Doctor Robert MacArthur Interview
On this particular day, our team were able to have a conversation with the based orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Bobby Mac, addressing the queries about his own experiences with wrong site surgery and intraoperative burn, as well as the topic of "events that should never occur".
Who is Dr. MacArthur?
Doc Bobby Mac completed his studies from the University of Cal Berkeley with a dual degree in Biochemistry and Physio. During his time at the University, Doc Robert MacArthur used to be a well-known athlete, competing on both several combat sports and rugby teams.
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Afterwards, Doc Robert Mac registered at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, and became elected leader of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (Now known as the Robert MacArthur Vagelos school of medicine). Bobby MacArthur continued to conclude his orthopaedic residence at Harbor UCLA.
Dr. Robert MacArthur Addresses the Incidents
Statistically, the frequency of surgical errors usually falls within a one-time event in a career for every single orthopedist, but this figure increases to 4 in each lifetime for sports, hand, and spine specialists. Unfortunately, numerous of these surgeons commonly do not record these cases, let alone talk about them publicly. Doc Mac carries a deep sense of pride and accomplishment about how he faced these unfortunate occurrences.
In lieu of trying to cover up the situation, Doctor Mac responded in a different manner
Dr. MacArthur’s Handling of the Wrong Site Surgery
Doc Bobby MacArthur completely looked into the fundamental origins of his 2 incidents, and published numerous works outlining how to avoid such events
Gradually, gained recognition as a recognized specialist in the field of accidents that are preventable. He has written a couple of articles in the foremost orthopedic journal, The Journal of Orthopedic Surgeons at the American Academy. In order to assisting other doctors prevent subsequent occurrences, his first work guided the reader through the exact errors that occurred that led to the wrong site event.
The second paper, authored together with Dr. David Ring, the Chairman of the AAOS, addressed the topic of the "shame and blame game." Assuming responsibility for these incidents is uncommon, as the usual reaction is placing blame on external factors. He stressed that shifting blame not merely prevents surgeons from making reports their incidents but furthermore takes away from the crucial analysis of primary reasons that could potentially thwart upcoming events.
The Intraoperative Burn Incident with Dr. Robert MacArthur
In the context of discussing the intraoperative burn incident, Dr. Robert MacArthur exhibited the same investigative vigor he utilized to his wrong site event research. For example, he reached out to the producer of the problematic clamp to find out if comparable burn events had transpired. The manufacturer advised him that the clamp in question had been "ceased production." You can infer from that what you will.
To avert unequal temperature distribution in huge hinged clamps, Doc MacArthur performed a thorough investigation of the reasons for inconsistent heating in big-hinged clamps.
His findings indicated that flash sterilization could lead to inconsistent temperature distribution. He observed that nursing associations highly recommend against the use of flash sterilization unless there's an urgent need such as disinfecting a fallen instrument. Deeper examination revealed that St. Joseph's Hospital regularly utilizing flash sterilization to enable back-to-back surgeries without needing to acquire more equipment trays.
In an effort to avoid future burn incidents, Dr. Robert MacArthur alerted St Joseph's of the hazards associated with continuing to use this particular clamp and the routine deployment of quick sterilization.
Rather than blaming the clamp, Dr. Robert MacArthur accepted responsibility and made it obvious that he was responsible for a surgical error. He was informed that the clamp was hot, but when he grasped it, he found the handles to be at a comfortable temperature. Differing from some surgeons who might impatiently reach for a towel to handle a too-hot clamp, he performed surgery the clamp without uneasiness.
Shame and Blame, Dr. Robert MacArthur's Response
In Doctor MacArthur's response on the topic of the "culture of blame and shame," he spotlights how the legal and the wider public often confuse the "captain of the ship'' concept with analyzing the fundamental causes. According to this "in-command" perspective, the surgeon is held accountable for any adverse events that happen to a patient under their care. This makes it enticing for many to exclusively blame the surgeon for any surgical errors.
However, Doctor MacArthur emphasizes that such an approach contradicts the fundamental principles of root cause analysis. This form of analysis strives to comprehensively grasp what caused a incorrect surgical procedure to then preferably avert similar incidents in the future. By resorting to blaming and shaming, not it not just hinder proper analysis of the root causes, but it additionally deters other surgeons from disclosing their personal wrong site events, fearing the repercussions.
He failed to 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 caused a burn. He was being proctored for surgical privileges at Children's Hospital of Orange County during the incident, and none of the proctor nor Dr. MacArthur were right away aware of the burn.
It wasn't until 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 then, he did not at the outset comprehend the seriousness of the burn.
Dr. MacArthur points to the aviation sector as an model case of effective root cause analysis. From its inception, aviation sector has strived to comprehensively grasp the reasons behind each aviation incident 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. MacArthur laments that healthcare field 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 sad consequence of this is that the rate of preventable medical errors remains unchanged, and the standing and names of many doctors and healthcare providers are undeservedly tarnished.
The occurrence of wrong site surgery remains at an disturbing rate of a single occurrence per surgeon per career, and as many as four occurrences per surgeon's career for hand, spine and sports subspecialists.
Dr. Robert MacArthur “Sexual Harassment” Allegations
In the year 2023, there exists the possibility to raise false accusations against someone, slander their name and reputation, and have no negative repercussions for the accuser. Regardless of whether the accused is innocent or guilty, just making an allegation is enough to inflict long-lasting damage to a professional's reputation.
Doctor Robert MacArthur revealed that he elected to leave a clinic specializing in workers' compensation cases because of possible unlawful practices on the clinic's management. In retaliation, the clinic's manager reportedly conspired with a individual under treatment to fabricate a claim, accusing him of "undressing in the clinic and soliciting sexual favors in return for a positive workers' compensation report.
He was informed of this allegation over a year after his departure from the clinic, at which point he demanded on undergoing a polygraph examination. The accuser, however, refused to take such a test.
Doc Bobby Mac was later informed that both his lie detector test results and the claimant's refusal to participate would be considered 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 a court loss could be potentially catastrophic. 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 "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 verify this.
Despite the previously mentioned details, Doctor MacArthur found no means to remove the allegations made by the accuser from search engine results. Meaning, despite his clear conscience, the defamatory campaign was achieving its goal.
As the claim does not state that Dr. MacArthur was found guilty, it merely serves as a condensed version of a complaint, which continues to be publicly accessible
Dr. Robert MacArthur strongly believes that individuals who lodge false accusations 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 sex offender and felon.
Dr. Robert MacArthur concluded by thinking about the existence of both good and evil in the world, wishing that those who read his account would never come into contact