This situation was extremely serious and could have resulted in the possible death of the patient (the documentation does not state that the patient died). Subsequently, Berstein's actions could have also resulted in substantial monetary woes for his employer, which is certainly at risk for a civil lawsuit due to the doctor's negligence. Yet the most deplorable aspect of this case is Berstein's attempts to dissemble the full magnitude of his inept work by falsifying documents that supported his dearth of proper treatment of the patient. It is also significant to mention the full scope of the punishment issued to Berstein, whose reinstatement "shall be limited to non-surgical specialty or administrative medicine" (Nolan, 2004).
This sort of unethical treatment on the part of a medical professional is exceedingly difficult to prevent given the large amounts of autonomy that surgeons have in practicing medicine. However, it is significant to note that the way...
In particular, the nursing officials who noted the patients suffering hours later after the treatment and brought in a different physician to examine her should be rewarded and studied for the proper procedure to prevent such mishaps from frequently occurring. The concept is simple, healthcare professionals should all monitor the work and the outcome of the work of one another -- regardless of rank or convention associated with their positions.
References
Mujtaba, B.G. (No date). "Ethical implications of employee monitoring: what leaders should consider." Journal of Applied Management and Engineering. Retrieved from http://www.huizenga.nova.edu/Jame/articles/employee-monitoring.cfm
Nolan, P.A. (2004). "Consent Order." State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Department of Health.
