Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 15, 1993                   TAG: 9312150133
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LAURENCE HAMMACK Staff Writer
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

PHYSICIAN SENTENCED IN EXPOSURE

Michael A. Blackwell, who is a resident in training at Community Hospital, was in court last week on the misdemeanor charge.

Since learning of the case on Friday, hospital officials have required Blackwell to undergo a "corrective action process" that includes counseling sessions, according to Lucas Snipes, senior vice president of Carilion Health System.

The charge against Blackwell stemmed from a Sept. 14 encounter with a male undercover police officer at Highland Park, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Mac Doubles said.

Blackwell exposed himself to the officer in the park's restrooms, then suggested they perform a sexual act, according to evidence presented last Wednesday in Roanoke General District Court.

Although Judge Julian Raney found there was sufficient evidence to convict Blackwell, he delayed a final disposition of the case. If Blackwell performs his community service and stays out of trouble, Raney ruled, the charge against him will be dismissed Dec. 7, 1994.

Blackwell, 38, declined to comment.

Snipes said Tuesday that Blackwell is going through a "progressive discipline" process that takes diversity into account in "allowing us to distinguish between serious and less serious acts."

A final outcome could range from a written reprimand to termination of employment. Blackwell, who has been a resident for nearly four years, still works at the hospital, Snipes said, and a final decision on his status has not been made.