Doctor charges employer with civil rights violation

A Smith County medical resident has sued a university medical center and its associated facility, alleging wrongful termination.

Khurram Nawab filed a lawsuit March 20 in the Tyler Division of the Eastern District of Texas against University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler and Good Shepherd Health System Inc., alleging retaliatory action in his June 2013 discharge.

According to the complaint, Nawab, a medical resident sponsored by University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, cites several incidents of discrimination based on his race, religion and national origin (Pakistani). The suit states after he filed complaints about university personnel’s derogatory comments, false allegations were made regarding his competency, and he was dismissed from his position June 30, 2013.

The plaintiff alleges the defendants created a hostile work environment and infringement of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. He cites loss of front and back pay, diminished earning capacity and mental anguish due to the defendants’ conduct. He alleges harassment, retaliation and unlawful termination, along with intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Nawab seeks punitive and exemplary damages, attorney fees, expenses and costs. He is represented by attorney David B. Joeckel Jr. of The Joeckel Law Office in Fort Worth.

Tyler Division of the Eastern District of Texas case number: 6:15-cv-00237