Wall Township pulmonologist accused of child sexual abuse surrenders medical license: AG

Cornelius Gallagher voluntarily surrendered his medical license through a temporary court order on Monday, September 9, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a press release on Thursday, September 12.

According to the Law Firm Andreozzi and FooteGallagher was a pulmonologist at Shore Pulmonary. He also previously held positions at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center and Ocean University Medical Center.

Gallagher was arrested in July 2023 after investigators said he began sexually abusing a child under the age of 13 in 2004 and that the abuse continued for more than a decade. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office said his charges are not related to any former patients.

Gallagher was indicted in July on two counts of aggravated first-degree sexual assault, two counts of aggravated second-degree sexual assault and one count of third-degree child abuse (possession of child pornography).

“The sexual exploitation of a child, as alleged here, is one of the most heinous crimes that can be committed,” Platkin said in a statement. “When a physician is faced with these types of charges, the action the (state board of coroners) takes is not only appropriate, but necessary.

“Until these charges are resolved, public protection requires that he be banned from practicing and from having contact with patients.”

Gallagher is on leave from every hospital where he worked and was not a doctor. The court order prohibits Gallagher from having contact with patients, providing medical care, and writing prescriptions.

Gallagher is also prohibited from entering his medical practice when it is open, supervising the medical practice, serving as an expert witness, or acting as a consultant.

“This physician’s alleged conduct, if proven, would demonstrate a callous victimization of a vulnerable child that violates the most basic standards to which we as medical professionals are held,” said Cari Fais, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “We thank the Board for securing the surrender of this physician’s license in light of these criminal charges.”

The order also said Gallagher cannot solicit or receive money for services performed by other professionals. He can, however, collect money for services he performed before the order was filed.

Gallagher’s license suspension will remain in effect “pending the resolution of the criminal case and until further order” from the state medical board.

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