In Virginia, a disturbing case has emerged involving an OB-GYN accused of performing unnecessary surgeries on female patients without their consent. The doctor, who we’ll call Dr. James Carter, is facing allegations of conducting hysterectomies and tying women’s fallopian tubes secretly.
Details of the Allegations
According to court filings reviewed by various news outlets, Dr. Carter, aged 69, was involved in surgeries on over 500 patients from January 2014 to August 2018, with around 42 percent of them undergoing multiple procedures. Many of these women reported that they were coerced into surgery under the false pretense that they were at imminent risk of cancer. Alarmingly, many patients only discovered that they had undergone these invasive procedures long after they had occurred.
Case Examples
One particular case involved a woman who initially sought treatment for what she believed to be endometriosis. After returning for help with an ectopic pregnancy, she learned from a fertility specialist that both her fallopian tubes had been severely damaged, leaving her unable to conceive naturally. It is alleged that Dr. Carter removed her tubes without informing her.
Another patient was told by Dr. Carter that she was at high risk for cancer and required a full hysterectomy. Despite her objections to such an invasive procedure, she had consented only to have her ovaries removed. Upon waking from surgery, she was horrified to discover she had undergone a total abdominal hysterectomy instead. To make matters worse, during the surgery, her bladder was punctured, leading to a severe infection. When she later reviewed her medical records, it was falsely documented as an “elective surgery” without any mention of cancer concerns.
Dr. Carter’s Troubling History
Dr. Carter’s medical history is riddled with warning signs. He lost his admitting privileges at Maryview Hospital in Portsmouth back in 1982 because of poor clinical judgment and performing unnecessary surgeries. He had also faced investigations by the Virginia Board of Medicine for similar issues. In 1996, he lost his medical license due to tax evasion and has been sued for malpractice eight times. Recently, he was associated with Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center and Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, but both have since distanced themselves from him.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, the allegations against Dr. Carter raise serious concerns about patient consent and medical ethics. The troubling pattern in his career highlights the importance of thorough research when choosing a healthcare provider.