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The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners has taken decisive action against a Johnson City physician, Dr. Atif Atyia, by suspending his medical license following serious allegations. This decision comes amidst charges of rape filed against Atyia last year, with further claims of sexual misconduct surfacing from two other individuals.
On March 25, the board moved to summarily suspend Dr. Atyia’s license, citing an urgent need for protective measures. This suspension was deemed necessary to safeguard the public while the state prepares to bring formal disciplinary actions. A year prior, Atyia had already faced restrictions when his authority to prescribe Schedule II drugs was suspended owing to these criminal allegations.
In a detailed seven-page report, it was revealed that beyond the incident leading to Atyia’s criminal charges in February 2025, a Tennessee Department of Health investigator uncovered further claims from two additional supposed victims. This information was relayed by a detective from the Johnson City Police Department to the state health department in December 2025.
As the legal proceedings continue, Atyia is set to appear in court on April 24 for a criminal motions hearing in Washington County Circuit Court. He currently faces charges that include one count of aggravated rape and two counts of sexual battery.
One of the new allegations dates back to April 2021. According to a female patient, Atyia, who was her primary care physician, conducted an exam that she described as unnecessary and sexually inappropriate, while also probing her about her sexual history.
The third incident dates to 2014. That alleged victim was a university student who was doing a clinical rotation. She reported that Atyia sexually assaulted her in a patient examination room.
Atyia’s license to practice in Virginia was summarily suspended in February based on the allegations.
The Tennessee suspension order gave Atyia an opportunity to present his version of the facts at an informal conference before the board if he requested one by April 3. There is no information on the TDH website about whether Atyia made such a request. Any such conference would be to discuss whether the board’s emergency action was justified.