Appeals Heard on Loss of Medical License
A state prosecutor told a Los Angeles judge Tuesday that state medical officials acted properly in revoking the license of a Canoga Park doctor who treated as many as 6,000 allergy patients by injecting them with their own urine.
Dr. George R. Borrell had his license revoked Dec. 4 by the Medical Board of California, which said the urine treatments constituted gross negligence and an “extreme departure” from proper medical care.
Borrell, who operates clinics in Canoga Park and Anaheim, has appealed the revocation. On Dec. 8, a judge temporarily blocked the revocation but ordered Borrell to halt the urine injections until the appeal is resolved.
On Tuesday, Superior Court Judge John Zebrowski heard oral arguments from both sides. He is expected to rule on the case within 30 days, Deputy Atty. Gen. Robert Heron said.
Borrell said urine injections are a safe and effective folk remedy for relieving allergies. He said urine contains protein byproducts that, when filtered and reintroduced into the body, stimulate the immune system to produce allergy antibodies.
But state medical authorities said the treatment can lead to infection, kidney failure, breathing difficulties and even death.
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