive this crime.

Your knowledge and expertise have proven to be invaluable in matters of peer review fraud. I would strongly recommend that anyone who thinks they may be involved in a medical staff conflict contact you immediately. To ignore this recommendation is foolhardy, and could mean the end of a career. Those of us who have been through these events know. You are truly an expert, if not the only expert, in this field.

A physician may be represented by one of the best attorneys money can buy, but I guarantee they are still handicapped if they don’t have your support. No affiliation with any physician group (AMA, TMA, etc.) is going to significantly help, either. Of all the money I have spent on defending myself, I have only seen returns on the investment in time and money I have made with you and your organization.

In fact, I fear there is nobody who could continue the services that you and your organization provide should anything happen to you. So, you and your family are welcome to stay at my home anytime a hurricane threatens Louisiana again.

I never knew such acts as peer review fraud were possible in the U.S. Fortunately, you have been helping victims of peer review fraud successfully fight this (type of crime) for years! Your organization is more valuable, both to the physician and the public, than the AMA.

Sincerely,
R., M.D.
Chief, Dept. of Surgery-
Diplomate, American Board of Surgery

M. D., JD

All of us who are reasonable and concerned about peer review know of Rich’s abilities and dedication. He has a vast amount of experience in this area as well as connections and a sound fund of knowledge. We need him and physicians who have been shammed need him.
M. D., JD

B. H., MD, JD

I think we need to have Rich Willner involved in the US Congressional hearings. He would bring a wealth of experience in the trenches and has a database of numerous cases. He also could give a more broad perspective than most of our members.

Bill (Chairman) 3-31-05
B. H. MD, JD

Anonymous

11/08/04

Dear Rich,

Thank you for enrolling me in the CPRJ’s physician education center. The volume of information contained in the program was impressive. It was very educational and enlightening to review the sixty landmark legal cases that involved and went against “disruptive” physicians. I was floored by the case summary suspensions and the catastrophic consequences they cause. Most fascinating was how there seemed to be an automatic presumption of psychiatric of substance abuse problems in the physicians accused.

As physicians we deal with out peers as our ” colleagues” and assume they will understand our behavior. I now realize, with the help your program and ability to effectively communicate this information, that physicians must review the peer review process as a legal one and not “grand rounds”. It is so important that physicians understand the meaning of the work” disruptive” and how nurses and other hospital staff apply it to our behavior with almost complete immunity.

Your program is complete and thorough in every way and I am sure it is in no small part due to your passion for your job. You are able to motivating and demanding or your physicians, but in a funny and dynamic way. Most importantly, I am certain that this program can improve performance and patient care.

As CEO of the CPRJ you show a unique passion and attention to physicians needs which makes a winning combination.

Again, thank you so much for the hard work you have done for me and all of CPRJ’s clients.

Anonymous

South Carolina Lawyer

I admire your diligence and commitment to this very important area. While you may not receive the thanks you obviously deserve, I am certain that there is many a health professional who has benefited from your dedication.

One day, all of us that are committed to this very important issue where medicine and law converge will celebrate HCQIA’s being amended to mandate constitutional due process and move the burden of persuasion from the physicians to the Hospitals. We are only one Supreme Court case away.

Keep up the good work.

South Carolina Lawyer (name available upon request)

Remember, great is your reward in heaven

R.M., MD

Dear Dr.Willner,

Thank you for listening to me and trying to help me. You are a very good person, honest, sincere, trust worthy, over all a person who really cares and says and does what is practical/real/helping with open heart…no amount of money can do that….I am so much grateful I met you and you are helping me.

Thank you DOC…. You are one of a kind…

R.M., MD

J. Matthews, MD

Richard Willner is clearly the front runner in the area of Advocacy in the Peer Review Arena.

This is an area where the Peer Review Organizations enjoy an incredible shield of Immunity which insulates them from having grievances addressed in a legal arena.

These are human Beings making decisions on issues that often relate to personality, professional relationships, often secret, personal agendas, market shares, styles of practice, life styles, race, religion and many other things that should not be part of the peer review process.

Richard Willner has mastered the area of Extra Legal Methods to address the Peer Review Organizations. How do you Shine a Light on things that these Boards and Committees have done. They do not like the negative publicity that results when their mistakes and often corruption is made public.

Advocacy costs money. One should not expect it to be free. People who promote things deserve to be compensated. That is whether they are advocating as a Lobbyist, or preparing an advertising campaign for a product or your practice. Richard Willner acts as a personal advocate for individuals to bring their case to light, or possibly to restore a reputation that has been trashed.

There are not many people who do what Richard Willner does. Where would you begin to find someone with his skills or even to know that someone with his skills exists when you need them. Certainly the best place to tell people about yourself and your services is anywhere that you are explaining what has happen need to others.

You may not like the fact that there is someone there advocating for people who have gotten shafted…but he has been successful because you know he is there.

Richard WILLNER is a Master of the Extra Legal Approach to Defense against Administrative Injustice. You should be thankful that there is someone that is there to help you when you need him

 

J. Matthews, MD
August, 2004

Lawrence Huntoon, MD, PhD

Lawrence Huntoon, MD, PhD, Neurologist, Editor of the AAPS Journal
Comment about Dr Willner August 2004

You are unique.
Lawyers are not unique.

When people encounter something or someone unique, they tend to shy away from him or it, not knowing what to make of it. Such is the curse of greatness and uniqueness.

Many people initially thought Einstein was a hopeless idiot.
He was different.
Ugly attitudes is like flak.
You know you are flying over the target when you start to see flak all around you.
Smile, you’re the one in the plane with the bombs.

No you wouldn’t do anything else.
I know you better than that.
You really like what you do, and you do it well.
Whether idiots recognize that or not doesn’t matter.
Remember, they are the idiots.

And, I appreciate your methods.

When you are outnumbered and outgunned, and there is nothing fair about the playing field, the only option is “under the radar,” stealth, “guerilla warfare.”

Larry

CA General Surgeon

Comments sent by California General and Neurosurgeon – 7/22/04

My thanks to Dr. Willner for taking so much time to speak with me. I plan to inform my attorney that I would like to obtain advice from your organization in order to put a stop to S.M. Hospital from their repetitive career assassinations. They have their own HMO, and if you do not “belong” to the chosen group then you are a target. I’ve been threatened directly by the administrator to join their group or he’ll “drive me out of town.” They also have one particular physician who has sold his soul to S.M. Hospital and readily criticizes any and all individuals whom he just does not like. The S.M. Hospital also has a surgeon who is one of their HMO docs who is used to ruin the “outside” surgeons….Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have enjoyed a stellar career in surgery and have an impeccable reputation in community. BUT, the hospital and their paid whores have tarnished it.”

 

CA General & Neurosurgeon

Rick H.

Hi,

The widow of a physician driven to suicide told me of your Center. I am thrilled, as I am now unemployed and unemployable as a result of character assassination and State Board malice.

I will call you Monday for more information and to join, but wanted to send this after reading your web site, to let you know that you are a beacon in the wilderness, a light of reassurance and a comfort simply by being there.

I cannot tell you how eager I am to get involved, to join you, and to plead for your help.

Rick H.

M. R., MD

Your accomplishments on defending your clients is more than remarkable. It’s miraculous. But I know DAMN well it is the result of hard work, gritty intelligence on your part and a creativity that defies your toughest adversaries. Rich, they didn’t know what they were up against…YOU.

I’m so proud of you I could shake you by your shoulders and give you a hug.

M. R., MD

R. A., MD, JD

June 6, 2004

Richard is my hero.

R.A, MD, JD

Annie Bukacek, MD

5/12/04 – “To Whom it May Concern:

I am writing this to commend Richard Willner, president of the Center for Peer Review Justice, Inc. In a very short period of time, he developed a plan and approach that saved my professional career. If I had taken the approach that I had in mind, I would have undeservedly though undoubtedly lost my hospital privileges. Due to what I experienced of Richard Willner’s passion, dedication, creativity, and keen intelligence – I recommend him to all physicians in all the varieties and all stages of trouble that we can find ourselves in. If Harriet Tubman can be called the Moses of African Slaves, I think it is appropriate to call Richard Willner the Moses of beleaguered physicians.”

Sincerely,

Annie Bukacek MD

Lydia H Grotti, MD, FCCP

Author: Lydia H Grotti, MD, FCCP
Subject: Richard Willner and the Center for Peer Review Justice

Thank God for Richard Willner!

When I was at my lowest point in my ongoing battle for the right to work in the field of my dreams, that for which I trained for 6 years and in which I am board certified, a voice came to me over the phone, telling me that I am not alone in this farce that is called “disciplinary action by the Board” or “peer review”. He got me in touch with others whom I could support and who could support me.

I was given renewed hope and will stand tall for what is right and speak out for what is wrong. I will remain a proponent of the patient’s (and their surrogates’) right to make their own decision about their End of Life Care and of the physician’s duty to abide by that decision. I will also remain a proponent of a patient’s right to a dignified and comfortable death, without fear, anxiety and/or pain. That is the law and I followed the law, despite accusations to the contrary.

With the support of the Center, Richard Willner and my lawyers, I am confident that justice (or some semblance thereof) will prevail. If my accusers win, Critical Care, End of Life Care (including Hospice Care) will be set back decades and patients will once again SUFFER death.

AAPS Forum

AAPS Forum Post

Sept 26, 2003 Post to Forum – If you are ever unfortunate enough to be exposed to a peer review situation, you will thank God every day for the work and accomplishments of Richard Willner.

AAPS Forum

Sept 25, 2003 Post to Forum – The director of the Sham Peer Review Organization, actually a podiatrist, has demonstrated absolutely enormous accomplishments that are now changing the very face of MD, DO, DDS and DPM peer review!

AAPS Forum Post

L. R. Bailey MD

05/03/03

I must agree with Dr. Snioff (see below) about Rich and the CPRJ. Sadly many of the lessons that are taught, there always seemed to be something learned the hard way by those who refuse to listen. It is difficult for physicians who are accustomed to solving problems to accept that some problems cannot be “solved”. Society thinks that everything that everything can be settled in court. That just absolutely is not true and the courts seem to make things worse and definitely more expensive!! If you are having peer review problems, listen to Rich and pay lip service to the attorneys.

 

J. Swift

05/03/03

Before Rich got involved there was a media blackout on sham peer review. HIPPA is not much different.

Now people are beginning to realize that institutional peer review is another name for corporate pseudoscience and mis-accounting practices. The future holds great promise for the Center and its sincere and indefatigable founder, Rich Willner. I am glad to be his friend. I can count on one hand how many people i have met in life that have the same level of commitment to a just and noble cause.

J. Swift

Clive Sinoff

03/19/03

I wanted to comment about how invaluable is the Center for Peer Review Justice (CPRJ).

In June 2000 the following dubious “review” by physicians, non of whom were in my specialty, my employment was terminated and my career amputated. There was little advice of information anywhere. I was stunned and bewildered.

Some months later I became aware of Dr. Richard Willner and then the fledging Center for Peer Review Justice. Rich had become involved in the case or Dr. Brian Gale, a podiatrist in North Dakota, and Rich was just beginning to learn the ropes.

Since then, he has devoted himself tirelessly, and at great personal cost, to those unjustly wronged. As far as i am aware, he has never refused advice or assistance, even though he did this without payment. Over the years, Rich has developed foremost knowledge asnd expertise of the whole peer review process. I believe that he has become aware of over 2,300 cases in the last three years, where the motives ad performance of a peer review have malice, bias and incompetence.

At present, the CPRJ has an impressive website (PeerReview.org), with an expanding list of cases and opinions, as well as a panel of legal experts who have extensive experience in representing physicians who are victims of a sham peer review. There is an evolving modus operandi on how to mount a defense, as well as a campaign to expose the abuse of peer review to a wide public.

I would urge any physician who is a victim of such abuse to contact Rich at info@peerreview.org for assistance. I would also urge any organization, such as the AAPS, to support the Center financially, as Rich cannot continue to bear the cost from his own pocket.

Clive Sinoff

Brian Gale, MD

Date: February 01, 2002 11:54 PM
Author: Brian Gale

Subject: I have the scars of a Sham Peer Review

I have been fighting a battle since 1993. Some say they would have given up a long time ago. Others say I’m lucky that I still have my home and my clinic although payments on everything are always late. I’ve also been told that I’m lucky I’ve only spent about $500k or so even though it translates into several million down the road.

Thanks to Rich Willner and a few other friends and relatives I’m still alive and kicking. There are some extremely important rules about going up against hospitals and boards; the faster someone accepts them as fact, the better chance they have of prevailing.

Rich Willner is without a doubt the number one expert in the United States on this subject. I know that’s saying a lot but I have spent hundreds of hours speaking to him and we have exchanged somewhere in the range of thousands of emails.

He reads every case he can get his hands on and understands how the evil system works. Most of our conversations lately have been about people who are spending hundreds of thousands on lawyers who don’t have a clue what they’re doing. When a lawyer calls Rich, Rich can give them the legal cases they need to try to make a difference.

Rich is worth his weight in gold and then some when it comes to someone who has been abused as some of us have. Just take a look at www.briangale.com . The web site was Rich’s idea. At first my wife and I really hesitated because I was in the process of cashing in my entire retirement (not that it was that big) as well as our kids colleges savings, just to be able to pay some bills. Reluctantly we went along with it and it has been given us a tremendous return on our very small investment.

The web site literally neutralized a lot of the “evil doers” as President Bush calls them. There is no time to fight back and get on the offensive because all of the shammed person’s time is spent on the defensive side.

I spent 8 years and now I have finally managed to have almost all of the members of our state board that shammed me replaced. I did this only with the help of Rich Willner.

For those of you who read this and are in a similar predicament; join the Center for Peer Review Justice. It was the ONLY thing I did in the past 8 years that saved me.

I’m not out of this mess yet but I’m in better shape now than I have ever been. I understand the system and the players. Now I tell my lawyer what he needs to do and how to handle things after Rich and I have extensive discussions about it. My lawyer is still involved and has the final say about what he will and won’t do and everything that is done is legal; whether the lawyer(s) know about it or not.

These people (shammers) take very little time to do one thing that creates years of pain, suffering and nightmares for us and our families. Depression is a given for all of us. At times we are paralyzed emotionally and physically so we are too weak to fight back. We try to hold our families together because they are the most precious commodity we have and that takes so much time and energy that there is nothing left.

Rich Willner has given me hope. He has been the “equalizer” for me. Why did he get involved? Because he loves a challenge and he couldn’t believe that the things I posted publicly on another forum could be true. When he did his own investigation a few years ago, he began opening up the world of sham peer review.

As bad as things are and have been I still have many things to be thankful for. I am alive, I have my health. For some reason I still have my wife (many leave for obvious reasons) and little girls too. Many of us who have been shammed are not as lucky as me. If I could take all the pain my wife has endured away and put it inside me because of what I have been put through I would gladly take it from her.

In simple terms the answer is networking and fighting back. Think of it as the ultimate challenge of your life. There are no rules except for the one’s the shammers make up as they go. You have nothing to lose because your (my) life has been destroyed professionally. Take it on as if it becomes your only mission in life. “Take no prisoners.” You have to pull out every bit of passion you can muster and keep pushing on.

The first step is to contact Rich AND do what he says; take his advice. We have to begin aggressively helping each other. A huge advantage that Rich gives us is that he can get a number of reviews for anyone at any given time from authoritative leaders in the specialty field of his choice. If anyone needs my help I’m available. This is not a fight that can be won with just the lawyers through the courts. That’s what they want us to do is go through the legal process. It doesn’t cost them a penny while it breaks us and our families.

Call me any time to talk or for advice.

Brian Gale, DPM, FACFAS
AAPS Forums

ADDENDUM:

Since 2002, Brian Gale got his License fixed, he practices Foot and Ankle surgery at the two hospitals that shammed him, we got rid of ALL of the Board Members of the North Dakota Board of Podiatric Medicine and their lawyer, etc, etc. Brian and his wife Tami and their two daughters live the good life in Bismarck.
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