Opinion ID: 2602034
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: Testimony of Joseph Ramos, M.D.

Text: Joseph Ramos is a medical doctor specializing in internal medicine and professor of surgery for the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center who has been licensed since 1997. He is board certified in emergency medicine. Dr. Ramos also graduated from law school in May 2008, and was awaiting his results from the Colorado Bar Examination at the time of the Readmission Hearing. Dr. Ramos began working with Petitioner in 2003 after his office contracted with Petitioner to perform billing services. Shortly after his office contracted with Petitioner, Dr. Ramos became aware of Petitioner's past conduct. Nevertheless, Petitioner handled all of the billing and collection for Dr. Ramos' practice and maintained full authority to settle cases. Dr. Ramos described Petitioner as frugal and extremely organized when it comes to managing overhead costs. Dr. Ramos implemented a triple-check system to monitor Petitioner's handling of funds. In fact, unknown to Petitioner, Dr. Ramos checked on him as recently as a week before the Readmission Hearing. The triple-check system has never revealed any impropriety on the part of Petitioner. Dr. Ramos testified that he has absolute confidence in Petitioner's trustworthiness. Dr. Ramos and Petitioner also created a limited liability corporation called Medlaw related to funding medical services. This funding company is in its early stages with low overhead, but it is self-funded and current in its obligations. Dr. Ramos and Petitioner provide the labor themselves, though they anticipate hiring an employee in the event the Hearing Board readmits Petitioner to the practice of law. Dr. Ramos has absolute confidence in Petitioner's beliefs, values, and rehabilitation going forward. Dr. Ramos therefore recommends that the Hearing Board readmit Petitioner to the practice of law.