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“It’s your testimony here today that Dr. Cooper offered you better grades or other opportunities in return for sexual favors?”
“I never mentioned that it was Dr. Cooper. Dr. Cooper would never do anything like that. He’s an honorable man.”
“Who is it that made you these offers?”
“It was Dr. Gregory Waters.”
The panel members look at each other and shrug their shoulders. “Can you please tell us exactly what happened?”
“On multiple occasions during my schooling, Dr. Waters would trap me in his office and offer me better grades, or help securing a residency, in return for sexual favors. I turned him down on every occasion.”
“Did you ever report this behavior?”
“No, I did not.”
“Why?”
“Because I know what happens to women who report on men like Dr. Waters. I never wanted to draw attention to myself or be known for anything other than being a hard-working student. Creating a circus was never my goal. Becoming the best surgeon possible was always my focus.”
“Are there any other witnesses to this alleged harassment?”
“Dr. Cooper once saw me run out of Dr. Waters’ office crying. That is as close as it ever came to being witnessed.”
She turns to Brody. “Dr. Cooper, is this true?”
He stands. “It’s true. She was quite upset about it. She immediately told me what happened. I offered to report his actions, but she declined for the same reasons she stated here today. Further, on more than one occasion, Dr. Waters has made lewd comments to me with regard to Dr. Lawrence, her physical appearance, and her sexual prowess. He even once went so far as to suggest that I offer her extra credit for sexual favors. I told him that I don’t make it commonplace to sexually harass my students.”
“Thank you, Dr. Cooper.”
I turn back toward the microphone. “It’s also worth noting that the harassment I’ve suffered at the hands of Dr. Waters has continued into my time at this hospital.”
“We’ll certainly pass that information along to the hospital administration to investigate. Thank you, Dr. Lawrence.” I get up to return to my seat.
“We have one more witness here today. Dr. Elizabeth Powers.” Dr. Powers sits down at the desk.
Dr. Goldwater appears to be the one to question Dr. Powers. “Dr. Powers, you contacted this panel and asked to testify here today, is that correct?”
“It is. I taught Dr. Lawrence in medical school, and work directly with her here in the hospital. I also know Dr. Cooper fairly well, having worked with him at the school and at two different hospitals. I thought I might be able to provide valuable, impartial insight into both parties.”
“How do you know Dr. Cooper?”
“I originally met him when we both worked at the same hospital California.”
“Do you consider him a friend?”
“I would say that we;re friendly as co-workers, but not friends, as we do not socialize outside of the hospital. I may have at one time hoped for a more friendly relationship, but he wasn’t interested.” I didn’t know that. That can’t help. Now I’m worried as to what she’s going to say.
“What is your opinion of him?”
“He’s a wonderful doctor and person.”
“What’s your opinion of Dr. Lawrence?”
“Dr. Lawrence was the brightest student I’ve ever taught. I have now also worked with her at this hospital the past year. She’s a gifted surgeon and deserves the opportunity to succeed. She’s going to save lives as a cardiothoracic surgeon. It would be a tragedy to deprive the world of her skill.”
“Thank you for your time, Dr. Powers.”
“I’m not done. I agree with Dr. Cooper. Dr. Lawrence is an objectively beautiful woman. I imagine that if she didn’t look the way she does, this ridiculous proceeding wouldn’t even be happening.”
