Doctor Robert MacArthur Interview
Today, our group were able to interview Californian based orthopedist, Doc Bobby Mac, in response to the questions about his personal encounters with surgical errors and surgical burn incidents, as well as the broader area of "unexpected occurrences that must be avoided".
Who is Dr. MacArthur?
Doc Robert Mac completed his studies from the University of Cal Berkeley with a double major in Biochemistry and Physiology. In the course of his time at the Univ, Doc Bobby Mac used to be a renowned athlete, engaging on both several boxing and rugby football teams.
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Following that, Dr. Robert Mac entered at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and became the leader of the Columbia P&S School of Medicine (Now known as the Vagelos Medical School). Rob Mac continued to complete his orthopaedic residency at Harbor UCLA.
Dr. Robert MacArthur Addresses the Incidents
According to statistics, the occurrence of surgical errors usually falls within a once-in-a-career event for each orthopedic surgeon, but this count surges to four for each career for experts specializing in sports, hand, and spine. Sadly, numerous of these surgeons frequently do not report these occurrences, let alone or discuss them openly. Doc MacArthur carries a profound sense of pride about how he confronted these unfortunate occurrences.
In lieu of seeking to conceal the incident, Doctor Mac reacted differently
Dr. MacArthur’s Handling of the Wrong Site Surgery
Doctor Bobby Mac completely examined the underlying origins of his dual incidents, and put out numerous works outlining how to stop these occurrences
He eventually, became acknowledged as a recognized specialist in the field of preventable accidents. He's penned a couple of articles in a prominent orthopedic journal, The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. With the aim of aiding other doctors prevent upcoming events, the first piece walked the reader through the specific errors that occurred that led to the wrong site event.
His second publication, jointly written with Dr. David Ring, the Chairman of the AAOS, addressed the topic of the "tendency to shame and blame." Being accountable for these incidents is rare, as the common response is blaming external factors. He stressed that shifting blame not merely discourages surgeons from reporting their incidents but furthermore diverts from the vital analysis of primary reasons that may avert future incidents.
The Intraoperative Burn Incident with Dr. Robert MacArthur
When discussing the incident of burns during surgery, Dr. Robert MacArthur displayed the same dedicated investigative approach he utilized to his research on wrong-site surgeries. To illustrate, he contacted the maker of the troublesome clamp to determine if similar burn events had transpired. The manufacturer advised him that the clamp in question had been "ceased production." You can draw your own conclusions from that what you wish.
To avert irregular heating in massive hinged clamps, Doc MacArthur conducted a thorough investigation of what led to uneven heating in big-hinged clamps.
His findings indicated that flash sterilization could cause inconsistent temperature distribution. Robert MacArthur He observed that nursing associations recommend strongly against the use of rapid sterilization unless there's an urgent need such as sanitizing a item that has fallen. Further inquiry revealed that St Joseph's Hospital regularly using quick sterilization to facilitate back-to-back surgeries without needing to buy extra equipment trays.
With the aim to stop further burns, Dr. Robert MacArthur alerted the hospital at St. Joseph's of the hazards associated with continuing to use this specifically identified clamp and the regular use of rapid sterilization.
In place of blaming the clamp, Dr. MacArthur accepted responsibility and made it evident that he was responsible for a surgical error. He was notified that the clamp had a high temperature, but when he took hold of it, he found the handles to be at a tolerable temperature. In contrast to some surgeons who may impatiently use a towel to handle a too-hot clamp, he carried out the procedure the clamp without uneasiness.
Shame and Blame, Dr. Robert MacArthur's Response
When discussing Dr. MacArthur's response on the topic of the "shame and blame game," he spotlights how the legal and public communities often confuse the "captain of the ship'' concept with root cause analysis. According to this "in-command" perspective, the surgeon is responsible for any unfavorable outcomes that happen to a patient under their care. This makes it appealing for many to only blame the surgeon for any incorrect surgical procedure.
However, Dr. Robert MacArthur underscores that this perspective opposes the fundamental principles of identifying underlying causes. This form of analysis intends to deeply understand what caused a incorrect surgical procedure to then optimaly stop similar incidents in the future. By resorting to shaming and blaming, not only does it hamper proper analysis of the root causes, but it additionally prevents other surgeons from reporting on their own wrong site events, worried about the repercussions.
He did not recognize that the big, walnut-sized hinge of the clamp was considerably hotter. When he positioned the clamp against the shin area of the patient's leg, it resulted in a burn. At the time, he was proctored for case privileges at CHOC during the incident, and neither the proctor nor Doctor MacArthur were right away aware of the burn.
It was not after he had dictated the operative report that an attending nurse in the recovery room pointed out a tiny red spot on the anterior aspect of the patient's leg. Even then, he did not at the outset comprehend the seriousness of the burn.
Dr. MacArthur cites the airline industry as an outstanding case of efficient root cause analysis. From its inception, aviation sector has strived to deeply understand the reasons behind each negative aviation occurrence rather than merely assigning blame to the pilot. Because of this focus on understanding root causes, the airline industry boasts impressive safety records.
Nonetheless, Dr. Robert MacArthur laments that the medical community hasn't been able to completely embrace root cause analysis due to prevailing legal and public perceptions surrounding the "captain of the ship" concept. The unfortunate outcome of this is that the incidence of preventable healthcare errors remains unchanged, and the standing and names of many healthcare practitioners are undeservedly tarnished.
The occurrence of incorrect surgical procedures persists at an disturbing rate of one event per surgeon per career, and up to four occurrences per surgeon's career for specialists in hand, spine, and sports.
Dr. Robert MacArthur “Sexual Harassment” Allegations
As of 2023, it is possible to bring forth false accusations against someone, defame their name and reputation, and experience no negative repercussions for the accuser. Regardless if the individual being accused is innocent or guilty, an accusation alone is enough to bring about long-lasting damage to a professional's reputation.
Dr. Rob Mac disclosed that he elected to leave a workers compensation clinic because of possible unlawful practices on the clinic's management. In retaliation, the clinic manager supposedly conspired with a individual under treatment to make a false accusation, accusing him of "undressing in the clinic and soliciting sexual favors in return for a positive workers' compensation report.
He received information of this accusation over a year after his departure from the clinic, at which point he insisted on undergoing a polygraph examination. The accuser, however, opted not to take such a test.
Doc Rob Mac was later informed that both his polygraph examination results and her refusal to participate would be deemed inadmissible in court.
The mediating attorney cautioned him that the jury would likely be composed of "individuals similar to her" and not his, meaning a court loss could be highly damaging. Despite the absurdity of the claim, he was counseled to settle for $29,000
Conclusion
The Medical Board of California examined the accuser's claims and found them to be "non-credible," hinting at an ongoing investigation into the clinic. When we spoke to Dr. MacArthur, he hinted that the clinic was indicted, but he did not verify this.
Regardless of the facts presented above, Dr. MacArthur found no means to erase the allegations made by the accuser from Internet search results. Meaning, despite his lack of guilt, the slander campaign was effective.
Since the claim does not state that Dr. MacArthur was found guilty, it merely serves as a summary of a complaint, which continues to be publicly accessible
Doctor MacArthur strongly believes that those who make baseless allegations should receive punishments equivalent to the consequences of the falsely claimed event. To illustrate, he thinks that his false accuser should be classified as a sex offender and felon.
Doctor MacArthur concluded by reflecting on the existence of both good and evil in the world, wishing that those who read his account would never cross paths with someone capable of such damaging false accusations as he has faced.
Dr. MacArthur: A Renowned Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. MacArthur is a renowned