23-year-old accused of impersonating doctor, diagnosing patient at Calif. hospitals

Ariya Ouskouian, 23, of Irvine, allegedly impersonated a physician at the Children's Hospital of Orange County and the University of California, Irvine seven times between April 23 and June 4, the Orange County District Attorney's Office said. less Ariya Ouskouian, 23, of Irvine, allegedly impersonated a physician at the Children's Hospital of Orange County and the University of California, Irvine seven times between April 23 and June 4, the Orange County ... more Photo: Iris J./Yelp Photo: Iris J./Yelp Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close 23-year-old accused of impersonating doctor, diagnosing patient at Calif. hospitals 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

A former college student is suspected of impersonating a doctor at California hospitals on multiple occasions.

Ariya Ouskouian, 23, of Irvine, allegedly impersonated a physician at the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and University of California, Irvine seven times between April 23 and June 4, the Orange County District Attorney's Office said in a statement.

During one alleged incident in a consult room at UCI, where Ouskouian was a former student, the defendant posed as a doctor and diagnosed a man about a growth on his neck, the DA said.

To clear security, Ouskouian allegedly claimed to have lost his hospital badge and requested a temporary one. Hospital staff eventually became suspicious of the defendant and requested verification of his doctor status, at which point he allegedly provided the name of a UCI personnel member.

CHOC said it reported Ouskouian to authorities and assisted in alerting hospitals in the area.

"During limited time on our campus, we believe this individual did not interact with any of our patients," CHOC said in a statement. "The individual did not have any access to patient health information."

Police arrested Ouskouian on Tuesday. He was released from the Orange County Jail the next day after posting $20,000 bond, jail records indicate.

Ouskouian is being tried on one felony charge and eight misdemeanors. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of three years in state prison and eight years in Orange County Jail.

Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.

Start receiving breaking news emails on wildfires, civil emergencies, riots, national breaking news, Amber Alerts, weather emergencies, and other critical events with the SFGATE breaking news email. Click here to make sure you get the news.