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A Medical Student Took His Own Life. His Parents Blame the School.
After an accusation of wrongdoing and a late-night email from a school dean, Vaibhav Duggal died by suicide. Is the school responsible?
By Frannie Block
06.09.26 — Education
No description available.
Vaibhav Duggal, a third-year medical student, died by suicide in July 2025 following a late-night disciplinary email from his school’s administration. (Courtesy of Vivek Duggal)
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On the morning of July 28, 2025, Vaibhav Duggal, a third-year medical student, was called in to meet with Dr. Charmaine Martin, dean of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso.

A patient had accused him of asking her inappropriate questions about her relationship status during his ob-gyn clinical rotation a few days prior. She also said Duggal followed her on social media after the appointment.

Duggal denied that he had said anything unprofessional—he claimed he followed protocol typical for an STD screening. But he admitted to following her on Instagram, and then blocking her an hour later once he realized it crossed a boundary.

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Frannie Block
Frannie Block is an investigative reporter at The Free Press, where she covers the forces shaping American life—from foreign influence in U.S. politics and national security to institutional overreach and due process failures. She began her career covering breaking news at The Des Moines Register.
Tags:
Law
Mental Health
Medicine
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