Michael Jackson's Doc, Conrad Murray, Happy to Be Back

Nov. 24, 2009— -- Dr. Conrad Murray, the cardiologist at the center of the investigation into Michael Jackson's death, spent a relatively routine day back at his Houston clinic where he began seeing patients again Monday.

The doctor was welcomed back by his mostly elderly patients in an underserved community of Houston. Miranda Sevick, Murray's attorney's spokeswoman, said Murray saw seven patients.

"He hasn't lost a patient in Houston or Las Vegas," Sevick told ABCNews.com. "He's just thrilled to be back. The greatest joy of his life is working as a doctor. After being in exile and being able to hug his patients and shake their hands, he's never been so rejuvenated. He looks relaxed and happy."

"He had been hiding in his home in Las Vegas, but he needs to earn a living," Murray's lawyer Edward Chernoff told the Houston Chronicle. "He's under siege from creditors, has enormous legal fees and doesn't know whether he'll be able to support his family."

Though he remains the focus of the criminal investigation into Michael Jackson's death, which was ruled a homicide in August, Murray has never been charged and his medical license is "free and clear," according to Texas Medical Board spokeswoman Jill Wiggins.

Wiggins said unless Murray had a suspension or some disciplinary action brought against him, the board does not have authority to monitor his practice, including his prescription of medications. She would not confirm or deny whether Murray was currently under investigation by the board.

Sevick said there has been no move by the board to "censure him, bring him in for interview or anything regarding his medical license."

The board does have the right to temporarily suspend physicians pending an investigation if they are believed to present "imminent danger to the public or their patients," Wiggins said. "It would not appear that Dr. Murray's ability to practice medicine is impaired at this point."