Former South Dakota surgeon and current patient advocate to surrender medical license

SIOUX FALLS (AP) — A retired South Dakota surgeon who is now a patient advocate will surrender his medical license rather than participate in a revocation hearing.

The south Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners was set to hold a hearing Oct. 27 to revoke Dr. Lars Aanning's medical license after accusing him of committing "moral turpitude," the Argus Leader reported.

Aanning, 78, admitted last year to lying on behalf of another physician during a medical malpractice lawsuit nearly 20 years ago. He said he was coached by the doctor's lawyers on what to say and how to answer questions.

The statute of limitations for perjury has passed, but the board accused Aanning of violating the public's trust by damaging the faith in doctors to be truthful. But Aanning said it's commonplace for doctors to protect their colleagues when medical errors occur.

Read more: http://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/state/4347222-former-south-dakota-surgeon-surrender-medical-license