Doctor Robert MacArthur Interview
This day, we managed to interview California's located orthopedist, Doctor Bobby Mac, in response to various queries about his experiences with surgical errors and intraoperative burn, as well as a topic of "events that should never occur".
Who is Dr. MacArthur?
Dr. Robert MacArthur completed his studies from the University of UC Berkeley with a dual degree in Biochem and Physio. During his time at the Univ, Doctor Bobby Mac was a well-known athlete, participating on both several boxing and rugby teams.
Here is your paragraph formatted into heavy spintax:
Following that, Doc Rob MacArthur enrolled at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and was the chosen president of the Columbia P&S School of Medicine (Now known as the Vagelos Medical School). Robert Mac went on to conclude his orthopedic residence at Harbor UCLA.
Dr. Robert MacArthur Addresses the Incidents
According to statistics, the frequency of incorrect surgical procedures usually falls within a seldom happening occurrence for every single bone specialist, but this number surges to four for each lifetime for experts specializing in sports, hand, and spine. Regrettably, many of these surgeons frequently do not document these occurrences, let alone talk about them openly. Doc MacArthur carries a profound sense of pride and accomplishment about how he faced these harrowing occurrences.
Rather than trying to hide the incident, Doctor Mac responded in a different manner
Dr. MacArthur’s Handling of the Wrong Site Surgery
Doctor Rob Mac extensively examined the underlying origins of his dual events, and put out several works outlining how to avoid these situations
Over time, earned acclaim as a published expert in the field of accidents that can be avoided. He's written a couple of articles in the leading orthopedic journal, The Journal of Orthopedic Surgery. With the aim of helping other doctors avert upcoming events, his first work led the reader through precise errors that happened that resulted in the wrong site event.
His second publication, authored together with Dr. David Ring, addressed the topic of the "tendency to shame and blame." Assuming responsibility for these incidents is uncommon, as the usual reaction is blaming third parties. Dr. MacArthur stressed that shifting blame not merely prevents surgeons from disclosing their incidents but also diverts from the vital analysis of underlying causes that might thwart subsequent occurrences.
The Intraoperative Burn Incident with Dr. Robert MacArthur
When discussing the surgical burn occurrence, Dr. Robert MacArthur exhibited the same dedicated investigative approach he employed to his wrong site event research. For example, he contacted the maker of the problematic clamp to ascertain if like burn events had transpired. The maker informed him that the clamp in question had been "discontinued." You can make your own inferences based on that what you wish.
To avert irregular heating in huge hinged clamps, Doctor MacArthur conducted a comprehensive investigation of the reasons for inconsistent heating in large-hinged clamps.
The results of his investigation showed that quick sterilization could cause irregular sterilization. He noted that nursing organizations strongly advise against the use of flash sterilization unless an emergency situation arises such as disinfecting a fallen instrument. Further inquiry revealed that St Joseph's Hospital often utilizing quick sterilization to ease back-to-back surgeries without having to buy extra equipment trays.
In an effort to avoid future burn incidents, Dr. Robert MacArthur alerted St Joseph's of the risks associated with ongoing utilization of this specific clamp and the regular use of quick sterilization.
In place of blaming the clamp, Dr. Robert MacArthur assumed accountability and made it obvious that he was responsible for a mistake during surgery. He was informed that the clamp was heated, but when he grasped it, he found the handles to be at a comfortable temperature. Differing from some Robert MacArthur surgeons who might impatiently reach for a towel to grip a too-hot clamp, he operated the clamp without discomfort.
Shame and Blame, Dr. Robert MacArthur's Response
When discussing Doctor MacArthur's response on the topic of the "shame and blame game," he spotlights how the legal and the wider public often conflate the "captain of the ship'' concept with root cause analysis. According to this "captain of the ship" perspective, the surgeon is responsible for any negative occurrences that occur to a patient under their care. This makes it appealing for many to only blame the surgeon for any surgical errors.
Nevertheless, Doctor MacArthur stresses that such an approach goes against the fundamental principles of root cause analysis. This form of analysis aims to comprehensively grasp what caused a wrong site event in order to ideally avert similar incidents in the future. By resorting to blaming and shaming, not it not only hinder proper investigation into the fundamental reasons, but it furthermore prevents other surgeons from reporting on their personal wrong site events, fearing 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 triggered a burn. At the time, he was proctored for surgical privileges at Children's Hospital of Orange County during the incident, and none of the proctor nor Doctor MacArthur were immediately aware of the burn.
Not until until after he had dictated the operative report that a nurse in the recovery ward drew attention to a small patch of redness on the anterior aspect of the patient's leg. Even then, he did not initially comprehend the seriousness of the burn.
Dr. Robert MacArthur references the air travel industry as an outstanding case of successful root cause analysis. From its inception, air travel industry has sought to deeply understand the reasons behind each negative aviation occurrence rather than simply attributing blame to the pilot. Because of this dedication to understanding root causes, aviation sector boasts notable safety records.
Nonetheless, Dr. Robert MacArthur laments that healthcare field hasn't been successful in fully implementing 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 frequency of avoidable medical mistakes remains unchanged, and the careers and reputations of many healthcare practitioners are unfairly tarnished.
The occurrence of surgical errors persists at an worrying rate of one incident per surgeon per career, and as high as four events per surgeon's career for specialists in hand, spine, and sports.
Dr. Robert MacArthur “Sexual Harassment” Allegations
In 2023, there exists the possibility to levy 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, just making an allegation is enough to cause long-lasting damage to a professional's reputation.
Dr. Bobby Mac revealed that he opted to leave a workers compensation clinic because of potential illicit activities on the clinic's management. In retaliation, the clinic manager supposedly conspired with a client to fabricate a claim, 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 insisted on undergoing a lie detector test. The accuser, however, refused to take such a test.
Dr. Robert MacArthur was later advised that both his polygraph examination results and the claimant's refusal to participate would be regarded inadmissible in court.
The mediating attorney 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 ridiculousness 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 officially state this.
Despite the previously mentioned details, Dr. Robert MacArthur found no means to erase the allegations made by the accuser from Internet search results. Consequently, despite his innocence, the campaign to tarnish his reputation was successful.
Since the claim does not state that Doctor MacArthur was found guilty, it merely serves as a condensed version of a complaint, which continues to be publicly accessible
Dr. 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 treated as a sexual predator and felon.
Dr. Robert MacArthur concluded by reflecting on the existence of both good and evil in the world, wishing that those who read his account would never come into contact with someone capable of such damaging false accusations as he has faced.
Dr. MacArthur: A Renowned Orthopedic Surgeon
Doctor