Sometimes the Sounder is tasked with reporting a story that casts a prominent community member in an unfortunate light.

As uncomfortable as it may be for us, it should never prevent us from following the ethics code of our industry: seek the truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, and be accountable (Society of Professional Journalists).

We recently published a story about Lopez physician Robert Wilson being placed on probation after being charged with unprofessional conduct and sexual misconduct in his medical practice by the Washington State Department of Health Medical Quality Assurance Commission.

On our Web site, the Islands’ Sounder’s journalistic integrity has been called into question by some readers. We’d like to explain our position and why it is critical that we publish stories like this.

The State Department of Health notifies newspapers about its investigations so the public is aware of and protected from poor or unethical health practitioners. The public should be glad for this regulatory and professional oversight to ensure quality health care.

On its Web site, www.doh.wa.gov, the department regularly publishes allegations of misconduct and the disciplinary actions against health care practitioners. Typical offenses range from sexual relationships with patients to failing to properly treat a patient to stealing medication. Local newspapers, in turn, relay this information to their readers so it doesn’t pass unnoticed. Local patients of doctors disciplined by the state need to be apprised.

Some readers argue that Dr. Wilson is an exemplary physician and does not deserve this kind of public defamation. The Sounder is not a judge and jury – it is our job to report the facts. Medical misconduct is serious. That’s why the state has a Medical Quality Assurance Commission to protect public health and safety by assuring the competency and quality of physicians and physician assistants.

It is irrelevant if you think Dr. Wilson’s behavior was between two consenting adults or “a family matter.”  His conduct came to the attention of state regulators, and after an investigation, they concluded that he violated his oath.

To not report on this story because it would embarrass those involved is completely antithetical to the code to which we prescribe. If your doctor was caught practicing in an unsound or ethical manner, wouldn’t you want to know?