Bedside Manor

DOCTOR ALLEGEDLY MOCKED OBESE WOMAN(New Hampshire) - A doctor allegedly told a patient she is so fat she might only be attractive to black men. He also allegedly advised another to shoot herself to end her suffering after brain surgery. Rude and offensive? Yes, said a New Hampshire judge. But worthy of discipline from the New Hampshire Board of Medicine? No, the judge ruled in ordering the board to stop disciplinary proceedings against Dr. Terry Bennett. The judge made clear that while he doesn't condone the remarks, Bennett has the right to speak bluntly to patients. Bennett has denied telling the woman she was so obese that few men would find her attractive, but he said he has seen polls that support the notion that black men like fat women. Bennett said he plans to sue everyone involved for malicious prosecution. The state is considering an appeal.