Betrayal of Trust: The Tripler Army Doctor Allegations and Your Legal Rights

A physician’s office should be a sanctuary of healing and safety. However, recent disturbing reports involving a former Tripler Army Medical Center doctor have shaken the Hawaii community and military families across the country.

Major Blaine McGraw, an OB-GYN who practiced at Tripler from approximately 2019 to 2023 before transferring to Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) in Texas, has been formally charged following allegations that he secretly filmed and photographed patients during intimate medical examinations.

A Growing Pattern of Misconduct

The details emerging from criminal investigations and civil lawsuits are harrowing. Allegations against McGraw include:

• Secret Recordings: Using a cell phone hidden in a breast pocket to film patients during pelvic and breast exams.

• Unnecessary Procedures: Performing invasive exams and procedures that were not medically necessary.

• Bypassing Safely Protocols: Dismissing nurses and chaperones from the room to remain alone with patients during vulnerable moments.

Perhaps most distressing are reports that concerns about McGraw’s behavior were raised as early as 2019 during his time at Tripler, but were allegedly dismissed or "laughed off" by leadership. This allowed the conduct to continue for years, moving from Hawaii to Texas and impacting potentially hundreds of women.

Understanding Your Legal Options

If you were a patient of Dr. Blaine McGraw at Tripler Army Medical Center or during his civilian rotations in Hawaii, you may be a victim of medical battery, invasion of privacy, and professional negligence.

Because these incidents occurred at a military facility, the legal path to justice is unique. Unlike a standard medical malpractice case, claims against the military typically fall under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) which has strict deadlines. Beyond the doctor’s individual actions, the Army may be held liable for "negligent supervision and retention"—essentially, for failing to act on warnings that could have stopped the abuse years ago.

You Are Not Alone

For many, the realization that their privacy was violated during a medical exam is a profound trauma. It is a violation of the "Do No Harm" oath and a breach of the trust we place in our healthcare providers and the military chain of command.

Legal action is about more than just financial compensation; it is about accountability. It is about ensuring that systems are changed so that no other patient has to endure such a violation.

Seeking Guidance

If you believe you were impacted by this situation, it is vital to speak with an experienced attorney promptly. At The Law Office, we are committed to providing a safe, confidential space for victims to share their stories and understand their rights.

Contact us today for a private consultation. Your privacy and your dignity are our highest priorities.