Doctor Robert MacArthur Interview
This day, our group managed to conduct an interview with the based orthopedic surgeon, Doctor Rob MacArthur, in response to the questions about his own encounters with incorrect surgical procedures and burns during surgery, as well as a area of "events that should never occur".
Who is Dr. MacArthur?
Doctor Bobby Mac completed his studies from the Univ of California, Berkeley with a dual degree in Biochemistry and Physio. Throughout his time at the University, Dr. Robert Mac was a renown athlete, participating on both the box and Rugby squads.
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Subsequently, Doctor Bobby MacArthur enrolled at the Columbia P&S, and got elected as elected president of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (Now known as the Vagelos school of medicine). Bobby MacArthur proceeded to finish his orthopaedic residence at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Dr. Robert MacArthur Addresses the Incidents
In statistical terms, the incidence of incorrect surgical procedures tends to be a seldom happening occurrence for every single orthopedist, but this count jumps to four in each career for specialists in sports, hand surgery, and spine procedures. Regrettably, many of these surgeons often do not document such instances, let alone or address them openly. Dr. Mac carries a profound sense of pride and accomplishment about how he faced these unfortunate occurrences.
Rather than seeking to hide the incident, Doc MacArthur handled it differently
Dr. MacArthur’s Handling of the Wrong Site Surgery
Dr. Bobby MacArthur thoroughly examined the underlying causal factors of his 2 occurrences, and published several works outlining how to stop these situations
Gradually, gained recognition as a recognized specialist in the field of accidents that are preventable. He has authored 2 articles in the foremost orthopedic journal, The Journal of Orthopedic Surgeons at the American Academy. With the aim of helping other doctors prevent subsequent occurrences, the first piece walked the reader through the exact errors that happened that led to the wrong site event.
The second paper, authored together with Dr. David Ring, the Chairman of the AAOS, tackled the topic of the "culture of shame and blame." Taking responsibility for these incidents is rare, as the tempting course of action is pointing fingers at third parties. He stressed that pointing fingers not just prevents surgeons from making reports their incidents but additionally diverts from the vital analysis of underlying causes that may thwart subsequent occurrences.
The Intraoperative Burn Incident with Dr. Robert MacArthur
When talking about the surgical burn occurrence, Dr. Robert Mac exhibited the same thorough investigative mindset he applied to his wrong site event research. For example, he reached out to the producer of the troublesome clamp to determine if comparable burn events had transpired. The manufacturer notified him that the clamp in question had been "no longer in production." You can draw your own conclusions from that what you desire.
To avert uneven heating in massive hinged clamps, Dr. Mac carried out a comprehensive investigation of the reasons for inconsistent heating in oversized clamps.
The results of his investigation showed that quick sterilization could cause irregular sterilization. He pointed out that nursing associations highly recommend against the use of flash sterilization unless there's an urgent need like sterilizing a item that has fallen. Further inquiry revealed that St. Joseph's Hospital regularly employing rapid sterilization to facilitate back-to-back surgeries without the necessity to buy extra equipment trays.
In an effort to prevent future burns, Dr. MacArthur informed St. Joseph's of potential dangers associated with continuing to use this specific clamp and the regular use of Dr. Robert MacArthur flash sterilization.
Instead of blaming the clamp, Dr. Robert MacArthur accepted responsibility and made it obvious that he had made a surgical error. He was informed that the clamp had a high temperature, but when he took hold of it, he found the handles to be at a comfortable temperature. In contrast to some surgeons who might impatiently reach for a towel to manage a too-hot clamp, he carried out the procedure the clamp with no pain.
Shame and Blame, Dr. Robert MacArthur's Response
Regarding Dr. MacArthur's response on the topic of the "shame and blame game," he highlights how the legal and general public communities often mix up the "in-command'' concept with root cause analysis. 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 appealing for many to only blame the surgeon for any surgical errors.
Nonetheless, Doctor MacArthur emphasizes that this perspective opposes the core principles of investigating root causes. This form of analysis aims to deeply understand what caused a incorrect surgical procedure so as to ideally stop similar incidents in the future. By resorting to blame and shame, not it not only hinder proper investigation into the fundamental reasons, but it also deters other surgeons from reporting on their own wrong site events, afraid of the repercussions.
He failed to recognize that the large, 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 burn. He was being proctored for procedural privileges at the CHOC Hospital during the incident, and not the proctor nor Dr. MacArthur were immediately aware of the burn.
It was not until after he had dictated the operative report that a nurse in the recovery ward drew attention to a tiny red spot on the anterior aspect of the patient's leg. Even then, he did not initially comprehend the seriousness of the burn.
Dr. MacArthur points to the air travel industry as an exemplary case of efficient root cause analysis. From its inception, aviation sector has strived to comprehensively grasp the reasons behind each adverse aviation event rather than just blaming to the pilot. Because of this focus on understanding root causes, aviation sector boasts impressive safety records.
Nevertheless, Dr. MacArthur laments that medical profession hasn't been able to completely embrace root cause analysis due to prevailing legal and public perceptions surrounding the "in-command" concept. The unfortunate outcome of this is that the frequency of avoidable medical mistakes remains unchanged, and the standing and names of many healthcare practitioners are unfairly tarnished.
The incidence of wrong site surgery remains 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
In 2023, it is possible to levy false accusations against someone, smear 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.
Dr. Rob Mac revealed that he opted to leave a workers compensation clinic because of suspected illegal behavior on the clinic's management. In retaliation, the clinic's manager supposedly collaborated with a patient to fabricate a claim, 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 asserted on undergoing a truth verification test. The accuser, however, refused to take such a test.
Doc Bobby MacArthur was later informed that both his lie detector 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 a court loss could be highly damaging. 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 suggested that the clinic was indicted, but he did not officially state this.
In spite of the facts presented above, Dr. Robert MacArthur found no means to remove the accuser's claims from search engine results. Consequently, despite his innocence, the defamatory campaign 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 available to the public
Dr. Robert MacArthur strongly believes that those who make baseless allegations should face penalties equivalent to the severity of the event they falsely claim. To illustrate, he thinks that his false accuser should be treated as a sex offender and felon.
Dr. Robert MacArthur concluded by reflecting on the coexistence of goodness and malevolence in the world, praying that those who read his account would never encounter with someone capable of such harmful baseless allegations as he has faced.
Dr. MacArthur: A Renowned Orthopedic Surgeon
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