Tri-Cities doctor accused of inappropriate, unwanted conduct with patients, staff

A Richland doctor is accused of unprofessional conduct for alleged inappropriate comments and behavior toward women at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic.

Dr. Mark Mulholland, who worked at Associated Physicians for Women — Kadlec Clinic in Richland, has had a Washington state medical license since 1999. He is not currently practicing at the clinic.

The Washington state Department of Health alleges that he lacked appropriate boundaries with patients.

“Respondent has made inappropriate comments about patients’ physical appearances, including body shaming patients who were overweight and making implied sexual comments about patients’ vaginas,” it said in a Washington Medical Commission statement of charges.

He is accused of pulling a patient’s pants down without asking for permission during an bedside ultrasound and not draping the patient, according to the statement of charges.

He also is accused of making inappropriate comments toward female staff, such as commenting on their weight, asking them to show him their breasts or inquiring about whether they planned to cheat on their husband.

“Respondent’s behaviors toward patients and staff have often been rationalized, normalized and minimized, resulting in patient and staff complaints being dismissed and not taken seriously,” alleges the statement of charges.

The statement of charges outlined three patient cases:

▪ In December 2022 a patient saw Mulholland for a hysterectomy consultation.

He asked a question about pain with intercourse in a manner that made her uncomfortable and asked her about it again after she said there was no pain during intercourse, according to allegations in the statement of charge.

He also is accused of making comments about the appearance of her genitals that were unrelated to a medical purpose.

▪ In November 2023 a patient saw Mulholland to discuss a hysterectomy.

He was accused of using his hands to reposition her on the examination table, rather than asking her to move herself. 

During discussion of scheduling a hysterectomy he made comments about her body unrelated to a medical purpose and said he was eager to see her vagina, according to allegations in the statement of charges.

▪ In August 2024 a patient saw Mulholland for several issues.

He asked about her husband’s sexual performance and about her masturbation practices, which were unrelated to a legitimate medical purpose, the statement of charges alleged.

Mulholland has been notified of the statement of charges issued April 29 and has been offered the opportunity to respond before the case proceeds.

The Tri-City Herald was unable to reach Mulholland for comment. Kadlec said it does not comment on Department of Health investigations but is cooperating fully in the case.

This story was originally published June 17, 2025 at 12:48 PM.