Doctor Who Operated on Kanye's Mom Loses License

Plastic surgeon who operated on Donda West the day before she died can no longer practice in California

By Josh Grossberg Apr 09, 2009 11:15 PMTags
Dr. Jan AdamsMalcolm Ali/WireImage.com

The diagnosis on Dr. Jan Adams' career: inoperable.

The plastic surgeon who operated on Kanye West's mother the day before she died in 2007 has given up his license to practice medicine in California after the state's Medical Board brought charges against him over two criminal convictions for driving under the influence.

In court documents, Adams admits "the truth of each and every allegation," thereby resolving the board's allegations against him.

"The mission of the Medical Board is pubic protection, and this action reflects the Board's ongoing commitment to that mission," Barb Johnston, the Medical Board's executive director, said in a statement.

Adams may petition for reinstatement in three years, but in surrendering his license now, he acknowledges that the reasons for the disciplinary action "shall be deemed to be true and correct" should the board take up his case in the future.

This is the second time in a year the physician has lost his right to practice. Last January, the Medical Board did not immediately renew his license due to his failure to pay child support that he owes his ex.

Adams also ran afoul of the Medical Board after he was busted for DUIs in 2003 and 2006, both of which earned him sentences of probation. He was collared again last June when he used an exit ramp to get on the freeway in the Northern California city of Vallejo, and tests revealed his blood-alcohol level at 0.20, well above the state limit. After pleading no contest, he was given a one-year jail term.

Adams was a doctor in high demand on the talk-show circuit regarding discussing plastic surgery options. But that all changed after he performed multiple elective procedures on Donde West on Nov. 9, 2007, including a tummy tuck and breast reduction. She died the next day, prompting intense scrutiny of his practice and damaging his reputation.

While a coroner's report couldn't determine an official cause of death, it cited evidence that Kanye's mom had coronary disease and "multiple postoperative factors" resulting from the cosmetic procedures.