Gilkeson v. Ottey et al

Filing 30

MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Judge Paula Xinis on 2/7/2018. (dass, Deputy Clerk) (c/m 2/7/18-das)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF MARYLAND
JONATHAN GILKESON, #419-774

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Plaintiff

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v

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DR. COLIN OTTEY,
RNP JEANETTE CLARK,
RNP KRISTA BILAK,
DR MAHBOOB ASHRAF,1
NURSE RICKY,2
NURSE DAWN HAWK,
WEXFORD HEALTH SOURCES, INC.,

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Civil Action No. PX-16-3715

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*

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Defendants
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MEMORANDUM OPINION

Jonathan Gilkeson is an inmate at North Branch Correctional Institution (“NBCI”) and in
the custody of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Pending
before the Court is Gilkeson’s verified Complaint pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging that
Defendants provided him constitutionally inadequate medical care in violation of his Eighth
Amendment right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment. ECF No. 1. Defendants
Wexford Health Sources, Inc., (“Wexford”), Colin Ottey, M.D., Janette Clarke, N.P., Krista
Bilak, N.P., Mahboob Ashraf, M.D., and Dawn Hawk, R.N. (collectively, the “Medical
Defendants’), moved to dismiss the Complaint, or alternatively, for summary judgment to be
granted in their favor. (ECF No. 22). Gilkeson has opposed the motion, (ECF No. 28) to which
the Medical Defendants replied. (ECF No. 29).

1

Gilkeson has misspelled Defendant’s name. The docket shall be corrected to reflect Defendant’s name is Ashraf
Mahboob, M.D.
2

Service was not obtained on “Nurse Ricky.” This Defendant will be dismissed without prejudice.

The matter is briefed and the Court finds a hearing unnecessary. Local Rule 105.6 (D.
Md. 2016). As explained below, Defendants’ Motion (ECF No. 22) IS GRANTED IN PART and
DENIED IN PART.
I.

Background
Prior to his incarceration in 2012, Gilkeson had been admitted to the University of

Maryland Medical System for a possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and right groin pain
arising from his having injected heroin into his femoral vein, which caused an abscess and
cellulitis. ECF No. 1 ¶15. Gilkeson was treated with antibiotics, his scrotum was reconstructed,
and his right testicle was moved to his upper right thigh. According to the University of
Maryland medical records, this transplant was intended to be permanent. Medical Records, ECF
24 at 20.
Gilkeson thereafter was incarcerated intermittently and without medical incident.3
However, on May 22, 2014, while housed at Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI), Gilkeson first
complained of groin pain, noting that his prescription for Naproxen was not controlling the pain
adequately. Barerra Affidavit, ECF 22-5 ¶8.4 Because Gilkeson has suffered from longterm and
extensive intravenous heroin and opioid abuse, Gilkeson was prescribed narcotics for pain as a
last resort. Barrera Affidavit, ECF No. 22-5 ¶5.
On June 3, 2014, Gilkeson was seen a t J C I by John Moss, P.A. complaining of groin
pain. Moss changed Gilkeson’s medicine to Indomethacin. Medical Records No. ECF 24 at
¶14-15. On June 17, 2014, Moss saw Gilkeson again for complaints of groin pain, at which time

3

Defendants include Gilkeson’s medical records from May of 2013 to January 24, 2017, and an affidavit executed
by Robustiano Barrera, M.D., Medical Director of NBCI. ECF No. 22-5, Medical Records, ECF No. 24. The Court
relies on those records, as well as Gilkeson’s averments, in assessing the propriety of summary judgment.
4
In his Opposition, Gilkeson disputes Defendants’ Motion to place his records under seal (ECF No. 28) and
Defendants have withdrawn their motion to seal. ECF No. 29. Accordingly, the Court shall rescind the Order
placing the medical records under seal.

2

Moss referred Gilkeson for follow-up medical evaluation and treatment. Id. at 16-17.
On June 25, 2014, Dr. Syed Rizvi examined Gilkeson. Gilkeson reported to Dr. Rizvi
that when not incarcerated, Gilkeson had taken Percocet for his pain. Dr. Rizvi prescribed
Percocet for Gilkeson. ECF No. 22-5 at at ¶11. Dr. Rizvi saw Gilkeson again on August 13,
2014; Gilkeson reported "excruciating" groin pain from having been kicked in the testicle and
that his current pain medications were ineffective. Dr. Rizvi referred Gilkeson for a follow-up
urology consult and continued Gilkeson on his pain medication. Id. at ¶12-13.
On October 21, 2014, Gilkeson was seen by a urologist at the University of Maryland.
As recommended, Gilkeson underwent an ultrasound to assess possible relocation of the
right testicle into the scrotum. The consultation report noted that relocation of the
testicle in the scrotum to be a possibility, although also noted that the surger may not
necessarily alleviate Gilkeson’s pain. Id. at 14.
On November 13, 2014, Gilkeson underwent an ultrasound at Bon Secours Hospital, the
record for which notes that Gilkeson had previously undergone “temporary transplantation of
the right testicle into the upper thigh” to treat his infection. Id. at 26. (Emphasis
added). The ultrasound confirmed that both testes showed normal vascular flow and no
acute findings were observed. Id.
On December 3, 2014, Gilkeson was transferred to RCI where he could not receive
Percocet until he was examined by an on-site physician. Gilkeson instead was first given
Tylenol #35 and then Tramadol. Id.; see also Barerra Affidavit, ECF 22¶17. On December 11,
2014, Gilkeson was referred for another urology consult. Medical Records, ECF No. 24 at 3334. On December 22, 2014, Gilkeson was transferred from RCI to NBCI, and examined shortly
5

Tylenol #3 is acetaminophen (Tylenol) and codeine, a narcotic prescription pain medicine for pain relief.
See https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601005.html (last visited January 9, 2018).

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thereafter by Janette Clark, N.P. in the facility’s Chronic Care Clinic. There, Gilkeson reported
right groin pain and asked that his right testicle be replaced to his scrotum. Medical Record, ECF
No. 24 at 36. Gilkeson Tramadol prescription was continued for sixty days. Medical Records,
ECF No. 24 at 31, 42.
On February 15, 2015, Monica Wilt, R.N. saw Gilkeson for his groin pain, during which
time Gilkeson reported that he was still having pain while taking the Tramadol and Ibuprofen.
Contemporaneous notes reflect that Gilkeson had undergone a follow up ultrasound, but no other
procedures had been scheduled. ECF No. 24 at 45.
On March 13, 2015, Gilkeson again reported to nurse Clark that he was suffering groin
pain and again expressed his desire to have his right testicle returned to his scrotum. Clark
discussed Gilkeson’s request with the Regional Medical Director.6 Ultimately Gilkeson’s request
for surgery was declined because Gilkeson was able to complete all activities of daily living
without it. Clark also switched pain medications for Gilkeson instructed him to return if he
continued to experience pain without improvement. Id. at 49-52.
On March 23, 2015, Mahboob Ashraf, M.D. saw Gilkeson in the Chronic Care Clinic,
and Gilkeson did not complain of groin pain.7 Ashraf prescribed Tramadol in addition to
Gabapentin. Id. at 53, 58. On March 31, 2015, Gilkeson again requested that his testicle be
returned to his scrotum. Dr. Ashraf ordered a surgical consultation for Gilkeson which was
ultimately approved. Id. at 59-60, 62, 64. On July 13, 2015, Gilkeson returned from an offsite
medical visit related to his hepatitis C and told Ricki Moyer, R.N. that he was going to refuse

6

It appears that Defendant Colin Ottey was the Regional Medical Director at that time. Medical Records, ECF No.
24 at 79. Defendants shall be required to provide the name of the Regional Medical Director during the time relevant
to this case.
7

Gilkeson has a history of Hepatitis C (HCV). Medical Records, ECF No. 24 at 53, 65.

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further treatment. Id. at 68. Dr. Ashraf’s notes suggest that Gilkeson did receive a urological
consult, although it is unclear whether the consult was in person. Dr. Ashraf reports that
Gilkeson “was seen by urologist who discussed the case with patient concerning the
repositioning of the testicle,” and that Gilkeson was told that although the surgery is possible, it
may also lead to vascular compromise. Id. at 71.
Gilkeson was then seen on September 8, 2015, by Krista Swan, N.P. who discontinued
Gilkeson’s Tramadol in light of his history of opiate abuse and renewed the Gabapentin. Id. at
76. Gilkeson also requested a consult with the University of Maryland Medical Center where the
initial surgery had been performed. Id. 73. Swan referred Gilkeson to the Regional Medical
Director. Id.
On October 10, 2015, Gilkeson asked Ricky Moyer, R.N., to place him back on
Tramadol, which Moyer declined to do. Moyer also advised Gilkeson of his upcoming meeting
with the Regional Medical Director. Id. at 77. On October 13, 2015, Regional Medical Director,
Colin Ottey, met with Gilkeson and discussed surgery to return Gilkeson’s testicle to his
scrotum. The meeting concluded with Ottey advising Gilkeson that he (Ottey) would review the
medical records regarding the propriety of Gilkeson’s request. Id. at 79.
On October 20, 2015 Gilkeson again saw Krista Swan, N.P. for complaints of groin pain.
Swan prescribed Tramadol pending Dr. Ottey’s review of the case. Id. at 81. On January 20,
2016, Gilkeson reported to Dr. Ashraf that his medicine regimen was adequately controlling his
pain, save for at night when he experienced increased discomfort. Ashraf prescribed Mobic8 to
be taken at night before bed and continued Gilkeson’s Tramadol prescription for ninety days. Id.
at 87, 89.

8

Mobic is the brand name for meloxicam, a medication used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness
caused by osteoarthritis. See https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601242.html (last visited January 10, 2018).

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On April 26, 2016, Gilkeson again complained of stomach and groin pain during a
medical visit with Michael Kleptich, R.N. Id. at 91. The following day, April 27, 2016, Dawn
Hawk, R.N. examined Gilkeson, noting that Gilkeson was moving during the examination
without difficulty. Hawk denied Gilkeson’s request for more pain medication, which provoked
an angry response from Gilkeson. Id. at 93.
Gilkeson once again requested pain medication on May 2, 2016 during a medical visit
with Dr. Ashraf. Dr. Ashraf declined the request, agreed to a final sixty day prescription, but
forewarned Gilkeson that his prescription will not be further renewed, especially in light of
Gilkeson’s substance abuse history. Id. at 94-96.
Gilkeson expressed no complaints of pain until July 6, 2016, when he asked to renew his
Tramadol prescription. At that medical visit, Nurse Ricki Moyer noted that Gilkeson was moving
well. Gilkeson told Nurse Ricki Moyer that he needed Tramadol to “live normally.” When
Moyer asked what he was unable to do without Tramadol, Gilkeson responded that he was
unable to play basketball. Gilkeson became angry when Moyer advised him that his last
Tramadol prescription had been renewed for a final sixty days. Id. at 97.
On July 28, 2016, Gilkeson’s Mobic prescription expired. He was on no prescription pain
medications after this time. Barrera Affidavit, ECF No. 22-5 ¶45. Gilkeson did not present any
complaints of groin pain thereafter until August 31, 2016, when he reported to Marilyn Evans,
R.N. that he was hit in the right thigh during unspecified activity. He described feeling shooting
pain in his groin. He was referred to a medical provider for evaluation and treatment. Medical
Records, ECF No. 24 at 107.
On September 8, 2016, Gilkeson told Krista Bilak, N.P. that during an altercation, he was
hit in the inner thigh where his right testicle was located. He complained of sharp intermittent

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pain with a tingling sensation. Bilak observed the area was red, swollen and tender. Gilkeson
stated he wanted his testicle removed. Bilak prescribed Gabapentin for pain, an antibiotic for
possible infection, and requested a surgical consult. Bilak also instructed Gilkeson to return to
the medical unit if his symptoms failed to improve or worsened. Id. at 109-111.
On September 15, 2016, Gilkeson was approved for a surgical evaluation. Id. at 112, 114.
On November 11, 2016, Bilak continued Gilkeson on Gabapentin for 120 days and notified him
of the approval. On February 2, 2017, Gilkeson was approved for surgery on his testicle, but the
record is unclear whether Gilkeson underwent an operation.
Gilkeson claims in this action that the Defendants’ unreasonable delay during his
incarceration in surgically returning the testicle to his scrotum led to the testicle having to be
removed altogether. Id. ¶29. Gilkeson also asserts that during this surgery and recovery,
Defendants failed to provide adequate pain medication, and that the removal of his testicle
renders him less likely to father a child. Gilkenson seeks monetary damages and declaratory
relief. Id. ¶¶ 35-37.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
I.

Motion to Dismiss
A motion to dismiss filed under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6) tests the legal

sufficiency of a complaint. When evaluating a 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss, a plaintiff’s wellpleaded allegations are accepted as true and the complaint is viewed in the light most favorable
to the plaintiff. Accordingly, a court “must accept as true all of the factual allegations contained
in the complaint” and must “draw all reasonable inferences [from those facts] in favor of the
plaintiff.” E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. v. Kolon Indus., Inc., 637 F.3d 435, 440 (4th Cir.
2011); see Hall v. DirectTV, LLC, 846 F.3d 757, 765 (4th Cir. 2017). A pro se plaintiff's

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pleadings are “to be liberally construed” and are “held to less stringent standards than formal
pleadings drafted by lawyers.” Erickson v. Pardus, 551 U.S. 89, 94 (2007); see Alley v. Yadkin
County Sheriff Dept., No. 17-1249, 698 F. App’x 141, 2017 WL 4415771 (4th Cir. Oct. 5, 2017).
However, even a pro se litigant’s complaint must be dismissed if it does not allege a “plausible
claim for relief.” Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 679 (2009).
II. Motion for Summary Judgment
Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provides that a court “shall grant
summary judgment if the movant shows that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact
and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c). A material fact
is one that “might affect the outcome of the suit under the governing law.” Libertarian Party of
Va. v. Judd, 718 F.3d 308, 313 (4th Cir. 2013). A genuine issue of disputed material fact exists
“if the evidence is such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the nonmoving party.”
Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, 477 U.S. 242, 248 (1986). When considering a motion for summary
judgment, the Court must determine whether sufficient evidence exists on a claimed factual
dispute to warrant submission of the matter to a jury for resolution at trial. Id. at 249.
In this inquiry, a court must consider the facts and all reasonable inferences in the light
most favorable to the nonmoving party. Libertarian Party of Va., 718 F.3d at 312; see also Scott
v. Harris, 550 U.S. 372, 378 (2007). A court “must not weigh evidence or make credibility
determinations.” Foster v. University of Md.-Eastern Shore, 787 F.3d 243, 248 (4th Cir. 2015)
(citing Mercantile Peninsula Bank v. French, 499 F.3d 345, 352 (4th Cir. 2007)).
This Court must also not allow factually unsupported claims and defenses from going to
trial. Drewitt v. Pratt, 999 F.2d 774, 778-79 (4th Cir. 1993). If the evidence presented by the
nonmoving party is merely colorable, or is not significantly probative, summary judgment must

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be granted. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 249-50. A party opposing summary judgment must “do more
than simply show that there is some metaphysical doubt as to the material facts.” Matsushita
Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586 (1986); see also In re Apex Express
Corp., 190 F.3d 624, 633 (4th Cir. 1999). As this Court has previously explained, a “party
cannot create a genuine dispute of material fact through mere speculation or compilation of
inferences.” Shin v. Shalala, 166 F. Supp. 2d 373, 375 (D. Md. 2001) (citations omitted).
This Court is mindful that Gilkeson proceeds pro se. A federal court must liberally
construe pro se pleadings to allow the development of potentially meritorious cases. See
Erickson, 551 U.S. at 94; Cruz v, Beto, 405 U.S. 319 (1972). Liberal construction does not
mean, however, that this Court can ignore a clear failure in the pleadings to allege facts sufficient
to state a claim. See Weller v. Department of Social Services, 901 F.2d 387, 391 (4th Cir. 1990).
Put succinctly, a court cannot assume a genuine issue of material fact where none exists.
Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(c).
DISCUSSION
The Eighth Amendment prohibits “unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain” by virtue
of its guarantee against cruel and unusual punishment. Gregg v. Georgia, 428 U.S. 153, 173
(1976). “Scrutiny under the Eighth Amendment is not limited to those punishments authorized
by statute and imposed by a criminal judgment.” De'Lonta v. Angelone, 330 F. 3d 630, 633 (4th
Cir. 2003), citing Wilson v. Setter, 501 U.S. 294, 297 (1991). To state an Eighth Amendment
claim for denial of medical care, a plaintiff must demonstrate that defendants’ acts or omissions
amounted to deliberate indifference to his serious medical needs. See Estelle v. Gamble, 429
U.S. 97, 106 (1976); see also Iko v. Shreve, 535 F.3d 225, 241 (4th Cir. 2008). Deliberate
indifference to a serious medical need requires proof that, objectively, the prisoner plaintiff was

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suffering from a serious medical need and that, subjectively, the prison staff was aware of the
need for medical attention but failed to either provide it or ensure the needed care was available.
See Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825, 837 (1994).
A “serious medical need is one that has been diagnosed by a physician as mandating
treatment or one that is so obvious that even a lay person would easily recognize the necessity
for a doctor's attention.” Iko, 535 F.3d at 241 (internal quotation marks and ellipses omitted).
Proof of an objectively serious medical condition, however, does not end the inquiry. The
subjective component requires “subjective recklessness” in the face of the serious medical
condition. Farmer, 511 U.S. at 839-40. “True subjective recklessness requires knowledge both of
the general risk, and also that the conduct is inappropriate in light of that risk.” Rich v. Bruce,
129 F. 3d 336, 340 n. 2 (4th Cir. 1997). “Actual knowledge or awareness on the part of the
alleged inflicter . . . becomes essential to proof of deliberate indifference ‘because prison
officials who lacked knowledge of a risk cannot be said to have inflicted punishment.’” Brice v.
Virginia Beach Correctional Center, 58 F. 3d 101, 105 (4th Cir. 1995), (quoting Farmer, 511
U.S. at 844).
If the requisite subjective knowledge is established, an official may avoid liability “if [he]
responded reasonably to the risk, even if the harm was not ultimately averted.” Farmer, 511 U.S.
at 844. Reasonableness of the actions taken must be judged in light of the risk the defendant
actually knew at the time. Brown v. Harris, 240 F. 3d 383, 390 (4th Cir. 2000); see also Jackson
v. Lightsey, 775 F.3d 170, 179 (4th Cir. 2014). An inmate does not have a constitutional right
treatment of choice, Dean v. Coughlin, 804 F.2d 207, 215 (2d Cir. 1986). Moreover, an inmate’s
disagreements with medical staff over the necessity for or extent of medical treatment do not rise
to a constitutional injury. See Estelle, 429 U.S. at 105-06; Wright v. Collins, 766 F.2d 841, 849

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(4th Cir. 1985); see also Fleming v. LeFevere, 423 F.Supp.2d 1064, 1070-71 (C.D. Cal. 2006).
Further, “any negligence or malpractice on the part of ... doctors in missing [a] diagnosis
does not, by itself, support an inference of deliberate indifference.” Johnson v. Quinones, 145
F.3d 164, 166 (4th Cir. 1998). In essence, the treatment rendered must be as grossly incompetent
or inadequate as to shock the conscience or to be intolerable to fundamental fairness. Miltier v.
Beorn, 896 F.2d 848, 851 (4th Cir. 1990) (citation omitted) (overruled in part on other grounds
by Farmer, 511 U.S. at 837; aff'd in pertinent part by Sharpe v. S.C. Dep't of Corr., 621 F. App’x
732 (Mem) (4th Cir. 2015)). Finally, adequacy of treatment is “limited to that which may be
provided upon a reasonable cost and time basis and the essential test is one of medical necessity
and not simply that which may be considered merely desirable.” Bowring v. Godwin, 551 F.2d
44, 47-48 (4th Cir. 1977).
I.

Claims Against Wexford

Wexford, a private contractor which provides health care at correctional facilities, argues
that dismissal is warranted because the doctrine of respondeat superior does not apply to § 1983
claims. See Love-Lane v. Martin, 355 F.3d 766, 782 (4th Cir. 2004) (no respondeat superior
liability under § 1983). Generally, a private corporation is not liable under § 1983 for actions
allegedly committed by its employees when such liability is premised solely upon a theory of
respondeat superior. See Austin v. Paramount Parks, Inc., 195 F.3d 715, 727-28 (4th Cir. 1999);
Powell v. Shopco Laurel Co., 678 F.2d 504, 506 (4th Cir. 1982); Clark v. Md. Dep't of Pub.
Safety & Corr. Servs., 316 F. App’x 279, 282 (4th Cir. 2009). To the extent that Gilkeson seeks
to hold Wexford liable based on supervisor liability, he fails to aver plausibly facts
demonstrating that Wexford is a state actor whose policies, customs, or practices led to violations
of Gilkeson’s constitutional rights. See Monell v. N.Y. City Dep't of Social Servs., 436 U.S. 658,

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690 (1978). Therefore, the claims against Wexford will be dismissed. See Love-Lane, 355 F.3d at
782.
II.

Claims Against Ottey, Clark, Bilak, Ashraf, and Hawk

A. Pain Medication
Gilkeson faults Defendants for providing ineffective pain management and discontinuing
his pain medication. When viewing the record in the light most favorably to Gilkeson, no
reasonable trier of fact could agree that Gilkeson’s medical treatment constitutes an Eight
Amendment violation. Gilkeson received regular medical care and adequate pain management.
Further, no evidence suggests that medical providers failed to proscribe medically appropriate
pain relievers as needed. Gilkeson’s contemporaneous objections to defendants’ occasional
refusal of pain medication, especially in light of Gilkeson’s history of drug abuse which
contraindicates prescribing painkillers, amount to no more than a disagreement over the proper
course of care. It does not as a matter of law rise to the level of an Eighth Amendment violation.
See Estelle, 419 U.S. at 105–06; Wright v. Collins, 766 F.2d 841, 849 (4th Cir.1985).
Accordingly, the Court grants summary judgment in favor of Defendants Ottey, Clark, Bilak,
Ashraf, and Hawk.
B. Delay of Gilkeson’s surgery
Defendants’ collective action (or inaction) surrounding the more than two year delay in
approving Gilkeson’s surgery is a different matter. Gilkeson contends that his surgery was
always medically necessary, a claim which is supported in some measure by the medical records.
See Medical Records ECF No. 24 at 26 (Bon Secours Ultra Sound Report indicating a temporary
transplantation of the scrotum). However, at other points, the medical records suggest that the
transplant of Gilkeson’s testicle to his thigh was permanent and not to be reversed by a future

12

medical procedure. Medical Records, ECF No. 24 at 20 (noting permanent transplant of right
testicle into thigh); Barrera Affidavit, ECF No. 22-5 ¶5 (stating placement of the teste in the
thigh was not a temporary measure).9
Of additional concern is Dr. Barrera’s summary conclusion that medical personel,
including the then Regional Medical Director, determined on March 13, 2015 that surgery was
not indicated because Gilkeson was able to complete “all activities of daily living.” Barrera
Affidavit, ECF No 22-5 ¶24. Nowhere do the medical records identify the activities of daily
living to which Barrera refers. Nor is it at all clear exactly what activities of daily living are
medically pertinent to determining whether surgery was warranted. This gap in Defendants’
proffered medical assessment is especially concerning in light of Gilkeson’s repeated complaints
of pain for the nearly two years during which such assessments were underway. The Court’s
concern is compounded by Gilkeson ultimately being approved for surgery to remove the testicle
some four years after the initial surgery was performed in 2012. Accordingly, genuine issues of
material fact remain as to whether Gilkeson was denied timely surgery for a serious medical
condition.
As to whether Defendants acted with deliberate indifference to his serious medical needs,
additional outstanding questions of fact remain. Specifically, was the initial relocation of the
right testicle in 2011 meant to be permanent or temporary; was Gilkeson scheduled for
repositioning surgery during the time he was at JCI; was Gilkeson denied surgical repositioning
because it was deemed cosmetic and; if necessary surgery was delayed or denied, whether
Defendants acted with deliberate indifference to his serious medical needs.
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Gilkeson further claims that he was denied the surgery because it was deemed cosmetic and that
a physician at the Maryland Correctional Institution-Hagerstown informed him that “nowhere on the
planet” would the procedure be considered cosmetic and the time had long passed to save the testicle.
Complaint, ECF No. 1 ¶¶ 25, 28.

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Where, as here, the parties offer differing versions of the events in sworn affidavits or
pleadings as to genuine issues of material fact, summary judgment is precluded. Accordingly, as
to Defendants Ottey, Clark, Bilak, Ashraf, and Hawk, their motion is denied. By separate Order,
the Court will appoint pro bono counsel to represent Mr. Gilkeson, and thereafter a discovery
scheduling order shall issue.
CONCLUSION
For these reasons, Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss or, in the Alternative for Summary
Judgment IS GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART. A separate Order follows.

2/7/18
Date

/S/
Paula Xinis
United States District Judge

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