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When we visit doctors, we place our trust in them to provide the best care possible. However, doctors are only human, and like all humans, they can make mistakes. Some doctors are meticulous about avoiding errors; others, not so much. As the healthcare system grows increasingly complex, errors are bound to occur. These mistakes can sometimes lead to lifelong complications, and in other cases, they can be fatal.
10. Alyssa Hemmelgarn Lost Her Life to a Hospital Infection
In 2007, nine-year-old Alyssa Hemmelgarn became ill and her condition showed no signs of improvement. She had swollen glands and persistent cold sores. Suspecting she might have mono, her mother, Carole, took her to the doctor. However, the news they received was far worse than expected. Alyssa was admitted to a hospital in Denver, where she was diagnosed with leukemia.
The tragedy didn’t end there. After a week of treatment, Alyssa appeared to be recovering. She and her mother even managed to take a walk around the hospital and watch a movie. But as the night fell, Alyssa's condition deteriorated rapidly. Despite the efforts of the medical team, nothing could save her, and she passed away soon after.
Alyssa’s death wasn’t caused by leukemia, but rather by Clostridium difficile, a hospital-acquired infection that worsened daily. The infection went undetected until it was too late. It was later revealed that a doctor had described Alyssa as 'anxious,' leading to her receiving Ativan, which may have concealed her symptoms. Another reason for the lack of action was the high cost of treating severe infections like C. diff. Administering antibiotics through an IV costs about $50,000, which deters many doctors from using it unless absolutely necessary.
However, Alyssa’s death was not in vain. In the wake of her passing, significant changes were made to treatment protocols in hospitals throughout Colorado.
9. Richard Smith Passed Away After Being Administered a Paralytic
Richard Smith, 79, suffered from kidney disease and required dialysis. In 2010, during his dialysis session, he began experiencing difficulty breathing and was admitted to the ICU. The following day, he complained of a stomachache and was given an antacid by his nurse. But, it turned out that the medication wasn’t an antacid at all.
Smith was mistakenly given pancuronium, a paralytic and muscle relaxant that is typically used for intubation in small doses, but can be lethal in larger amounts. After the drug was administered, Smith became unresponsive and suffered respiratory arrest. The mix-up occurred because the packaging for the antacid and the paralytic were similar in appearance. While doctors were able to revive Smith, he was left brain-dead and remained in a vegetative state until he passed away a month later.
Andrew Yaffa, the Smith family’s attorney, described the incident as “the worst case of medical neglect” he had ever encountered. To administer the wrong drug, the nurse would have had to overlook multiple safety protocols: she failed to verify the medication, neglected to scan the medication for accuracy, and didn’t match the patient’s ID with the drug. Adding to the tragedy, the hospital showed no remorse, even allowing the nurse to stay on the same floor where Smith had died. However, they did remove pancuronium from all nurses’ stations and restricted access to anesthesiologists only.
8. Regina Turner Underwent the Wrong Surgery
Regina Turner faced one of the most terrifying surgical errors: she was given the wrong procedure. Her initial surgery was meant to be a “left-sided craniotomy bypass,” intended to prevent future strokes after she had suffered a series of mini-strokes that impaired her speech. However, after undergoing the wrong surgery, her health took a severe downturn.
Before the operation, Turner was still relatively healthy. She was “mobile, cognizant, and able to care for herself.” According to a lawsuit filed against the hospital, her condition worsened drastically: “After the incorrect surgery, [Turner] now requires around-the-clock care for her basic needs. [ . . . ] She will continue to suffer from emotional distress, anxiety, disfigurement, and depression.”
Instead of the intended left-side bypass, Turner was mistakenly given a right-side bypass, which caused severe damage to her nervous system. Once the error was discovered, the proper procedure was performed, but Turner’s health remained poor. The failure to catch the mistake meant that multiple safety protocols were ignored. Normally, before surgery, doctors and nurses have a 'time-out' to discuss the details of the procedure and confirm everything needed for the operation. The surgeon is also required to mark the correct site for the surgery. Unfortunately, these safeguards were not enough to prevent the wrong-side operation.
7. Pablo Garcia Was Given a Dangerous Overdose
While technology has undeniably improved our lives, it can still make errors, as can the people who use it. This was the case for 16-year-old Pablo Garcia, who was admitted to the hospital for a routine colonoscopy to check for intestinal polyps. What should have been a simple procedure almost turned into a deadly disaster.
Garcia had a rare genetic disorder known as NEMO deficiency syndrome, which causes frequent infections and gastrointestinal problems. Due to his heightened vulnerability to infection, Garcia required frequent antibiotic treatments. While in the hospital, he was prescribed Septra for his infections. Determining the correct dosage is typically straightforward, relying on calculations based on weight and age, which can be easily performed using a computer program like Epic EHR.
The program was initially set to calculate the required dosage in milligrams based on the patient's weight in kilograms. However, the nurse caring for Garcia inadvertently changed the setting to milligrams per kilogram. When she entered the prescribed dose of 160 milligrams of Septra, the machine multiplied it by Garcia's weight, resulting in an absurd dose of 38.5 pills, the largest ever recorded. Rather than questioning the calculation, the nurse proceeded to administer the pills. Shortly afterward, Garcia experienced a grand mal seizure and nearly lost his life. Fortunately, he survived. This case highlights the dangers of over-relying on technology.
6. Andy Warhol Was Overhydrated
In 1987, Andy Warhol underwent gallbladder surgery. Despite his deep fear of hospitals and doctors, he chose to go ahead with the procedure, which appeared to be successful. As was standard in hospital care, Warhol was given fluids to stay hydrated. Tragically, complications arose, and he slipped into a coma, which led to his death.
Why did Warhol pass away after a routine surgery? Investigations revealed that at the time of his death, Warhol was anemic. Although he had been anemic prior to his admission, doctors determined he was in stable enough condition for the procedure. However, it was later discovered that Warhol was given twice the necessary amount of fluids, which caused his body to deplete minerals. This led to his demise. He was left without adequate care, and internal pressure built up, resulting in heart failure. Warhol’s personal physician, Dr. Denton S. Cox, noted that the 58-year-old artist had not been closely monitored by any doctors, and nurses seldom checked on him. Additionally, Warhol was heavily sedated with morphine, which, along with the nutrient loss from excess fluids, contributed to his body’s deterioration.
During his autopsy, it was revealed that Warhol’s lungs and trachea had filled completely with fluid. The condition that led to Warhol’s death could have been easily treated if the staff had simply been more attentive.
5. Robert Stuart and Darren Hughes Died Due to Worm-Infested Kidneys
In 2014, an unidentified alcoholic in Northern England passed away, initially believed to have died from meningitis. He was only 39 years old and had a history of heavy drinking. After his death, his organs were rejected for donation due to their poor condition, as the cause of death posed a risk to potential recipients. Despite this, the organs were still transplanted into two unfortunate patients.
Robert Stuart and Darren Hughes both needed kidney transplants, and when two kidneys became available, it must have seemed like a blessing. Argiris Asderakis, the consulting surgeon who accepted the organs, stated that the patients were aware of the significant risks, given that the donor had died from meningitis. Both patients proceeded with the transplant and passed away from meningitis shortly after. It was later discovered that the kidneys were infected with a rare parasitic worm, Halicephalobus gingivalis, typically found in horses. At the time, no test existed to detect the parasite in kidneys.
While the surgeon denied any fault, the families of the patients insisted they were not fully informed about the risks tied to organ transplants. Even if the kidneys hadn't been infected with parasitic worms, the meningitis infection alone would have posed a serious risk, making it likely the patients would die while on dialysis. Since the parasite was unheard of in the UK at the time, there was no reason to suspect its presence. It remains a rare condition, with only five documented cases globally, but if you ever find yourself in need of an organ transplant, it's worth requesting a test for it.
4. Rodney English Received A Dangerous Blood Transfusion
Rodney English, 34 years old, had spent much of his life in and out of the hospital due to spina bifida, a congenital disorder. While undergoing surgery for an infection, it was expected that he would require a blood transfusion. Initially, he seemed to recover well. But soon after, his girlfriend noticed something was off. He was unable to stay awake, and eventually, he fell asleep and never regained consciousness.
It wasn’t his medical condition or the surgery that caused his death, but rather a mislabeled blood transfusion. While such incidents are exceedingly rare, a series of safety checks are meant to prevent such mistakes. Despite these safeguards, the hospital failed to detect that English was given the wrong blood type. In a further lapse in responsibility, English’s family was not informed about the error. Instead, they were told that his death was caused by 'anemia,' which was the official listed cause of death.
It wasn't until a CBS investigation that English's family uncovered the truth. In a shocking turn, they discovered that the blood used came from a Red Cross facility in Atlanta, which had 25 FDA violations in 1999 and had been fined for further allegations around the time of English's death. When questioned about why Piedmont Hospital did not disclose the actual cause of death to the family, they responded that they would not reveal any information until they had 'full information to share.'
Jack Startz, a Beverly Hills surgeon, was infamous for addicting his patients to drugs and leaving them with ruined appearances. His controversial and reckless practices were brought to light once again through the HBO film Behind the Candelabra, where he was depicted as a quirky surgeon willing to go to any length for his clients, including the famed entertainer Liberace. In reality, Startz's actions were far more sinister, making him a figure of medical scandal.
For many, the idea of celebrities undergoing frequent cosmetic surgeries to maintain their youthful appearance is viewed with amusement. After all, with their wealth, it might seem frivolous. However, in the case of Dr. Jack Startz, celebrity plastic surgery turned into a dangerous practice. Startz gained notoriety for performing harmful procedures on his clients, including the world-famous performer Liberace, a situation highlighted in the HBO film Behind the Candelabra.
In 1979, Liberace, disturbed by his appearance after watching himself on The Tonight Show, decided to undergo a face-lift. He turned to Jack Startz, an ear, nose, and throat specialist, who eagerly took on the task. However, the results were disastrous—Liberace's face was pulled so tightly that he couldn’t close his eyes fully, even while asleep. Startz also agreed to perform surgery on Liberace's partner, Scott Thorson, in a bid to make Thorson look younger. But the doctor’s methods included putting Thorson on a dangerous “Hollywood diet” of addictive substances like pharmaceutical cocaine, quaaludes, and amphetamines, which led to Thorson developing a dependency.
Dr. Startz’s willingness to perform harmful surgeries stemmed from his own financial and personal issues, including his struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction. Seeking a quick fix, he began performing silicone injections, which became a profitable venture. Over time, Startz injected thousands of patients, many of whom suffered severe consequences. One such victim, celebrity realtor Elaine Young, began receiving monthly silicone treatments in 1977, and initially, the results were striking. She became so impressed with Startz's work that she recommended him to others.
However, after just a few years, the silicone injected into Young’s face began to shift and deform, leaving her with a grotesque appearance. She attempted to reach out to Startz, but he ignored her calls. It wasn’t until later that she discovered Startz had been facing numerous lawsuits—over 100—due to similar issues experienced by his patients. Between 1965 and 1979, Startz had injected silicone into 2,000 individuals, many of whom suffered from the same devastating results. Overwhelmed by legal troubles and his ongoing substance abuse, Startz tragically took his own life in 1985.
Riley McDougall’s story took a horrifying turn when she was mistakenly given Ambien, a prescription sleep aid, instead of the antibiotics she was supposed to take. Ambien, commonly used by adults to manage insomnia, can have serious and terrifying side effects in children, which is why it is rarely prescribed to them. In Riley's case, the mix-up led to disturbing hallucinations.
When a child is prescribed Ambien, the consequences can be terrifying. Typically, Ambien is given to adults to treat insomnia, but it can have a dangerous impact on children. A 12-year-old girl named Riley McDougall experienced this firsthand when she was accidentally given Ambien instead of the antibiotics she had been prescribed. The confusion led to horrifying mental effects, which no child should ever endure.
Riley was initially given antibiotics but soon began experiencing troubling side effects, including frightening hallucinations and disorientation. She mistook stair railings for curtains and saw disturbing visions. After being taken to the emergency room, doctors mistakenly attributed her symptoms to Sudafed, a cold medication she was also taking. However, when Coleen continued giving her what she thought were antibiotics, Riley's symptoms worsened, and she began to suffer from double vision.
After contacting the pharmacy, Coleen discovered that the pills were not the antibiotic azithromycin as intended, but were actually Ambien. The white pills looked nothing like the pink azithromycin tablets. Coleen took legal action against the local CVS, emphasizing the importance of double-checking prescriptions to avoid such dangerous mistakes. She advised others, saying: “Make sure you really read your prescriptions, and make sure it’s the right thing.”
Barry Morguloff’s experience was a nightmare that no patient should ever have to endure, as he was operated on by a surgeon who was not only incompetent but also abusing substances. The surgeon’s actions were so reckless and negligent that they should have barred him from practicing medicine altogether.
When you’re under the knife, your life is in the hands of the surgeon, and you trust that they’re mentally and physically capable of performing the procedure competently. Sadly, this wasn’t the case for Barry Morguloff. His surgeon, Dr. Christopher Duntsch, had a long history of malpractice, and his incompetence led to Morguloff’s worsening condition after surgery.
Barry Morguloff initially sought treatment for back pain and was given steroid injections, which didn’t provide any relief. Eventually, he was referred to Dr. Christopher Duntsch for a spinal fusion, a delicate procedure involving the spinal cord nerves. However, when Morguloff awoke from surgery, his pain had intensified. Months of painkillers offered no solution, and it wasn’t until another doctor examined him that the truth was revealed: bone fragments were left pressing on his nerves, and the hardware used in the surgery was installed incorrectly. A second surgery was necessary to correct the damage.
The question that haunted everyone was: how could such catastrophic mistakes happen under the hands of a licensed surgeon? Dr. Randall Kirby, a colleague of Duntsch’s, described him as having a surgical technique comparable to a first-year medical student, with little understanding of the spinal system. Other patients of Duntsch also found their conditions deteriorating after their procedures.
Not only was Dr. Duntsch dangerously incompetent, but it soon came to light that he was also using drugs while performing surgeries. A bottle of vodka was discovered in his desk, painkillers were found in his possession, and a bag of white powder was found in his personal bathroom. He even abandoned one patient mid-surgery to take a trip to Las Vegas. Despite all this, he was allowed to continue operating because the hospital had already invested $600,000 to bring him from Tennessee to Dallas, and they were determined to recover their financial investment, no matter the cost.
