Local Physician Accused of Allowing Unlicensed Student to Examine Patients

A local physician, Dr. Mohammad Khamis, 56, has been detained on allegations of allowing an unlicensed student to examine patients and issue prescriptions under his name while he was out of the country for extended periods.

Prosecutors from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office stated in a detention petition that Khamis engaged in “two different schemes” over the past few years, showing “an absolute reckless disregard for the health and safety of the patients who sought his medical care.”

The petition outlined that Khamis operated a “fraudulent office scheme” by staffing his River Forest medical office with a student from his alleged “sham medical school in Bosnia” while he was abroad. Patients visiting his practice were reportedly examined by the unlicensed student while Khamis was overseas, with the student not licensed in any country or a graduate of the purported school.

Furthermore, Khamis was accused of personally billing for over $100,000 in fraudulent office visits and partaking in “illegal prescription practices.” His medical license was suspended by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation on October 31 for allowing the unlicensed individual to use his pre-signed prescriptions to prescribe controlled substances and examine patients while he was out of the country.

Following a detention hearing, Judge Mary Marubio deemed Khamis a flight risk, noting his dual citizenship, extended stay in Syria since July, and transfer of substantial assets to multiple foreign countries. Allegations of evidence destruction and fund transfers overseas upon learning of the investigation were also mentioned in the judge’s order.

Khamis, residing in River Forest, is facing felony theft and vendor fraud charges in connection with the case.

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