A subpoena from the Department of Justice isn’t just paperwork, it’s a powerful tool that can drain resources, intimidate providers, and threaten patient care.

 In this eye-opening episode of Succeed In Medicine, host Dr. Bradley Block welcomes back Dr. Crystal Beal, along with Adrian Levitt from the ACLU of Washington. In June 2025, Dr. Beal’s small private practice received one of over 20 identical DOJ subpoenas targeting providers of gender-affirming care for adolescents. While large institutions like Boston Children’s, Seattle Children’s, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia also received subpoenas, the impact on a solo practitioner is uniquely daunting. Dr. Beal describes the anti-climactic moment the subpoena arrived via their accountant and the immediate decision to fight it with pro bono support from the ACLU, Arnold & Porter, and Perkins Coie.

The conversation unpacks the broader context: the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Skrmetti, executive actions, funding cuts, and the federal government’s stated goal of ending gender-affirming care for minors. Adrian explains how the DOJ is using the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) in a novel way, traditionally applied to drug manufacturers, to investigate individual physicians. The subpoena demanded extensive records, including patient names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, training materials, and communications with pharmaceutical reps.

Throughout the episode, they emphasize their ethical obligation as a physician to provide evidence-based, life-saving care and reflect on the deeper moral questions raised by this moment in history.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guests:

Dr. Crystal Beal is a board-certified family medicine physician and founder of Queer Doc, providing expert, individualized queer and gender-affirming medical care. A nonbinary femme with lived experience in the community, Dr. Beal has extensive training in sexual health, queer health, and gender-affirming care. They also offer continuing education on transgender medicine through QueerCME.com.

Adrian Levitt is an attorney with the ACLU of Washington, specializing in protecting access to gender-affirming care and defending providers against government overreach.

Website: QueerCME.com

Queer Doc website: https://queerdoc.com

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at [email protected]  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

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This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow! 

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

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