Opening Statement:

We, the Medical Executive Committee and the Credentials Committee, stand by our decision to deny Dr. Meyers the status of active staff at our hospital on the grounds of not meeting the ethical standards to which we hold all of our staff members. After thorough investigation, we have found multiple instances of unprofessionalism, negligence, assault, fraud, and breach of duty inherent in the behavior of Dr. Meyers. Dr. Meyers would have never been granted provisional employment at our hospital to begin with had he not concealed disciplinary action that was already taken against him. His behavior jeopardizes patient care, the safety of our staff, and our mission to provide exceptional and compassionate patient care.

We are confident of our legal authority to take this course of action and, considering all known facts, believe it would be negligent to place our patients in the care of Dr. Meyers, whose actions are all too likely to result in an injury.

Our investigation was unbiased and factual, and we regret that we cannot offer Dr. Meyers a position as an active staff member. We wish him well personally and professionally, but we will not accept the liabilities associated with his practicing of medicine in our facility. It would be a dis-service to our patients and our staff.

Ethical Theories, Values, and Principles of Concern:

The ethical concerns are endless, but as with many cases, we can start with the simple analysis of nonmaleficence, a medical provider's obligation to do no harm. Dr. Meyer's has disregarded this often; failing to find coverage, which I am assuming is hospital policy, is equivalent to leaving patients untreated. Throwing scalpels, aggravated or not, is assault (with a weapon, no less). Refusing to speak with another team member, for whatever reason, compromises team dynamics and endangers patient care, and is particularly unacceptable in a critical moment such as a surgery. (Morrison, 2020).

Most guidelines in medical ethics bear a similarity to each other. For the sake of brevity, I will refer to the American Medical Association's Principles of Medical Ethics as the sounding board for the ethical concerns of this case. We can look at principles number 2 and 4, which require a physician to uphold standards of professionalism and also respect the rights of all patients, colleagues, and other health professionals. (AMA, 2022). Throwing a scalpel is unacceptable in any circumstance.

While I do not believe this was mentioned in the readings, I believe hospitals have no obligation to offer employment to anyone for any reason and for no reason. The fact that Dr. Meyers is bringing lawsuit against a hospital for not offering him a status of staff member is troubling in and of itself, and bares an indication of underlying issues of self-accountability that forebode troubles ahead, should Dr. Meyer's be extended employment.

Troubleshooting to Avoid Similar Instances in the Future:

Background checks must include references from prior places of employment, and must be completed in their entirety before allowing providers to assume even a provisionary employment status. Furthermore, any instances of aggression, unlawfulness, or practicing in poor ethics, will be reported immediately and, when necessary, result in the immediate suspension of the provider's care-related activities until an investigation is complete. For example, in the instance of Dr. Meyer's throwing of a scalpel, he would be placed on administrative leave until a committee could determine if his aggression represents a continued danger to patients and staff member.

(READ THE ABOVE and ANSWER THE QUESTIONS BELOW)

Which ideas or thoughts did you read that you found interesting or insightful? How did these ideas or thoughts inform your own thinking?

Are there any sections that you think you read that could expound upon? (e.g. "I'd really like to hear more about how you think political corruption is a primary factor in this case.")

What thoughts or questions does your reading response trigger for you?

Assume the role of the plaintiff's attorney and consider the elements of a trial procedure. Compose a closing statement refuting, discrediting, or countering the defenses argument!