Comments on: Patients say their surgeon "butchered" them

By: Inky

Inky — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:13:46 +0000

Medical Boards across the nation are co-conspirators to cover up the danger that a significant percentage of docs pose to their unwitting patients. I review medical records and do quality control and have to confront docs all the time. The Medical Boards and in many cases the state legislatures write the statutes to make it unnecessary for the Boards to report criminal wrongdoing to law enforcement agencies. Some docs, like the rest of the general public ,have serious and persistent mental illness which when combined with substance abuse makes them weapons of mass destruction. Patients think that there are controls in place to prevent this but there are precious few. BUYER BEWARE.

By: EJ - Ohio

EJ - Ohio — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:49:59 +0000

Perhaps AC360 should do a follow up where they show physicians that have successfully recovered w/the help of these programs and a few others in the medical field (RN's, hospital administrators, surgery board employees, etc) who may have different perspectives (or at least have different or additional information)

By: Marty

Marty — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:14:10 +0000

Mr Cooper...I am a practicing physician "in recovery" which is a huge distinction from "in treatment"...I and many others like me are in recovery for years, practicing a very high level of medicine very safely. I now work with my state program to educate medical students and residents and to increase awareness of the disease of substance abuse, which includes eating disorders, gambling, etc.

10-12% of all folks in this country have or will develop a dependency on something or another in their lifetime, doctores included. What should scare the heck out of people is not the 1% of doctors that are actually getting the help that they need that you spoke about in this piece but the other 9% that are still out there, hiding and scared to get help. I would be more than happy to speak with you anytime about how the system really works with successes far outstripping the failures. If these physician (attorney, nurse, etc) assistance programs are disbanded, there will be a much worse and more dangerous situation than currently exists.

By: Gabe Vargas

Gabe Vargas — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:18:51 +0000

Being a Professional does not end with the education. Due to the fact that peoples lives are in their hands, they are socially obligated to behave as a professional. If not, they are more than qualified for a lesser position as a nurse or a position with less responsibility.

By: Janet

Janet — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:40:01 +0000

A few years back my doctors were found liable for medical fraud and concealment. AB2571 was then signed into law born out of my medical nightmare. My story came out this year in my book titled, Taking a Stand.
Just as my doctor’s committed fraud and concealment–I feel that the Medical Board of California has taken part in concealing a condition that could compromise health care through their Diversion program. I was lied to, so has each patient who goes into surgery believing that their doctor is at his best, not using or intoxicated–trusting that the Medical Board who is charged to protect them–was doing so. My medical records were altered, a year removed. Not until my doctor confessed his mistakes 10 surgeries and 15 years after the fact did I know there was a problem. Yet the California Medical Board has known all along of the failures in operating their own Diversion program. It was not until the patients seen tonight went to speak at a Ca Medical Board meeting and the media got wind did this board vote to end this nightmare.
Now we must look forward in how to both protect patients and provide a situation for doctor’s to get the help that they need. Any ideas?

By: Mary Ann Costamagna

Mary Ann Costamagna — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 03:21:47 +0000

May I suggest that you fact check your reference to the "California Medical Association" as a "state agency." It's my understanding the California Medical Association is a statewide trade association for the medical profession, much like the American Medical Association is at the national level.
Hope this is helpful. Thank you for an excellent story.
Mary Ann

By: Regina

Regina — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 01:55:07 +0000

Biased sensationalism! Having a substance disorder is not the same as being incompetent!!!! Every profession has marginally qualified practitioners, but the assumption that a physician is “impaired” because s/he has a substance disorder is misleading/ignorant.

The story misrepresented what good physician diversion programs do. They do not protect impaired physicians. They keep physicians with substance disorders accountable. The California program was poorly managed. In diversion programs nationwide, if a physician is using alcohol or drugs, they are sent to treatment and NOT PACTICING. Once they have completed treatment and demonstrated the ability to maintain sobriety, they are allowed to return to work. Even then, they are required to attend some type of outpatient treatment, provide random drug screens, attend groups, have additional supervision and more. The success rate for physicians in diversion programs is much higher than the national average.

Would you rather have doctors hide their substance disorders? Don’t you realize this would likely increase the likelihood of patient injury? Wouldn’t you rather encourage physicians to seek treatment, get sober and return to work a better physician? The idea of not letting a physician in recovery return to practice shows how little is understood about addiction. Come on America, get educated. Learn the full truth before jumping to conclusions.

By: izzymommy1

izzymommy1 — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:46:53 +0000

To Karen (the last respondent):

I am almost hesitant to write this as I feel it wll not make any difference...but when you state things like "doctors get away with murder" it is extremely discouraging to the great doctors out there. Medical cases are complicated, sometimes having the choice of a bad outcome vs a worse outcome. And usually it never even comes to this. These doctors devote their life to medicine, and 99% of the ones I have met are not only incredible physicians, but also incredible people. When you make your allegations of "murder", it is sensationalist and reminds me once again that every case needs to be evaluated on an indiviudual basis. The science/circumstances around each case is so specific (did I mention that a non-peer jury usually finds in favor of the docotr???) But it saddens me when anyeone makes these outrageous generalizations. Good luck with your rehab. Was it a doctor that turned you in?

By: Peggy

Peggy — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:21:03 +0000

Another one sided story.

By: Kathy, Andover

Kathy, Andover — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:17:41 +0000

@ one point, I thought I heard Randi say they couldn't prove this so-called surgeon was "under the influence" while operating. What in the hell difference does that make??? What I mean is, if he was sober and did that to someone it would be malpractice. No matter what the reason was, that guy should not be allowed to operate period. And it's pretty disgusting (to say the least) that noone around him had anything to say about this. Colleagues, nurses, etc?!

I remember an anesthesia resident that had a drug problem. I felt sorry for him. But guess what . . . he could not practice anesthesiology UNTIL he had COMPLETED his drug rehab and was READY to practice anesthesiology. You said this wasn't just in California, but surely there are differences in how drug problems are handled across the country. The example I gave is drastically different - maybe residents are treated differently, when it comes to this? I tell you one thing, when I saw that smug fill-in-the-blank on the TV screen, I wanted to reach in and hit him (hit him hard, to say the least) I caN'T believe this jerk is getting away with this!!!!! Kathy RN

By: Sherry Statman

Sherry Statman — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:18:54 +0000

As an attorney who has both prosecuted physicians for a state medical board and defended health professionals in front of their licensing boards, I have seen both sides of this issue. The rationale for allowing physicians to participate in "confidential" rehabilitation programs is to encourage them to get the help they need.

However, in this instance, the State of California bears the burden of properly monitoring their physicians. In Texas, the Medical Board has rigorous requirements for a physician to be eligible to participate in a confidential rehabilitation program. Many do not qualify and are allowed to continue practice only under public orders. Random testing and other monitoring requirements are strictly enforced and the Board will temporarily suspend the license of a physician who is shown to be a continuing threat to the public.

By: Marian

Marian — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:57:27 +0000

I live in Michigan, am disabled, and nearly 2 years ago was sent by a contractor to my former employer, the state, to a doctor who did not even pretend to do an exam but was very aggressive and menacing. Of course, he found me miraculously cured of my disability and I lost that part of my income. It turns out that he did 5 years in prison here in MI for trying to kill his estranged wife with a claw hammer to the head, lost his license, then got it back because "it is in the public interest." He was still in the correctional system. He is employed by one of several "insurance consulting firms" in this state. He does not have to carry malpractice insurance as he, the insurer, and the state are all immune from legal action arising as a result of their actions. Doesn't matter if they tell the truth. I have since discovered that doctors from other states who cannot practice there, say for malpractice issues, substance abuse, crime, etc, can come here and get licensed. The licensing web site does not reveal this. I have heard multiple horror stories. The last doctor I was made to see is infamous in legal circles and he caused such a serious injury to my neck that I had to have very complicated spinal surgery and will have permanent loss and continue to deteriorate for the rest of my life. Have I had an apology or gotten my benefits back? NO. My neurosurgeon had a fit when he saw what happened. Can I do anything to hold them accountable, again no. By the way, the insurer got a bonus for stopping my benefits and it appears they have an ownership interest in these consulting practices. And the state does not check their references most of the time. Come to Michigan, Ms Kaye, you'll be stunned.

By: geo

geo — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:57:00 +0000

I am really disappointed in the narrow view that Anderson Cooper has taken on this topic. The story was sensationalized so he could get viewers to watch. I am a recovering physician for the past 7 years have been sober and practicing medicine. Not only does he refer to recovering physicians as people with a dark secret but he fails to mention that 10 percent of the population has a drug and/or alcohol problem, including physicians, but did state that 1 percent of physicians are known to be in a monitoring situation. If he wants the other 9 percent of physicians treated for addiction this view has got to change.
The reality of the situation with physicians who are disciplined by medical boards is quite diferent then what was portrayed on the show. having been disciplined by several medical boards myself, if you google my name you will get my full agreements with all medical boards disclosing my previous medical, psychiatric history as well as all drugs abused and treatment centers attended for the whole world to view. When I moved to a new state( 4 years into recovery) an article was written about my history in the City paper again stating my whole past. Is this how we can get physicians to report drug and alcohol problems who desperately need treatment?? Think about it

By: mary connell

mary connell — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:49:54 +0000

Thank you so much for th e story on the butcher. We are in Indiana and have a daughter who is the mother of three and has been unable to work for over two years. Getting blood transfusions every month and has had for the past year and a half. Over 45,00$ has been spent out of pocket due to a dr. who wasn't even licensed at the time and is still operating. She had a minor operation on a hernia repair and turn into he cut her bowel and left her lay for three days before operating again only to cut a vessel behind her heart causing blood loss. She has had three operations since trying to correct what he has done and could not have anymore until she is able. It has been a year and a half since the last one. She has now got Lupus from the stress of all th is and she has no vitamins or iron in her body she gets bags of them monthly also to keep her going with from 2 to 4 pints of blood. She can't eat without choking because now she has no saliva glands functioning. She has a law suit against this dr. and when ask why he gave her valuim after the first surgery he laugh and said I don't know just did. I think all Drs should be more closely check all of them. Money has something to do with it no doubt. This man couldn't even give the names of Drs he trained under said they were all dead. I pry that justice is done for all who are abused just because people in authority think that they are untouchable to me they should go to jail. THank you Keep up the great work. Mary Connell

By: Kay

Kay — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:49:25 +0000

When an RN is chemically dependent, or has a relapse she will lose her license to practice nursing, also most likely will be charged with a felony, couple weeks in jail, probation for 10 years. Will be unable to work, has no income. There seems to be different sets of rules for people. I lost mine for 2 years. RNS do not operate on people, mostly dispense pills, etc. I think DRS should be held to a higher standard. But now days it seems the rules don't apply to some people, the higher on the food chain they can do what ever they want.

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:37:25 +0000

The Medical Board does not report malpractice lawsuits. We are not all lazy!!!
I checked the Board before my surgery. I am alive but I am worse than any photos I have seen. I since have found out about his lawsuits. There have been enough that the Medical Board should have them on their report. I will never be the same.

By: Steph

Steph — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:43:36 +0000

It is Absurd to allow a physician concurrently in REHAB to operate on patients....
To operate on an individual while in the process of LEARNING to control impulses that are as a result of the physician's addiction, is not only IMMORAL but should be a CRIMINAL offense.

Just like individuals with AIDS can be prosecuted for having sex with others, while knowingly being infected with the HIV virus, so should a physician be prosecuted for MURDER or attempted MURDER for operating on individuals while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

I do believe that physicians can be rehabilitated, however this process should NOT be done while continuing to operate on patients.
The physician should be clean & sober for several years prior to the Medical Board allowing these rehabed physicians to operate.

Also, Just as people are NOT allowed to drink and drive.....Physicians should NOT be allowed to drink and operate!

Thank You ANDERSON COOPER for informing the public about the attrocities that still exist in the American societies...Change NEEDS to happen!

By: Fern Sidebotham

Fern Sidebotham — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:53:56 +0000

I need to respond to the comment from TT. Sharon Mikulecky was my sister. I sat through surgery after surgery to try and stop the infection this doctor caused. Sharon also told me she smelled alcohol on Dr West's breath. I thought that her sense of smell had been ruined with the chemo she had gone through. Who could believe that a doctor about to perform surgery would drink first. Ok, doctors are human too, but I was brought up to believe we could trust these people. A product of the times I guess. How dare you say "another lie by Mr. Mikulecky!" I will just bet you never watched your loved one die. I did and it was NOT necessary for her to die. It is NOT a lie. These women are not vengeful, they will have these disfigurments for the rest of there lives, and all caused by the same man. Something is wrong here. Same infection, same scars..same doctor!

By: BJ

BJ — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:55:14 +0000

Sadly, the program was sensationalist in nature and didn't depict the full story. There was no distinction between an actively addicted doc who was still practicing and a doc who is in recovery.
I question whether Dr West's errors had anything to do with his being a drunk. He may just be a lousy surgeon. It is terrible that these women suffered botched surgeries and delay in their cancer ttreatments. However, I don't think we have any idea whether he was impaired or just bad at what he does. I am so sorry for Mr M's loss, but who would agree to surgery if they smelt alcohol on their docs breath?
This may sound harsh, but the reconstructive portion of cancer treatment is elective. A good choice would be get the chemotherapy done first, and then do the reconstruction. For me, the choice between a reconstructed breast and being cancer free because I have had the chemo is easy – chemo first then breast.
Diversion programs are an excellent way to get impaired docs into ttreatment. Without a diversion program, these docs would be practicing un-monitored and that is a recipe for disaster. If the doc flunks diversion, (s)he should immediately be brought before the Physician's Board. The only difference between the diversion program and full Board supervision is that diversion is not public record, and Board actions are.
In fairness, how about a story about docs and other health care professionals who have successfully faced their addictions and now function safely, clean & sober? I would far rather have a physician who is in recovery than one who is still active in his/her disease.

By: Vanessa Seal

Vanessa Seal — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:47:49 +0000

I recently saw a show about the death penalty and the doctor's first words were "First do no harm". It seems that this phrase can be used to hide behind or thrown away as needed. Perhaps it's the Medical Board that needs to be reviewed and what don't they understand about "First do no harm". I relise this particular physician is in rehab and under review by the Medical Board but when does gross incompetence become acceptable by any standards. I believe the Medical Board should ask themselves this question, "Would I want this physician to operate on someone I love"?, because this physician has and the results have been devastating.