Surgeon Goes From 'Brilliant' to Banned

yahoo news/AP ^ | May 20, 2005 | WILLIAM McCALL

[nuconvert]

The medical profession as other professions, protect its own. Unfortunately, in medicine, it results in direct injury and or death to others.

[beyond the sea]

Surgeon Goes From 'Brilliant' to Banned

I can see it now........

Hillary goes from "brilliant" (smartest woman in America) to neglected and shunned.

LOL.

[motormouth]

As an RN, I see Doc's like this frequently. They are a scary bunch. Fortunately, I have also worked with many interns and residents that are truly wonderful and "gifted". Hopefully, they will maintain their high quality of care.

[randog]

As an RN, I see Doc's like this frequently. They are a scary bunch.

Why are they allowed to continue to practice?

[TaxRelief]

Totally off-topic, but did you know that Patel is the most common name in India? It's at least as common as "Smith" is in America.

[MizSterious]

"Failed to examine patients before operating on them..." Yikes! Read no further--this guy is a menace.

[aposiopetic]

Dr. James Williams, who was doing surgical research on the spleen with Hinshaw, wrote that Patel's "ultimate contribution to the medical profession will be exceptional."

That is one way to say it.

[motormouth]

Covering up their mistakes isnt all that hard.
They have learned what they can and cant get away with.
And it is true that many in the medical community cover for their own.

[GVnana]

Doesn't Patel mean inn-keeper? Again off-topic. :)

[syriacus]

More on Doc Patel

Dr Jayant Patel: Butcher of Bundaberg Hostpital

[mikegi]

As an RN, I see Doc's like this frequently. They are a scary bunch. Fortunately, I have also worked with many interns and residents that are truly wonderful and "gifted". Hopefully, they will maintain their high quality of care.

Is there any way us regular folks can get an idea who the good doctors/surgeons are without being on the inside like you? Any "code words" or other things to look out for?

[socialismisinsidious]

lawsuits have something to do with this also.
litigation where it is not warranted--just because you can and hey it might be a big payday,--huge jury awards out of pity......you can get sued to death when it isn't justified so there is great fear of what would happen when it is justified....unfortunately, the bad doctor isn't the only one listed in lawsuits---every doctor who even looked at the patient and every facility that the doctor stepped foot in would be listed also---they are protecting each other but they are mostly protecting themselves against shotgun litigation.

i think that there needs to be more communication between states....if a doctor has lost his license in one state then IMO he/she should not be allowed to move across state line and practice.

[motormouth]

No.
I think the best thing to do is go with how you feel. If you arent comfortable, for whatever reason, go see someone else.
Im not saying that bedside manner is indicative of perfomance, I have met many surgeons that had the personality and bedside manner of a toad, but were incredible in the OR. Just feel them out.
Also most hospitals will provide you with the stats on a MD. Look for one who hasnt "jumped" around alot or has changed their original scope of practice.
Sorry, wish I could give ya the secret, but there just isnt one. :)

[martin_fierro]

[syriacus]

He left Kaiser in 2001 and resurfaced in 2003 at Bundaberg Base Hospital in the state of Queensland, Australia — where officials said he lied about his disciplinary history.

Looks like Patel made a stop in NY, at some point.

Trail leads to luxury mansion

Dr Patel was practising surgery in New York, before an April 2001 order from the New York Board for Professional Medical Conduct forced him to surrender his physician's licence.

[snip]Among the cases that led to the Oregon Board of Medical Examiners' findings in November 2000 were:

• A man, 65, who died in November 1994 two days after Dr Patel performed pancreatic surgery. He had seven litres of blood in his abdomen.

• A woman, 83, who died in November 1996 of post-operative complications, seven days after Dr Patel performed pancreatic and colon surgery. She was found with a litre of blood in her abdomen.

• A man, 67, who died in September 1997 the day after Dr Patel performed liver surgery. He had almost two litres of blood in his abdomen.

• A man, 59, who permanently lost gastrointestinal function in August 1997 after Dr Patel performed a colostomy "backwards".

[motormouth]

You are right.
There should be better communication between states.

[woofer]

Is there any way us regular folks can get an idea who the good doctors/surgeons are

Ask the doc what his medical school class rank was. They get a number. Like my niece, she graduatd from medical school at #9, while her husband, a surgeon now, was #3 in his class.

If you have the time, look at his parchment hanging on the wall, note the schools and the dates and check 'em out on the AMA website. Top of the class or barely squeaked by, they call 'em all "Doctor".

[theFIRMbss]

>The medical profession as other professions, protect its own. Unfortunately, in medicine, it results in direct injury and or death to others.

And they get the press
to blame lawyers when people
sue their bad doctors!

[socialismisinsidious]

you can also look up disciplinary records on state AMA websites....just did this myself when my toddler needed surgery....that is something to do combined with everything else mentioned here you can see how long they have been at one place and where all their offices are, and any flags against them etc....at least here in PA

[Cvengr]

That darned patient thingy just keeps getting in the way of real medicine....