HOUSTON – The local doctor who was suspended by Houston Methodist after they said she was spreading dangerous misinformation about COVID-19 treatments has resigned Tuesday.
Doctor Mary Bowden is an ear, nose and throat specialist. She runs her own private practice BreatheMD, but just recently joined the staff at Houston Methodist.
Bowden’s resignation comes days after Houston Methodist suspended the doctor’s hospital privileges and accused her of “using her social media accounts to express her personal and political opinions about the COVID-19 vaccine and treatments.”
Bowden claims she has treated more than 2,000 patients with COVID-19 and has been outspoken on social media recently about vaccine mandates and treatments.
The doctor said she feels like the hospital is targeting her.
“I do not appreciate the way Methodist handled this. I’m simply trying to help my patients,” Bowden said.
She added that all of the newfound attention puts her medical license at risk. She says an online group is encouraging people across the country to report her to the medical board.
“On the one hand, it’s very stressful. On the other hand, I have been overwhelmed by the support that I have received,” Bowden said. “Prior to COVID, I had absolutely no interest in politics. I have been sort of been forced into an area of politics, but prior to COVID, I had zero interest in politics.”
At a press conference on Wednesday, Bowden called for Houston Methodist to release all COVID-19 data, including any breakthrough cases among those vaccinated.
“I want them to show all of their data. Let’s have some data transparency,” she said.
Steven Mitby, Bowden’s attorney, said she has plenty of options to consider moving forward, but would not say if suing Houston Methodist is on the list.
Bowden released the following statement in response to the comments from Houston Methodist Hospital:
“I do not want to be part of an institution that treats its doctors the way they do,” said Bowden. “They have tried to paint me as dangerous simply because my views may be different than theirs about the efficacy of vaccines and possible treatment decisions. That is what is dangerous. I want the best for my patients. I do not believe the vaccine is a one size fits all solution, nor do I believe unvaccinated Houstonians should be treated by medical doctors as second-class citizens, but to the government and Methodist Hospital it’s one size fits all no matter what. If you voice any concerns then you are attacked, you are bullied. If you don’t follow government orders, you are the one they now call dangerous. That’s China. That’s not America. I don’t feel like we are in America when we start attacking doctors who are simply trying to look out for what they believe is in the best interest of their patients. We are treating unvaccinated people like they don’t deserve our help. Every day we are still learning about COVID and these vaccines. I will not be silenced for giving my advice. I took an oath.”
View the full news conference below: