What to Know
- Samir El Charif, 29, was arrested Wednesday on charges including practicing medicine without a license and posing as a physician
- Police said Charif performed Botox injections without being properly licensed
- He advertised through an Instagram page in which he identifies himself as a physician and a "master injector"
A South Florida man who identified himself as a doctor and advertised his services through Instagram is accused of practicing medicine without a license.
Samir El Charif, 29, was arrested Wednesday on charges including practicing medicine without a license and posing as a physician, Doral Police said.
Officials said the Florida Department of Health received a complaint in February of an unlicensed doctor operating in Doral at two separate clinics at 3900 Northwest 79th Avenue #233, and at 2670 Northwest 97th Avenue.
Police said Charif performed Botox injections without being properly licensed. He advertised through an Instagram page in which he identifies himself as a physician and a "master injector," and posted photos of patients receiving injections and other procedures.
Undercover detectives contacted Charif to arrange an appointment then met with him at his clinic where they agreed on a medical procedure before arresting him, officials said.
Doral takes a "zero-tolerance stance" on unlicensed doctors operating in the city, officials said.
"Patients beware! Your medical professional may not be so professional after all," police said in a statement. "Unlicensed doctors are not bargain doctors; they are simply NOT doctors. Medical procedures can have lasting and damaging effects if done wrong."
Police are still looking for anyone who received medical treatment from Charif and are asking them to contact them at 305-593-6699.
