Doctor Mistakenly Sews Through Woman's Small Intestine

By Brittany Golledge

Published on August 08, 2005

The government inquiry is currently examining how Dr. Jayant Patel, a U.S. citizen who recently fled Australia for the U.S., was ever allowed to practice in the Australian state of Queensland after being repeatedly cited for negligence by medical boards in both Oregon and New York.

Patel had been dubbed "Dr. Death" by several of his colleagues in Australia, and an official audit determined that Patel's negligent care had been the cause of as many as eight deaths.

A visiting surgeon who had performed several corrective surgeries on Patel's former patients testified at the inquiry, citing instances where Patel had exhibited out-of-date medical knowledge, including a situation where Patel had incorrectly diagnosed a cancer patient as having hemorrhoids.

The commission has recommended that Patel be charged with the murder of one of his patients, who died after undergoing a surgery that several other doctors had refused to perform.

Patel has had no comment about the inquiry. He may face extradition to Australia if Queensland police brings charges.

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