The Woodlands, Texas — A Houston-area emergency room physician has had his medical license temporarily suspended after a series of arrests and allegations involving intoxication, violent behavior, and other incidents that prompted action from the Texas Medical Board.
According to the board, Dr. Derrick Anthony Mitchell’s license was suspended without prior notice on June 5 after a disciplinary panel concluded that allowing him to continue practicing medicine could pose a threat to public welfare.
Mitchell most recently worked as an emergency room physician at St. Luke’s Health Woodland Hospital. However, hospital officials told local media that he has not worked there since January.
Texas Medical Board Cites Public Safety Concerns
In announcing the suspension, the Texas Medical Board said its disciplinary panel reviewed information related to several recent incidents involving Mitchell.
Officials determined that immediate action was necessary while further proceedings take place.
The temporary suspension remains in effect pending additional review by the board, which plans to hold a future hearing regarding Mitchell’s medical license.
The board has not yet announced when that hearing will occur.
Multiple Arrests Reported in 2026
Court records reviewed by local media indicate that Mitchell was arrested at least six times during 2026.
One of the earliest incidents occurred on February 1 in Montgomery County, where authorities arrested him on a drug possession charge.
According to the Texas Medical Board, Mitchell was allegedly hallucinating and expressing suicidal thoughts while in possession of approximately 77 grams of THC gummies. Records show he was later convicted of that charge in April.
Several weeks later, on March 9, deputies responded to a reported family disturbance at an apartment complex in Spring.
Authorities alleged Mitchell was under the influence of alcohol and made suicidal statements to his fiancée, prompting transportation to a hospital for evaluation.
While receiving treatment, Mitchell was accused of spitting on a deputy. He was charged with harassment of a public servant, although records indicate that charge was later dismissed.
Additional Allegations Followed in March and May
Law enforcement officials reported another incident on March 22 when deputies were called back to the same apartment complex.
According to authorities, Mitchell allegedly attempted to enter his former girlfriend’s apartment and later damaged a vehicle belonging to her brother when he was unable to gain access.
Court documents also allege that Mitchell assaulted and choked a different woman during the same month.
His most recent reported arrest occurred on May 2. According to court records, he was accused of physically assaulting the mother of his child following an argument.
The allegations remain part of the broader circumstances being reviewed by regulators.
Prior Legal Issues Also Examined
In addition to the arrests reported this year, records show Mitchell was convicted of driving while intoxicated in 2007.
He was also charged with deadly conduct in Montgomery County in 2022. That case was ultimately dismissed in 2025 after he successfully completed deferred adjudication requirements.
The Texas Medical Board referenced Mitchell’s recent history while explaining its decision to suspend his medical license pending further action.
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What Happens Next?
The board has stated that the temporary suspension will remain in place until further disciplinary proceedings are completed.
A formal hearing is expected to determine whether additional sanctions, restrictions, or permanent disciplinary measures should be imposed.
For now, Mitchell is prohibited from practicing medicine under the emergency suspension order.
The case has drawn attention across the Houston area due to Mitchell’s role as an emergency room physician and the seriousness of the allegations outlined by state regulators.
What are your thoughts on this case?
Should medical licensing boards move quickly when serious allegations involve healthcare professionals, or should action wait until all legal proceedings are completed? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
