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Local doctor gets license pulled

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Family Practitioner Mark David Stoeckel closed his practice in Cedar Park and checked himself into a substance abuse facility.

Stoeckel, 38, had a practice on Whitestone Boulevard where he practiced family medicine until he closed it in mid-June - right before his license was suspended by the Texas Medical Board.

On June 27, the board and Dr. Stoeckel “entered into an agreed order of suspension that suspends his license indefinitely and requires that Dr. Stoeckel immediate[ly] cease the practice of medicine,” according to the board.

Stoeckel's lawyer, Louis Leichter of Leichter Law Firm of Austin, said no instances of problems with patients were raised. The board found out about Stoeckel's substance abuse problem when he self-reported his admission to the board.

Leichter said he could not disclose the type of substance Stoeckel abused, but said it was an over-the-counter substance that requires no prescription.

The agreement between Stoeckel and the board allows him to petition the board in the future to have the suspension stayed or lifted.

“In order to get his license back, he will need to show by clear and convincing evidence that he is sober, competent and fit to practice medicine competently and safely in accordance with the Texas Medical Practice Act and Texas Medical Board Administrative Rules,” said Leichter.

According to Stoeckel's physician profile with the Texas Medical Board, he graduated in 1997 from the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. He has been practicing medicine for nine years, five of which were in Texas. He has no prior history of problems or disciplinary actions against him.

Reader Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of .

SMS wrote on Dec 30, 2008 9:26 AM:

" Regardless of what is written. He is an awesome doctor and I will be returning as his patient when his license is reinstated. "

Rebecca H. wrote on Dec 21, 2008 6:07 PM:

" I just found out when trying to get refills that Dr. Stoeckel was no longer there... does anyone know where I can get my records and did he recommend patients to another Dr.? I have anti-depressants that need to be filled.

any help will be greatly appretiated! "

Rebecca H. wrote on Dec 21, 2008 6:03 PM:

" I just found out when trying to get refills that Dr. Stoeckel was no longer there... does anyone know where I can get my records and did he recommend patients to another Dr.? I have anti-depressants that need to be filled.

any help will be greatly appretiated! "

Anonymous wrote on Nov 24, 2008 2:02 PM:

" I think we are all waiting and hoping you get through this so we can all be your patients again. I know I will be waiting to hear that you are back! If this is permanent, why is your name still on your office? "

taylor wrote on Oct 31, 2008 3:05 AM:

" In my opinion this is an informative site where from i gathered alot of valuable information about various interesting things.
==========================
Taylor
Addiction Rehabs "

anonymous wrote on Sep 19, 2008 2:21 AM:

" Hello and greetings to my fellow,caring and empathetic Texans who require and expect the finest health care that central Texas is able to provide. I was in that same category 6 (six) years ago when I moved to the Austin area as a recent graduate of Stanford University's JD/MBA program. I was searching for a competent and intelligent Family Practice doctor(PCP) while I lived and worked in the Ceader Park area. The attorneys at the law firm referred me to DR.Mark Stoeckel and that they and their families were pleased with his service. I was truly impressed by the professionalism and thoroughness of Dr.Mark Stoeckel. on my first "new patient appointment." He ran the typical battery of blood tests and x-rays. what was uiniqwe about this M.D. was his ability to disarm and create an atmosphere of trust and caring. I decided to choose Dr. Stoeckel as my PCP for the entire time I lived here . After 6 (six)years I moved to california to further my law and accounting profession. Throughout those 6 (six)years, Dr. Stoeckel was always available by phone or answereng service. He always addressed his patients with respet. I'm truly saddened and can somewhat understand what he's going through. I was very close to being disbarred my first month in texas. I hope that one day Dr. Stoeckel might read this blog and know that he made a very definitive and positive impact on my life. The strong character that I saw in Dr. Stoeckel everytime he stepped into the examining room to see me on my appointment date will help him on his journey. Dr. Stoekel, You are a terrific Physician who has touched many many lives. All Things will work out. Soon, life will continue on it's course (as it always does). Please keep your chin up and get back all the things that you worked so hard for.

** Friendship note**

If you did self report, then all the blessings to you. I'm sure that admission was tough and that you would choose that route before you would put a patient at risk. Thank you Dr.Stoeckel for the wonderful impact you made in my life way before I was ready to stand in a courtroom. Best wishes. **THE CEADER PARK AREA AND THE WORLD IN GENERAL NEED YOU**

The very honorable action that you did was follow the medical advice that you would give to anyone of your patients. You are above reproach and truly are an example of professionalism. YOU HAVE LEAD BY EXAMPLE.

Regards Dr. Mark Stoeckel. There is a whole community that supports you. residents and patients alike support you and would like you to come back and continue to work when you are ready. Dr. Stoeckel, you are cut from the same fabric all Doctors are cut from. Regards.

There is nothing besides practicing as a Physician that you were cut out to be. "

Rocky wrote on Jul 29, 2008 3:24 PM:

" There are many things that people can get addicted to that's sold over the counter. Diet pills, laxitives, booze, cold pills, cough syrup,(nyquil is a big one.) sleeping pills.

Addiction can mean so many different things, and what he is addicted to isin't the point. The point is he needs help, for whatever reason, and has faced his demons. I hope that helps you Rocky. And hope to see support for this person. "

Rocky wrote on Jul 28, 2008 5:41 PM:

" What kind of over the counter medication can you become addicted to? "

Judy wrote on Jul 28, 2008 5:19 PM:

" I agree with Becky!!! It takes a lot of courage to put your lively hood on hold to go get help. I am sure he will come back and be the best doctor he can be. I don't see why it shouldn't hit the paper? It's a good story, it may inspire other health care workers, or regular people that they can opt to do the right thing.

Just because you have MD after your name shouldn't make him any different than any of us. It shows his human side, and shows real character on his end.

We are all pulling for you Dr. Stoeckel, and no Ralph there was no scandal and now any rumors that may of came up are now put to rest because of the Hill Country News.

Don't worry Ralph ...it's a positive thing, and he is admired, I don't know who he is and I admire him. I know our community and it is very supportive of others. My prayers are with him and his family. "

Becky wrote on Jul 28, 2008 2:51 PM:

" Kudos to Dr. Stoeckel for doing the right thing. The 'Story' here is his courage to come forward and get help. "

Ralph wrote on Jul 26, 2008 8:56 AM:

" Why is this even in the newspaper?

No patients of his were injured. There are no scandals here. He did not allow his addiction to harm anyone.

He's done everything by the book.

His current patients will certainly find out that he's closed his practice soon enough.

No new patients will be accepted, because his office has been closed.

My congratulations to Dr. Stoeckel, for taking the bull by the horns to take the necessary steps to regain control of his life and his future. A man to be admired and celebrated! "

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