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Following a 2023 drunk driving conviction in Fresno County, Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Wiemann was placed on probation by the California Medical Board on Aug. 14.
According to the state medical board’s website, Wiemann’s license was officially revoked, but the action was “stayed” and he was placed on probation for four years.
Under the terms of his probation, Wiemann is prohibited from practicing again until he completes a clinical diagnostic evaluation and is barred from running his own medical office.
He is also required to attend psychotherapy, undergo a medical evaluation and “biological fluid testing,” and pay the medical board $13,790 as reimbursement for the investigation into his case, plus costs related to monitoring his probation.
Hazel Hawkins public relations and marketing manager Erika Yanez and Wiemann did not immediately respond to BenitoLink’s request for comment.
Wiemann was hired by Hazel Hawkins more than a year ago despite concerns among some of its directors over the state medical board’s move to revoke his license. The San Benito Health Care District Board of Trustees approved his three-year employment term in June 2025 for at least $795,000 in pay.
When two directors of the health care board, which governs Hazel Hawkins, attempted to discuss the state medical board’s proposal to revoke or suspend Wiemann’s license, District Counsel Heidi Quinn, CEO Mary Casillas, and Medical Staff Services Director Britney Slibsager said the issue was not appropriate for public discussion.
According to an April 2025 document known as an “accusation” by the state medical board against Wiemann, the licensing body initially sought to revoke or suspend his license for three reasons: his DUI conviction, consuming alcohol in a manner that was dangerous to himself and the public, and for lying to police officers about the alcohol consumption.
Wiemann pleaded no contest to the charges in Fresno County and was sentenced to 180 days in jail, three years of probation. He was also ordered to complete a nine-month alcohol education program, according to the complaint. A judge suspended 150 days of the jail sentence and Wiemann was also granted 30 days credit for completing an inpatient treatment program.
According to the complaint, Wiemann was arrested in August 2023 after Clovis Police officers observed him staggering out of a liquor store to his car. Police reported conducting a sobriety test in which they said Wiemann “exhibited six out of six clues indicating intoxication.”
Officers also interviewed a witness who stated that Wiemann had stumbled out of a bar and restaurant and drove away slowly while weaving in and out of his lane.
The report says Wiemann told officers he was heading home or to work “but was unable to specify his intended final destination,” and denied having consumed alcohol.
According to the state Medical Board, Wieman’s license was renewed in July 2025. He first obtained his physician and surgeon’s license in 2016.
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