The California State Medical Board is investigating pediatrician Christie Yee after she was arrested for leaving her two young children in a car unattended for more than an hour.
Yee was arrested Tuesday after someone heard the two children crying in the van while throwing out the trash.
The Bakersfield Police Department arrested Yee for willful cruelty to a child with possible injury or death.
Police were going to release the children to Yee's husband, but because of poor living conditions the children ages 2 years old and 9 months old were placed in child protective services.
Yee posted bail and was released from jail last night.
23ABC knocked on her door today, but no one answered.
The California State Medical Board said when a doctor is arrested and fingerprinted they are immediately notified and are aware of Yee's arrest.
She said disciplinary action could range from a reprimand letter to having her license revoked.
"In this case we're going to wait and see what law enforcement does," said Cassandra Hockenson with the Medical Board of California.
Yee received her license in 2012 and the only address listed where she's worked in California is at GMA Healthcare Providers in Northwest Bakersfield.
Hockenson said as of Wednesday afternoon Yee is legally still allowed to see patients.
"Since this really wasn't dealing with patients, it was more of a personal issue that's kind of something to consider too, but we'll look to see her fitness and stuff and whether we feel or not she is a danger," said Hockenson.
Rick Kendrick who lives across the street from Yee said he rarely sees the family, but said they keep to themselves and are very quiet.
He said he couldn't believe Yee left the kids in the car.
"I have three kids myself you know, I would never do that to my kids. I don't even want to leave them in the car for a minute," said Kendrick. "I know how life gets busy and all, but there's no reason to leave your kids in the car like that."
Michael Myers from GEMCare, which is the parent company of GMA Healthcare Providers released this statement"
"We are shocked and saddened to learn that one of our part-time providers was charged with child endangerment when she allegedly left her children unattended in a parked car for a period of time while tending to the care of our patients.
Our first concern is the safety and well-being of the children, and we understand they are under the care of protective services until such time as this issue is resolved.
GMA Healthcare Providers prides itself on delivering quality healthcare in a trusted and secure environment, and we want to assure our patients that we are investigating the matter to the fullest extent, and will take appropriate action as deemed necessary.
In the meantime, we are working with our providers at the northwest location to ensure that our pediatric patients receive the quality care that they deserve."
