Virginia “Ginger” Savely is a nurse practitioner who has strange beliefs. For example, she promotes an unrecognized condition called Morgellons that was invented around 2002.
A 2018 article in JAMA Dermatology states that Morgellons “most likely represents a psychosomatic delusional disorder on par with delusions of parasitosis.”
Savely has also been a speaker at conferences organized by the pseudoscience groups ILADS and Charles E. Holman Morgellons Disease Foundation.
Savely is a former business partner of Raphael Stricker, a former ILADS president who was found guilty of scientific misconduct by the NIH and UCSF. Stricker was also fired by UCSF. In 2019, the Medical Board of California issued an accusation against Stricker that was later withdrawn.
Disciplinary Action in Texas
Savely was investigated and disciplined by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas. According to Findings of Fact by the Texas Board:
On or about July 11, 2002, through February 12, 2003, while employed as a Family Nurse Practitioner with South Austin Family Practice Clinic, Austin, Texas, Respondent failed to use appropriate physician-delegated protocols that were in compliance with Board requirements while managing medical aspects of care for Patient C.W.
As a result, Respondent ordered antibiotic therapies, including some at subtherapeutic levels, for Patient C.W. that were not included in her protocols. In addition, Respondent failed to document in the medical record the reasons and rationale for the antibiotics that she ordered, as well as collaboration, if any, with other physicians with whom she consulted regarding the patient’s care.
Respondent’s conduct resulted in an incomplete medical record, and may have affected the patient’s continuation of care.
A 2006 Agreed Order settled upon by the Texas Board and Savely states, “The evidence received is sufficient to prove violations of Section 301.452(b)(l), Texas Occupations Code, and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE§ 221.13(d).”
Savely was fined and required to undergo remedial education.
Disciplinary Action in California
The California Board of Registered Nursing, Department of Consumer Affairs reviewed the Texas Agreed Order and issued an Accusation that charged Savely with unprofessional conduct. The California Board determined “that the charges alleged in the Accusation warrant a public reproval.”
According to the California Board’s Decision, Savely admitted the truth of each and every charge and allegation in the Accusation. Therefore, she admitted to Unprofessional Conduct.
Resources
California Medical Board: Virginia R. Savely Discipline
Texas Board of Nurse Examiners: Ginger Savely Discipline
Austin American-Statesman: Nurse practitioner said no Austin doctor willing to practice with her
The Carlat Psychiatry Podcast: Morgellons: A Tiny Bug or a Big Delusion?
Psiram: Ginger Savely
Morgellons Watch: