Jorden involved in prior domestic cases

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Dr. Timothy Jorden, a person of interest in a fatal shooting at ECMC on Wednesday, has what police are calling a sordid past.

The doctor has some glowing reviews from patients, but once the scrubs were off, a different image of the life-saving doctor came into focus. Cheektowaga Police say they have records of two domestic cases involving Jorden in 2003, but those cases do not involve the victim in Wednesday's shooting.

Jorden joined ECMC's surgery department in 2003, also having "privileges to practice" at Buffalo General and Millard Fillmore Suburban. Mary Milley went to the doctor for a procedure.

"He did a simple biopsy on my arm and he even wore Army boots to the operation. I thought that was funny," she said.

Dexter Clay's ex-girlfriend's surgery was performed by Dr. Jorden.

"I thought he was very personable and very nice, made me feel at ease. His whole little office would be full. Everybody would be there saying, 'We're here to see Dr. Jorden,'" said Clay.

On Vital.com, a patient review website, there were mixed reviews for the doctor.

One patient wrote:

"I would recommend Dr. Jorden to anyone in need of surgery. He is the most wonderful, caring and compassionate doctor I have ever seen."

But in another review, a medical student said Dr. Jorden is unethical, stating:

"As a medical student, I worked with Dr. Jorden at ECMC hospital in Buffalo. On one occasion, he instructed us to document a "strangulated hernia" in the chart, when there was CLEARLY NOT ONE, so that he could perform emergent surgery. His actions were often times unethical, and he is not very nice at all. His actions turned off a lot of my peers to surgery as a career choice."

The U.S. Army tells News 4 the Buffalo native was in the Army Special Forces, serving from 1982 to 1992 as a Special Operations Medical Sergeant. He later served in the Army from 1996 to 1999 as a general surgeon, attaining the rank of Captain.

Jorden received the following awards and decorations: Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Master Parachute Badge, Scuba Diver Badge, Special Forces Tab.