Texas Medical Board temporarily suspends Houston surgeon after he tested positive for cocaine

HOUSTON - The Texas Medical Board has announced a surgeon has been temporarily suspended without notice, according to a release. 

Officials said Nathan Robert Starke, a urologist, posed a continuing threat to public welfare. 

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The Medical Board found that Starke participated in several surgeries in August and September 2024 while appearing impaired, officials stated. 

The report stated that on August 19, Starke performed a surgical biopsy on a patient's prostate. The doctor reportedly met with the patient prior to the procedure that day and showed signs of impairment. 

Then, in September 2024, Houston Methodist suspended Starke after he was absent for all but the last three minutes of a surgery for which he was the attending physician, the report stated. 

Nathan Starke

As part of the suspension, the report stated that Starke agreed to submit regular drug and alcohol screenings. Officials said Starke had also been previously screening since at least 2023 through Houston Methodist, due to previous suspensions due to issues with impairment. 

Then, about a month later, officials said Starke tested positive for cocaine, officials stated.

Also, according to the Texas Medical Board report, that on or about October 22, 2024, Starke also tested positive for Kratom. 

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We're told Starke signed an Interim Monitoring Agreement with the Texas Medical Board but did not begin testing. 

Officials said a temporary suspension hearing with notice will be held as soon as practicable with 10 days' notice to Starke, unless the hearing is waived. 

The temporary suspension will remain in place until the board takes further action, officials stated.