Atlanta Surgeon Harvey Cole’s License Renewed Amid Lawsuits

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Concerns over patient safety as Atlanta surgeon's license is renewed amidst legal battles.

News Summary

Dr. Harvey “Chip” Cole, an Atlanta surgeon, has had his medical license renewed despite facing 11 lawsuits for alleged malpractice. Patients claim he left them with permanent disfigurements after procedures. Meanwhile, Northside Hospital has distanced itself from Cole, and bankruptcy filings have revealed significant debts, further complicating the ongoing legal challenges surrounding him.

Atlanta Surgeon Harvey “Chip” Cole’s Medical License Renewed Amidst Multiple Lawsuits for Alleged Malpractice

In Atlanta, the Georgia Composite Medical Board has made the decision to renew the medical license of Dr. Harvey “Chip” Cole, extending it for another two years until March 2027. This controversial move comes at a time when Dr. Cole is facing a staggering 11 lawsuits from former patients who accuse him of malpractice, alleging he left them with permanent disfigurements after surgical procedures.

Background and Current Facility Status

Dr. Cole previously held privileges at Northside Hospital, but the facility has publicly stated that he no longer treats patients there and is not part of their medical staff. In a troubling twist, Cole and his wife declared bankruptcy in October 2024, revealing debts amounting to $13.6 million against a mere $37,000 in assets.

Details of the Legal Challenges

The avalanche of lawsuits against Dr. Cole continued to grow, with six new cases filed between November 2024 and January 2025 alone. The most recent lawsuit came in on March 25, 2025. Each case brings disturbing allegations, including claims of inadequate surgical practices that have resulted in permanent damage to the patients’ faces, particularly in 2022 and 2023. One harrowing allegation includes an accusation from a patient, who suffered severe complications after major blood vessels were allegedly cut during surgery, leading to life-altering brain injuries.

Board’s Oversight and Reactions

Despite the severity of the ongoing complaints, the executive director of the Georgia Composite Medical Board confirmed that no public action against Cole has been taken, as the board conducts thorough reviews of all allegations. This has left many, especially those affected, feeling frustrated and concerned about the potential risks to future patients.

Previous Legal History and Certification

Dr. Cole’s track record raises additional red flags. Over the past two decades, he has encountered a series of malpractice lawsuits, including a notable case that resulted in a judgment of $1.2 million against him for damaging a patient’s face. Interestingly, while he is not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, he does hold certifications from other boards, including the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

Financial Troubles and Patient Experiences

Dr. Cole’s financial difficulties are compounded by significant debts to various creditors, including a staggering $5.4 million owed to the U.S. Small Business Administration and over $176,000 in taxes. Several former patients of Cole have alleged that he upsold them on unnecessary procedures that resulted in complications, physical pain, and emotional distress. Many claim their lives have been deeply affected by the surgeries performed, highlighting the serious ramifications of the ongoing legal and financial issues surrounding this Atlanta surgeon.

As the saga continues to unfold, the questions remain: How safe are patients when trust is put in the hands of medical professionals facing such serious allegations? A community looks on, with concern for both the patients involved and the accountability of those sworn to do no harm.