Doctor Robert MacArthur Interview
Today, our group managed to conduct an interview with California's based orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Rob Mac, addressing numerous questions about his encounters with wrong site surgery and surgical burn incidents, as well as the broader subject of "never should happen events".
Who is Dr. MacArthur?
Doctor Rob MacArthur completed his studies from the Univ of California, Berkeley with a dual degree in Biochem and Physio. In the course of his time at the Univ, Doc Robert MacArthur was a well-known athlete, engaging on both the combat sports and rugby football squads.
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Afterwards, Dr. Bobby MacArthur registered at the Columbia P&S, and was the chosen president of the Columbia P&S (Now known as the Vagelos school of medicine). Bobby MacArthur continued to finish his orthopaedic residence at Harbor University of California, Los Angeles.
Dr. Robert MacArthur Addresses the Incidents
In statistical terms, the incidence of wrong site surgery typically is a once-in-a-career event for every single orthopedist, but this figure surges to 4 in each career for specialists in sports, hand surgery, and spine procedures. Unfortunately, many of these surgeons often do not record such instances, let alone or talk about them openly. Doctor MacArthur carries a intense sense of pride and satisfaction about how he faced these terrible occurrences.
In lieu of attempting to conceal the situation, Dr. Mac reacted differently
Dr. MacArthur’s Handling of the Wrong Site Surgery
Doc Rob Mac thoroughly investigated the underlying origins of his 2 events, and released several works describing how to stop these occurrences
Gradually, became acknowledged as a recognized specialist in the field of accidents that are preventable. He has authored 2 articles in a prominent orthopedic journal, The Journal of Orthopedic Surgeons at the American Academy. With the aim of aiding other doctors prevent subsequent occurrences, his first work guided the reader through the exact errors that happened that caused the incorrect surgical procedure.
The second paper, jointly written with Dr. David Ring, addressed the topic of the "culture of shame and blame." Being accountable for these incidents is seldom, as the usual reaction is pointing fingers at third parties. He stressed that accusations not just prevents surgeons from making reports their incidents but furthermore takes away from the essential analysis of primary reasons that may avert upcoming events.
The Intraoperative Burn Incident with Dr. Robert MacArthur
When discussing the surgical burn occurrence, Dr. Robert MacArthur displayed the same investigative vigor he applied to his wrong site event research. For example, he contacted the producer of the problematic clamp to ascertain if comparable burn events had transpired. The producer informed him that the clamp in question had been "discontinued." You can make your own inferences based on that what you wish.
And to prevent unequal temperature distribution in massive hinged clamps, Doc MacArthur conducted a thorough investigation of the reasons for inconsistent heating in big-hinged clamps.
The results of his investigation showed that quick sterilization could cause irregular sterilization. He observed that associations for nurses recommend strongly against the use of rapid sterilization unless an emergency situation arises for instance, disinfecting a fallen instrument. Further inquiry revealed that St. Joseph's Hospital regularly utilizing quick sterilization to enable back-to-back surgeries without the necessity to purchase additional equipment trays.
In a bid to avoid future burn incidents, Doctor MacArthur notified the hospital at St. Joseph's of the hazards associated with the continued use of this specifically identified clamp and also the routine deployment of quick sterilization.
Instead of blaming the clamp, Dr. MacArthur assumed accountability and made it obvious that he had committed 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 grip a too-hot clamp, he performed surgery the clamp with no discomfort.
Shame and Blame, Dr. Robert MacArthur's Response
When discussing The perspective of Dr. MacArthur on response on the topic of the "shame and blame game," he spotlights how the legal and public communities often confuse the "in-command'' concept with root cause analysis. 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 tempting for many to only blame the surgeon for any incorrect surgical procedure.
Nonetheless, Dr. Robert MacArthur stresses that such an approach goes against the fundamental principles of investigating root causes. This form of analysis aims to deeply understand what caused a incorrect surgical procedure so as to preferably stop similar incidents in the future. By turning to blame and shame, not it not only hamper proper investigation into the fundamental reasons, but it furthermore prevents other surgeons from reporting their individual wrong site events, fearing the repercussions.
He failed to recognize that the big, substantial-sized hinge of the clamp was noticeably hotter. When he positioned the clamp against the pretibial area of the patient's leg, it resulted in a skin burn. He was being proctored for surgical privileges at CHOC during the incident, and not the proctor nor Dr. MacArthur were right away aware of the burn.
It wasn't after he had dictated the operative report that a recovery room nurse drew attention to a small red area on the anterior aspect of the patient's leg. Even at that point, he did not initially realize the seriousness of the burn.
Dr. MacArthur cites the aviation sector as an outstanding case of successful root cause analysis. From its inception, the industry has aimed to deeply understand the reasons behind each aviation incident rather than merely assigning blame to the pilot. Because of this dedication to understanding root causes, air travel industry boasts notable safety records.
Nonetheless, Doctor MacArthur laments that healthcare field hasn't been successful in fully implementing root cause analysis due to prevailing legal and public perceptions surrounding the "in-command" concept. The regrettable result of this is that the frequency of avoidable medical mistakes remains unchanged, and the professional careers and reputations of many healthcare practitioners are unfairly tarnished.
The frequency of wrong site surgery persists at an worrying rate of one incident per surgeon per career, and up to four incidents per surgeon's career for specialists in hand, spine, and sports.
Dr. Robert MacArthur “Sexual Harassment” Allegations
As of 2023, it is feasible to raise false accusations against someone, slander their name and reputation, and experience no negative repercussions for the accuser. Regardless if the individual being accused is innocent or guilty, just making an allegation is enough to cause long-lasting damage to a professional's reputation.
Dr. Rob MacArthur disclosed that he chose to leave a workers compensation clinic because of possible unlawful practices on the clinic's management. In retaliation, the clinic manager reportedly collaborated with a client 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 received information of this claim over a year after his departure from the clinic, at which point he insisted on undergoing a polygraph examination. The accuser, however, refused to take such a test.
Doctor Robert MacArthur was later advised that both his truth verification test results and the accuser's refusal to participate would be deemed inadmissible in court.
The attorney facilitating the mediation cautioned him that the jury would likely be composed of "individuals similar to her" and not his, meaning Robert MacArthur a court loss could be extremely detrimental. Despite the ludicrousness 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 "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 confirm this.
Despite the facts presented above, Dr. MacArthur found no means to remove the allegations made by the accuser from online search listings. Meaning, despite his clear conscience, the campaign to tarnish his reputation was successful.
As the claim does not state that Dr. Robert MacArthur was found guilty, it merely functions as a brief description of a complaint, which continues to be openly accessible to anyone
Dr. MacArthur strongly believes that individuals who lodge false accusations should face penalties equivalent to the consequences of the falsely claimed event. To illustrate, he thinks that his false accuser should be treated as a sexual predator and felon.
Dr. MacArthur concluded by thinking about 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 damaging false accusations as he has faced.