Osteopathic board hears petition from Dr. Jeff D. Lester seeking early end to probation after 2018 IV stem‑cell infusion that resulted in patient death

Dr. Jeff Douglas Lester told the Osteopathic Medical Board of California on April 23 that he is "fully rehabilitated" and asked members to end the remaining three years of a five‑year probation imposed after a 2018 patient death linked to an intravenous stem‑cell infusion.

The board opened a petition hearing in Pomona before Administrative Law Judge Thomas Heler to consider Lester’s request for early termination. Deputy Attorney General Miss Smith told the board the original accusation — filed April 7, 2022 — charged Lester with gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, incompetence and false or misleading advertising for performing a risky systemic IV infusion on a 76‑year‑old patient who later collapsed and died. The accusation states Lester left an infusion running, failed to recognize and treat anaphylaxis with epinephrine and did not have an on‑site defibrillator.

Lester, who represented himself at the hearing, described years of use of regenerative products and said he had been led to believe by vendors and some colleagues that the products were safe and commonly used. He said he had discontinued IV infusions after the 2018 incident, instituted monthly emergency drills for staff, and completed continuing education and monitoring requirements. "I feel I am fully rehabilitated," he told the board during his opening remarks.

Miss Smith and several board members questioned Lester about his training, the clinic’s informed‑consent materials, online statements about stem‑cell treatments, and the clinic’s emergency response on the day of the collapse. Lester acknowledged he had not administered epinephrine during the event and said paramedics took 15–20 minutes to arrive that day. He also said he had sought and received recommendation letters and had reimbursed the patient’s family when asked.

The panel admitted multiple prosecution and defense exhibits into the record, including the board’s decision imposing probation; letters of recommendation for Lester; continuing‑education certificates; and clinic policies. Lester testified he had saved and could produce the infusion bag and that he stopped offering IV stem‑cell infusions after the incident.

At the close of arguments, both sides made brief closing statements. Miss Smith urged the board to deny early relief, saying Lester had not shown sufficient evidence of insight or rehabilitation and noting the seriousness of the original charges. Lester reiterated his remorse and his claim that he had been misled by vendors and some colleagues.

The board recessed into closed session to deliberate and said it would issue a written decision consistent with law. The hearing record will form the basis for the board’s deliberation on whether Lester’s compliance and rehabilitation justify ending probation early.

What’s next: The board took the petition under submission and moved into closed session. Members said they will notify Lester in writing of the board’s final action in the time and manner required by law.

Reporting note: Quotes and facts in this story are drawn directly from the hearing record and in‑meeting remarks; the board admitted numerous documents into evidence and will issue a formal written outcome after deliberation.