If you live in Southern Nevada and have ever gone down a rabbit hole of local medical news, you’ve probably seen the name. Dr Frank DeLee Las Vegas isn't just another name on a directory of OB-GYNs; for many, it’s a name associated with a viral, stomach-turning video and a long tail of legal battles.
Honestly, the story feels like something out of a medical drama, but for the families involved, it was anything but fiction. We’re talking about a legacy of medicine that spans generations, but one that took a dark, highly publicized turn in a Las Vegas delivery room.
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What Really Happened with Dr Frank DeLee Las Vegas?
The focal point of the controversy involves a 2015 delivery at Sunrise Hospital. Imagine you’re in labor. You’re vulnerable, you’re in pain, and your regular doctor is out of town. In walks the on-call replacement, Dr. Frank DeLee, reportedly wearing Bermuda shorts and no shoes.
Then things got weird.
Family members were recording the birth—standard stuff for a keepsakes—and they caught more than they bargained for. On the tape, you can hear a conversation that basically implies the doctor had just come from a bar. At one point, he mentions there weren't many people at the bar when he left. There’s even talk of tequila.
The mother, Alex Sims, later claimed that when she complained about her epidural wearing off, the response she got was less than professional. It’s been reported he told her to "lift your fat a** up." Yeah, not exactly the bedside manner you're looking for when you're bringing a life into the world.
The Medical Aftermath: Erb’s Palsy
This wasn’t just about a doctor being rude or dressed like he was at a BBQ. The real tragedy was the injury to the newborn. The baby, Jason, ended up with Erb’s Palsy, a condition where the nerves in the shoulder are damaged—often because of "inappropriate techniques" like pulling too hard on the baby’s arms during a difficult delivery.
In medical terms, this is often linked to shoulder dystocia. It’s when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone. If the doctor panics or uses too much force, the results are permanent.
A Legacy of Malpractice?
One of the wildest things about the Dr Frank DeLee Las Vegas case is that this wasn't his first time in a courtroom. Records from the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners showed a pattern. Before the 2015 incident even hit the news, DeLee had reportedly settled at least half a dozen malpractice cases.
We’re talking about insurance payouts and settlements totaling more than $2.7 million.
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- A 2012 settlement involved a "negligent vaginal delivery resulting in shoulder dystocia."
- Other cases followed a similar pattern of birth-related injuries.
- Multiple families claimed their children suffered because of his actions.
It makes you wonder how someone with that many red flags keeps a license. In Nevada, like many states, the bar for actually revoking a medical license is surprisingly high. Doctors often settle these cases through insurance, and unless the Board takes specific action, they can keep practicing.
The 2024-2025 Board Action
For a long time, it seemed like nothing would actually stop him. But things finally hit a breaking point recently. In late 2024 and early 2025, the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners finally moved on a formal complaint (Case No. 24-6109-1).
This time, it wasn't just about the "drunk doctor" video. The complaint alleged that in May 2018, DeLee failed to use reasonable care during an elective surgery on a patient with a high white blood cell count and elevated platelets.
The result? Dr. Frank DeLee agreed to surrender his license. Basically, he’s done. Under the settlement agreement, he had to pay over $15,000 in investigation costs and agreed not to reapply for a license in Nevada for at least two years—though at his age and with this history, it’s effectively a forced retirement. His license is now officially listed in "expired" or "surrendered" status.
The Family Connection
To understand how Dr. Frank DeLee became a staple in Las Vegas medicine, you have to look at his dad, Dr. Sol DeLee.
Sol DeLee was actually a bit of a legend. He moved to Vegas in the 60s and was horrified by the high maternal death rate. He founded the Las Vegas/Clark County Gynecological Society and even opened his own hospital (the old Women’s Hospital). He was the nephew of Joseph Bolivar DeLee, who is often called the "father of modern obstetrics."
Frank followed in those very large footsteps. For decades, the DeLee name was synonymous with delivering "New Year’s Babies" in Las Vegas. It’s a classic story of a prestigious medical dynasty that ended in a very messy, very public downfall.
What Patients Can Learn from This
If you're looking up Dr Frank DeLee Las Vegas because you're worried about your own care, there are some pretty clear takeaways. This case is a massive reminder that you have to be your own advocate.
- Check the Board: Every state has a medical board. In Nevada, you can search any doctor’s name to see if they’ve had disciplinary actions.
- Trust Your Gut: If a doctor shows up looking or acting "off"—like wearing shorts and smelling like a bar—you or your birth partner have the right to demand a different physician. It’s awkward, but it’s your body and your baby.
- Hospital Responsibility: A big part of the lawsuits against DeLee also targeted Sunrise Hospital. The argument was that the hospital knew—or should have known—about his history and shouldn't have allowed him on the floor.
Honestly, the medical system relies heavily on "peer review," which sometimes means doctors protect their own. It took years of viral videos and millions in settlements before the system finally caught up with Frank DeLee.
Moving Forward
The saga of Dr Frank DeLee Las Vegas is mostly over now that his license has been surrendered. For the families who have been dealing with the fallout for a decade, it’s a bittersweet ending. The damage from Erb's Palsy is often permanent, requiring a lifetime of physical therapy or surgery.
If you’re currently navigating the healthcare system in Vegas, use the tools available. Look up your provider on the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners website. Read the public documents. A doctor’s history isn't always a secret; you just have to know where to look.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Search the Database: Go to the Nevada Medical Board and search for any prospective surgeon or OB-GYN.
- Request a File: If you suspect malpractice in your own past, you have a legal right to your full medical records.
- Consult a Specialist: If your child has symptoms of Erb's Palsy (weakness in one arm, lack of movement), see a pediatric neurologist immediately to document the injury.