John Catanzaro, a Bothell naturopathic physician whose license was recently suspended by the state, replied to the charges against him in a statement to the Department of Health’s Board of Naturopathy this week.

Catanzaro asked for a settlement opportunity and hearing to contest the board’s statement of charges against him, issued Jan. 24. The board suspended his license to practice at his business, Health and Wellness Institute, on Jan. 28.

Charges against Catanzaro include the protocol he used to produce the treatments he was giving his patients was unsafe, he committed unprofessional conduct and that his patients experienced injury or were placed in “unreasonable risk of harm.”

In his response, Catanzaro denied these allegations, stating he helped not hurt his patients.

“To the contrary, most of my patients had received a bleak prognosis because of their cancer before they began treatment with me, but have experienced a prolonged life and improved quality of life through the use of the autologous vaccine,” he wrote. “The use of a nontraditional treatment does not constitute unprofessional conduct.”

Catanzaro also stated only one patient received treatment as a “research subject” and that the patient was completely informed about the entire process.

Many patients of Catanzaro continue to vocally support him and his methods through social media and other websites.

“My husband and I have received nothing but great care and stellar treatment by all the staff, including Dr. John,” Mary Reber wrote on the Reporter’s website. “My husband HAD cancer and is now cancer free…Dr. John was very instrumental in treating my husband well! What can you say to a cancer-free diagnosis?”

Another patient wrote that she was “devastated” by accusations against Catanzaro.

“I have received care from him for several years now and I have found none of the accusations to be true in regard to my care,” she wrote. “I have never had a doctor who spent the time and energy with me with such care and compassion that Dr. John does.”