A former Memorial Hermann transplant physician accused of falsifying patient records to prevent some liver transplant candidates from receiving organ offers is expected back in federal court Thursday.
Dr. John Steven Bynon Jr. is facing federal charges stemming from allegations that he entered false information into patients’ medical records.
According to federal prosecutors, the alleged changes kept some patients from being eligible for liver transplants for months and prevented them from receiving potential organ offers through the United Network for Organ Sharing.
Prosecutors say the patients and their families were not aware the information had been added to their medical records. Some members of the patients’ own care teams also allegedly did not know about the changes.
Court records further allege that Medicare paid for medical care as though some of the patients remained eligible for transplantation.
Memorial Hermann transplant program paused
Memorial Hermann’s abdominal transplant program was paused in March 2024 following the allegations.
The program was reactivated in April 2025 after the hospital said it had implemented corrective actions and changes to the program.
Bynon has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges.
If convicted, Bynon could face up to five years in federal prison on each count.
Bynon is expected in federal court Thursday, where the case is scheduled to move forward.
KPRC 2 will continue following the hearing and provide updates as they become available.