Doctor Associated With Cult-Like New York Group Loses License

The doctor's license was revoked for misconduct, including a "fright study" where Porter would show subjects disturbing videos while monitoring their brain activity

What to Know

  • NY Health Department revoked the medical license of doctor who conducted unsanctioned research on people associated with cult-like group
  • The agency confirmed Thursday it had revoked the license of Dr. Brandon Porter for misconduct related to his work for Albany-based NXIVM
  • The work included a "fright study" where Porter would show subjects disturbing videos while monitoring their brain activity

The New York state Health Department has revoked the medical license of a doctor who conducted unsanctioned research on people associated with a cult-like self-improvement group.

The agency confirmed Thursday it had revoked the license of Dr. Brandon Porter for misconduct related to his work for Albany-based NXIVM. The work included a "fright study" where Porter would show subjects disturbing videos while monitoring their brain activity.

NXIVM leader Keith Raniere was convicted in June of federal charges of sex-trafficking and coercing women into sex. Other top NXIVM associates also pleaded guilty to federal charges, none related to Porter's studies.

Porter resigned as a general practitioner at Albany's St. Peter's Hospital in 2017 after allegations about his NXIVM work were reported in the media.

Porter's attorney, Michael Kelton, didn't immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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