UCI Medical Students Defend Asch’s Character
IRVINE — A group of UC Irvine medical students rose Tuesday to defend their professor, Dr. Ricardo H. Asch, issuing a terse statement of support for the beleaguered physician.
About 35 students signed a three-paragraph statement while standing alongside Asch, one of three internationally acclaimed fertility experts accused in court documents of egg-stealing and record-hiding.
“Through his work and interactions with us,†said the statement sent to UCI Chancellor Laura L. Wilkening, “Dr. Asch has always demonstrated respect, social responsibility and integrity.â€
Asch and his two partners at the UCI Center for Reproductive Health, Drs. Jose P. Balmaceda and Sergio Stone, are to testify before a state Senate committee today about the fertility clinic. The three have denied any wrongdoing.
The students’ statement, which praised Asch’s “high moral and ethical standards,†blasted media coverage of the fertility scandal.
“We are outraged at the media frenzy,†the statement said. “The media has accused, judged and convicted Dr. Asch before [his] having the opportunity to present his case. . . .â€
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