Doctor Robert MacArthur Interview
On this particular day, we managed to interview Californian resident orthopedist, Dr. Robert MacArthur, in response to numerous inquiries about his personal encounters with surgical errors and burns during surgery, as well as a area of "never should happen events".
Who is Dr. MacArthur?
Dr. Bobby Mac graduated from the University of Cal Berkeley with a dual degree in Biochemistry and Physio. In the course of his time at the Univ, Doc Bobby MacArthur was a renown sportsman, engaging on both various box and Rugby squads.
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Afterwards, Doc Rob Mac entered at the Columbia P&S, and was the leader of the Columbia P&S School of Medicine (Now known as the Vagelos Medical School). Rob MacArthur continued to finish his orthopaedic training at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Dr. Robert MacArthur Addresses the Incidents
According to statistics, the occurrence of surgical errors tends to be a seldom happening occurrence for each orthopedist, but this count surges to 4 in each lifetime for experts specializing in sports, hand, and spine. Unfortunately, numerous of these frequently do not record these cases, let alone or discuss them openly. Dr. Mac carries a profound sense of pride and satisfaction about how he dealt with these terrible occurrences.
Instead of trying to conceal what happened, Dr. Mac responded in a different manner
Dr. MacArthur’s Handling of the Wrong Site Surgery
Doc Bobby MacArthur thoroughly investigated the fundamental origins of his dual events, and published multiple works outlining how to avoid these occurrences
He eventually, became acknowledged as a recognized specialist in the field of accidents that can be avoided. He has written 2 articles in the leading orthopedic journal, The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. With the aim of helping other doctors avert upcoming events, his first work led the reader through the specific errors that occurred that caused the incorrect surgical procedure.
His second publication, co-authored with Dr. David Ring, addressed the topic of the "tendency to shame and blame." Being accountable for these incidents is seldom, as the tempting course of action is pointing fingers at external factors. Dr. MacArthur stressed that accusations not just discourages surgeons from making reports their incidents but also diverts from the vital analysis of root causes that could potentially thwart future incidents.
The Intraoperative Burn Incident with Dr. Robert MacArthur
When talking about the surgical burn occurrence, Dr. Robert MacArthur exhibited the same thorough investigative mindset he employed to his wrong site event research. For example, he got in touch with the manufacturer of the problematic clamp to determine if like burn events had transpired. The producer informed him that the clamp in question had been "ceased production." You can make your own inferences based on that what you will.
In order to avoid uneven heating in huge hinged clamps, Doctor MacArthur performed a thorough investigation of what led to irregular temperature distribution in large-hinged clamps.
His research findings suggested that quick sterilization could cause irregular sterilization. He observed that nursing organizations recommend strongly against the use of rapid sterilization unless an emergency situation arises such as disinfecting a dropped component. Further inquiry revealed that St. Joseph's Hospital often utilizing rapid sterilization to facilitate back-to-back surgeries without needing to purchase additional equipment trays.
With the aim to stop further burns, Dr. Robert MacArthur informed the hospital at St. Joseph's of the hazards associated with ongoing utilization of this particular clamp and also the frequent application of rapid sterilization.
Rather than blaming the clamp, Dr. Robert MacArthur took responsibility and made it clear that he had committed a mistake during surgery. He was informed that the clamp was hot, but when he held it, he found the handles to be at a pleasant temperature. Differing from some surgeons who could impatiently reach for a towel to manage a too-hot clamp, he operated the clamp with no uneasiness.
Shame and Blame, Dr. Robert MacArthur's Response
In The perspective of Dr. MacArthur on response on the topic of the "culture of blame and shame," he spotlights Dr. Robert MacArthur how the legal and general public communities often conflate the "captain of the ship'' concept with identifying the underlying reasons. According to this "in-command" perspective, the surgeon is considered responsible for any adverse events that take place to a patient under their care. This makes it tempting for many to solely blame the surgeon for any incorrect surgical procedure.
However, Dr. Robert MacArthur emphasizes that this perspective contradicts the fundamental principles of root cause analysis. This form of analysis aims to deeply understand what caused a wrong site event so as to optimaly stop similar incidents in the future. By resorting to blame and shame, not it not only impede proper root cause analysis, but it furthermore deters other surgeons from reporting on their personal wrong site events, worried about the repercussions.
He didn't recognize that the large, hinge-like hinge of the clamp was considerably hotter. When he positioned the clamp against the front shin area of the patient's leg, it resulted in a burn. At the time, he was proctored for surgical privileges at CHOC during the incident, and neither the proctor nor Dr. Robert MacArthur were immediately aware of the burn.
It wasn't only after he had dictated the operative report that an attending nurse in the recovery room noticed a small patch of redness on the anterior aspect of the patient's leg. Even in that moment, he did not at first fully grasp the seriousness of the burn.
Doctor MacArthur references the air travel industry as an model case of efficient root cause analysis. From its inception, air travel industry has strived to deeply understand the reasons behind each adverse aviation event rather than just blaming to the pilot. Because of this focus on understanding root causes, the airline industry boasts notable safety records.
However, Doctor MacArthur laments that healthcare field hasn't been able to completely embrace root cause analysis due to prevailing legal and public perceptions surrounding the "in-command" concept. The sad consequence of this is that the frequency of avoidable medical mistakes remains unchanged, and the careers and reputations of many healthcare practitioners are undeservedly tarnished.
The incidence of surgical errors persists at an disturbing rate of a single occurrence per surgeon per career, and as many as four events per surgeon's career for specialists in hand, spine, and sports.
Dr. Robert MacArthur “Sexual Harassment” Allegations
In 2023, it is feasible to bring forth false accusations against someone, smear their name and reputation, and have no negative repercussions for the accuser. Regardless if the person facing accusations is innocent or guilty, an accusation alone is enough to inflict long-lasting damage to a professional's reputation.
Dr. Robert MacArthur shared that he opted to leave a workers compensation clinic because of suspected illegal behavior on part of. In retaliation, the clinic's manager reportedly collaborated with a client to make a false accusation, accusing him of "stripping naked in the middle of the clinic and requesting sex in exchange for a favorable workers comp report.
He got to know of this accusation over a year after his departure from the clinic, at which point he demanded on undergoing a lie detector test. The accuser, however, opted not to take such a test.
Dr. Bobby Mac was later informed that both his lie detector test results and the accuser's refusal to participate would be considered inadmissible in court.
The mediating attorney cautioned him that the jury would likely be composed of "her peers" and not his, meaning a court loss could be extremely detrimental. Despite the absurdity of the claim, he was counseled to settle for $29,000
Conclusion
California's Medical Board examined the accuser's claims and found them to be "lacking credibility," hinting at an ongoing investigation into the clinic. When we spoke to Dr. MacArthur, he suggested that the clinic was indicted, but he did not confirm this.
Despite the information provided earlier, Dr. Robert MacArthur found no means to erase the allegations made by the accuser from Internet search results. Consequently, despite his lack of guilt, the defamatory campaign was effective.
Considering that the claim does not state that Doctor MacArthur was found guilty, it merely acts as a condensed version of a complaint, which continues to be publicly accessible
Doctor MacArthur strongly believes that those who make baseless allegations should be subject to consequences equivalent to the consequences of the falsely claimed event. To illustrate, he thinks that his false accuser should be considered to be a predator of a sexual nature 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 encounter with someone capable of such destructive unfounded claims as he has faced.
Dr. MacArthur: A Renowned Orthopedic Surgeon
Doctor MacArthur is a renowned orthopedic