Doctor Robert MacArthur Interview
This day, our team were able to have a conversation with California's located orthopedist, Doc Bobby MacArthur, in light of the queries about his experiences with incorrect surgical procedures and surgical burn incidents, as well as the broader topic of "never should happen events".
Who is Dr. MacArthur?
Dr. Robert Mac completed his studies from the Univ of UC Berkeley with a dual degree in Biochem and Physio. Throughout his time at the University, Doc Bobby Mac was a renown athlete, engaging on both various combat sports and rugby squads.
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Subsequently, Dr. Bobby MacArthur entered at the Columbia P&S, and was elected president of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (Now known as the Vagelos Medical School). Rob Mac proceeded to conclude his orthopaedic residency at Harbor UCLA.
Dr. Robert MacArthur Addresses the Incidents
According to statistics, the incidence of wrong site surgery typically is a once-in-a-career event for every single orthopedic surgeon, but this number jumps to four for each lifetime for specialists in sports, hand surgery, and spine procedures. Unfortunately, numerous of these frequently do not report such instances, let alone, not talk about them openly. Doctor Mac carries a profound sense of pride and satisfaction about how he confronted these unfortunate occurrences.
Instead of seeking to cover up what happened, Doctor MacArthur reacted differently
Dr. MacArthur’s Handling of the Wrong Site Surgery
Dr. Rob MacArthur completely investigated the fundamental origins of his 2 events, and released numerous works outlining how to prevent these situations
Gradually, earned acclaim as a renowned authority in the field of accidents that can be avoided. He's written a couple of articles in the foremost orthopedic journal, The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. In order to assisting other doctors avert upcoming events, his first work guided the reader through the specific errors that happened that resulted in the wrong site event.
The follow-up article, jointly written with Dr. David Ring, who is also the Chairman of the AAOS, addressed the topic of the "tendency to shame and blame." Being accountable for these incidents is rare, as the usual reaction is pointing fingers at external factors. Dr. MacArthur stressed that shifting blame not just discourages surgeons from disclosing their incidents but also takes away from the vital analysis of underlying causes that could potentially avert subsequent occurrences.
The Intraoperative Burn Incident with Dr. Robert MacArthur
When talking about the intraoperative burn incident, Dr. Robert MacArthur exhibited the same dedicated investigative approach he employed to his research on wrong-site surgeries. For example, he reached out to the producer of the problematic clamp to determine if like burn events had transpired. The manufacturer informed 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 large hinged clamps, Doc MacArthur performed a comprehensive investigation of the causes behind inconsistent heating in big-hinged clamps.
His findings indicated that flash sterilization could lead to uneven heating. He pointed out that nursing organizations recommend strongly against the use of rapid sterilization unless it's an emergency, like sterilizing a dropped component. Further inquiry revealed that St. Joseph's Hospital regularly utilizing rapid sterilization to enable back-to-back surgeries without the necessity to purchase additional equipment trays.
In a bid to stop further burns, Doctor MacArthur notified St Joseph's of the risks associated with continuing to use this specific clamp as well as the routine deployment of flash sterilization.
In place of blaming the clamp, Dr. MacArthur assumed accountability and made it obvious that he was responsible for a surgical error. He was advised that the clamp was heated, but when he held it, he found the handles to be at a pleasant temperature. Differing from some surgeons who might impatiently use a towel to manage a too-hot clamp, he performed surgery the clamp without uneasiness.
Shame and Blame, Dr. Robert MacArthur's Response
When discussing The perspective of Dr. MacArthur on response on the topic of the "culture of blame and shame," he highlights how the legal and public communities often mix up the "in-command'' concept with analyzing the fundamental causes. According to this "captain of the ship" perspective, the surgeon is responsible for any adverse events that happen to a patient under their care. This makes it enticing for many to solely blame the surgeon for any surgical errors.
Nonetheless, Dr. MacArthur emphasizes that such an approach goes against the core principles of root cause analysis. This form of analysis aims to comprehensively Dr. Robert MacArthur grasp what caused a incorrect surgical procedure to then preferably stop similar incidents in the future. By adopting blaming and shaming, not only does it impede proper investigation into the fundamental reasons, but it additionally discourages other surgeons from reporting on their personal wrong site events, fearing the repercussions.
He didn't recognize that the big, walnut-sized hinge of the clamp was significantly hotter. When he positioned the clamp against the pretibial area of the patient's leg, it triggered a skin burn. At the time, he was proctored for procedural privileges at Children's Hospital of Orange County during the incident, and neither the proctor nor Dr. MacArthur were promptly aware of the burn.
It wasn't after he had dictated the operative report that a nurse in the recovery ward pointed out a small patch of redness on the anterior aspect of the patient's leg. Even at that point, he did not at the outset comprehend the seriousness of the burn.
Dr. MacArthur points to the aviation sector as an outstanding case of effective root cause analysis. From its inception, aviation sector has aimed to comprehensively grasp the reasons behind each aviation incident rather than simply attributing blame to the pilot. Because of this dedication to understanding root causes, the airline industry boasts notable safety records.
Nevertheless, Dr. MacArthur laments that the medical community hasn't been able to fully adopt 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 careers and reputations of many doctors and healthcare providers are undeservedly tarnished.
The frequency of incorrect surgical procedures continues at an alarming rate of one event per surgeon per career, and as many as four incidents per surgeon's career for hand, spine and sports subspecialists.
Dr. Robert MacArthur “Sexual Harassment” Allegations
In the year 2023, it is feasible to bring forth false accusations against someone, defame their name and reputation, and have no negative repercussions for the accuser. Regardless of whether the individual being accused is innocent or guilty, merely making an accusation is enough to bring about 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 individual under treatment to create a fictitious complaint, accusing him of "stripping naked in the middle of the clinic and requesting sex in exchange for a favorable workers comp report.
He was informed of this allegation over a year after his departure from the clinic, at which point he asserted on undergoing a polygraph examination. The accuser, however, declined to take such a test.
Doctor Rob MacArthur was later advised that both his truth verification test results and her 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 potentially catastrophic. Despite the absurdity of the claim, he was counseled to settle for $29,000
Conclusion
The California Medical Board examined the accuser's claims and found them to be "not trustworthy," 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.
Despite the previously mentioned details, Dr. Robert MacArthur found no means to remove the accuser's claims from Internet search results. Meaning, despite his clear conscience, the campaign to tarnish his reputation was successful.
Considering that the claim does not state that Dr. Robert MacArthur was found guilty, it merely acts as a condensed version of a complaint, which continues to be publicly accessible
Dr. MacArthur strongly believes that individuals who lodge false accusations should receive punishments equivalent to the severity of the event they falsely claim. To illustrate, he thinks that his false accuser should be considered to be a predator of a sexual nature and felon.
Dr. Robert MacArthur concluded by contemplating the existence of both good and evil in the world, praying that those who read his account would never encounter with someone