Former Queens Doctor Gets Probation in Patient Sex Abuse Case

A former urgent care physician in Queens, New York, was sentenced to six years of probation this week after pleading guilty in a sex abuse case involving multiple patients — including a minor — according to reporting by NY1. The dramatic case, which spanned years and included complaints at more than one medical facility, has reignited discussions about professional accountability, patient safety, and the lasting impact of abuse by trusted caregivers.

Guilty Plea and Sentencing Details in Court

In Queens County Criminal Court, 74-year-old Amir Sitafalwalla pleaded guilty to five counts of forcible touching and one count of third-degree sexual abuse. Judge Gia Morris sentenced him to six years of probation and ordered him to surrender his medical license while registering as a Level 2 sex offender — a designation indicating a moderate risk of reoffense.

Prosecutors noted that Sitafalwalla’s offenses spanned several years, dating back to at least 2017, and involved at least five male victims, one of whom was a minor at the time of the abuse.

Multiple Clinics, Multiple Complaints

According to victim attorneys, Sitafalwalla’s pattern of misconduct began at a CityMD location in Bayside, where he was reportedly fired in 2021 after complaints of sexual abuse. Despite those complaints, he later secured employment at a ModernMD urgent care in Woodhaven, where additional abuse allegations emerged.

Victims’ lawyers have criticized ModernMD for failing to investigate Sitafalwalla’s background before hiring him, raising broader concerns about how urgent care and medical clinics assess and respond to warning signs of abuse.

Survivor Impact Statements at Sentencing

At the sentencing hearing, several victims spoke out about the emotional and psychological impact of the abuse. One former patient, who was 21 at the time of his assault, described the profound trauma he suffered and how the experience has permanently altered his relationship with medical providers.

“These are young men who went to the doctors to be treated. They obviously never expected to be sexually assaulted in this way,” one attorney told reporters. “No patient should ever be treated in the way they were treated.”

Victims’ attorneys also expressed disappointment that Sitafalwalla did not receive prison time, arguing that probation did not adequately reflect the harm inflicted.

Professional Trust and Abuse of Authority

Cases involving sexual abuse by healthcare professionals are especially disturbing because patients naturally trust medical providers with their health and well-being. That trust creates a profound power imbalance, meaning survivors often endure not only the physical violation of abuse, but also the psychological breach of being harmed by someone sworn to care for them.

Research and survivor accounts underscore that when a medical provider betrays a patient’s trust, the emotional consequences can include trauma, anxiety around future medical care, and long-term harm that extends well beyond the immediate incidents. These effects are often not fully addressed by criminal sentencing alone.

Beyond Criminal Sentences: Civil Legal Options for Survivors

While probation and professional discipline are part of the legal response to abuse, criminal sanctions do not compensate survivors for the lifelong effects of trauma. Survivors — including those in New York — may also pursue civil legal action against perpetrators and, in some cases, the organizations that employed them.

Civil lawsuits can allow survivors to seek financial recovery for therapy, medical care, lost income, and emotional distress. They can also prompt institutions to adopt stronger hiring practices, background checks, and safety protocols to prevent future abuse.

In the Sitafalwalla case, attorneys for two of the victims have already filed a civil lawsuit against ModernMD, alleging that the clinic failed to adequately investigate his history and protect patients.

Legal Support for Survivors in New York

Survivors of sexual abuse — whether in medical settings, schools, religious institutions, or community organizations — deserve access to compassionate and experienced legal advocacy. At Survivors of Abuse NY, Thomas Giuffra, Esq., helps survivors understand their rights and explore civil legal remedies under New York law.

Thomas Giuffra, Esq. brings a trauma-informed perspective to challenging abuse-related claims, guiding survivors through complex legal processes and advocating for accountability and compensation. Legal support can make a meaningful difference in a survivor’s healing journey.

Moving Forward With Accountability and Healing

The sentencing of a former Queens doctor for patient sexual abuse highlights how betrayal of trust by professionals can devastate lives. While criminal proceedings address aspects of accountability, civil legal action and supportive services are equally crucial for survivors seeking closure and justice.

For survivors in New York, knowing that legal help is available can be a powerful step toward empowerment, healing, and reclaiming a sense of safety — both inside and outside the courtroom.

Source:

https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/health/2026/01/08/queens-doctor-amir-sitafalwalla-sentenced-in-sex-abuse-case