State regulators strip ex-USC dean of medical license

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California’s medical board has revoked the license of the former dean of the University of Southern California’s medical school who was accused of using drugs and partying with prostitutes.

The decision , which was handed down Friday, strips Dr. Carmen Puliafito of his medical license and takes effect Aug. 17.

Medical board documents show Puliafito admitted to using methamphetamine, heroin, ecstasy and marijuana. Authorities alleged Puliafito had provided drugs to a prostitute and was misled authorities when she overdosed in a hotel room.

Puliafito blamed his behavior on bipolar disorder. His attorney didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Friday.

He gave up his dean post in 2016 and was fired from the USC faculty the next year after the Los Angeles Times reported on his behavior.