Andrews – The chief of staff at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital has been suspended following his arrest on felony sexual contact charges.
A lengthy investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of Dr. Thomas Vann Clayton, 66, at his local residence Friday. He is charged with four counts of sexual contact or penetration under pretext of medical treatment. A magistrate set his bond at $50,000 unsecured.
Clayton is an Andrews family medicine doctor also affiliated with Erlanger in Peachtree. As chief of staff, Clayton serves on numerous committees and is responsible for the oversight of all medical staff, according to the hospital’s website.
“Dr. Thomas Clayton is an employee of Erlanger Health System and practices medicine in the Western Carolina Division,” Erlanger Health System said in a release. “We are not able to comment at this time since this is a legal matter, but will be fully cooperating with law enforcement. Erlanger takes all allegations seriously and, as such, Dr. Clayton has been placed on administrative leave until further notice.”
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest Friday on its Facebook page. It would not allow comments on the posting, but there were 580 shares, with each share receiving its own following and comments about the doctor and his arrest. Comments ranged from surprise, disappointment and, in a few cases, relief.
Clayton obtained his bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from the University of Florida. He received his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in True Blue, Grenada, in 1983, graduating just months before U.S. military forces invaded the small island nation in part to rescue students at the university after Grenada’s government started cozying up to Cuba.
His residency training occurred at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn. Clayton has been in practice in several states since getting his medical license in 1986, according to his listing in U.S. News & World Report, which gave him a five-star rating (with five being best) based on reviews from 24 reviewers.
Clayton got five-star ratings in U.S. News & World Report in thoroughness of examination, provider’s attitude, perceived outcomes and general feedback. He received a two-star rating, his lowest, in patient loyalty. He received similar ratings on the WebMD.com website.
Clayton specializes in family medicine. His biography listing at erlanger.org said Clayton is a family medicine physician who has been practicing in rural North Carolina for over 30 years.
“He enjoys providing care to his family medicine patients as well as residents in the local nursing home, overseeing patient care through local hospice organizations,” according to the website. “Having lived in Andrews for the majority of his career, providing quality health care to rural communities is a passion for Dr. Clayton and his family.”
Clayton and his wife have four children and four grandchildren, according to Erlanger.
This is an ongoing investigation, and local law enforcement is not releasing any further details at present. If you have any information that may assist in the investigation, call the tip line at 828-837-1344 or visit the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at 577 Regal St. in Murphy and ask for an investigator.