There are always at least two sides to a story

Iwas a medical investigator for a number of years in another state on the board that licenses and oversees physicians. Each state has one. Perhaps I can shed some light on the recent issues with the doctor who was fired from Holy Cross Medical Center.

Complaints come to each state’s board from many sources. Unless immediately shocking or severe, they may be filed after a polite letter to the writer or caller. However, if multiple complaints come in (usually more than three) that raise “red flags,” a malpractice suit is filed; a hospital complains or fires a physician; a pharmacy raises prescribing questions; the claims are passed to a medical investigator for more information — from the complainant(s), the doctor, or anyone else who might have been involved in each incident. Every avenue is explored thoroughly; all information gathered is confidential.

The case may be closed without any further action. The doctor may be reprimanded, subjected to additional training, or, at worst, lose their medical license. The physician has the right to contest any findings, and the case may go to court. All of this is separate from any civil or hospital action that may occur.

There are always at least two sides to any story. Doctors can get caught in the “when they are good they are very, very good, but when they are bad, they are horrid.” This is because our health and medical care are so personal to us. Supporters will speak out with high praise, but those who are unhappy or believe they have been mistreated may stay quiet out of shame, embarrassment, anger or simply change physicians and move on. If the situation is serious, that is when publicity and controversy tend to begin. None of us know the full story.

A cousin in another state called me and was furious because a doctor she used and liked lost his license. I reminded her of much of the above, and told her to be grateful that she was one of the lucky ones not visited with the problems others had with this physician. This is true of all of us. I’m glad for the people who have always had excellent medical care from any physician. But there are others who had been injured and believe that redress is necessary — by a hospital, a state Board, a court, or quietly away from the public eye.

For medical care to remain at a high standard that serves us all, sometimes stringent measures are necessary. We need to let the experts in the medical field make these decisions in spite of our personal feelings. Even to our dismay, I can tell you from my experience, the process works as it should.