Doctors must rely on all five (or six) senses when providing medical care, especially when performing an invasive procedure. Unfortunately, even the most seasoned providers can become complacent, skipping crucial steps and ultimately facing significant consequences. 

One recent story about a gastroenterologist in Florida serves as a critical reminder to all physicians about the dangers of cutting corners.

What allegedly went down

Dr. Ishwari Prasad is a hearing-impaired gastroenterologist accused of not wearing his hearing aids when doing colonoscopies on two patients in June 2023 at Tampa’s Ambulatory Surgery Center. 

Unfortunately, surgical team members weren’t able to communicate with Dr. Prasad during the incident because he couldn’t hear them. As a result, he didn’t stop the colonoscopy immediately, causing the patient unnecessary pain and distress. Dr. Prasad is also accused of having an unlicensed surgical tech insert and manipulate the scope and remove polyps in another procedure performed on the same day.

Stelloh T. Florida doctor who didn't wear hearing aids during colonoscopy couldn't hear patient yelling, state health officials say. NBC News. August 20, 2024.

Dr. Prasad began practicing in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey during the early 1980s, receiving his Florida license in 1990. He had no prior history of being disciplined by the Florida Board of Medicine before this event.

Mesmer A. Tampa doctor couldn't hear colonoscopy patient scream because he wasn't wearing hearing aids, board finds. Fox13 Tampa Bay. August 15, 2024.

Stelloh T. Florida doctor who didn't wear hearing aids during colonoscopy couldn't hear patient yelling, state health officials say. NBC News. August 20, 2024.

Legal and professional ramifications

However, later reports show that a settlement was reached where Dr. Prasad didn’t deny or admit fault. He was charged a $7,500 fine and prohibited from doing any gastroenterology procedures.

Mesmer A. Tampa doctor couldn't hear colonoscopy patient scream because he wasn't wearing hearing aids, board finds. Fox13 Tampa Bay. August 15, 2024.

Stelloh T. Florida doctor who didn't wear hearing aids during colonoscopy couldn't hear patient yelling, state health officials say. NBC News. August 20, 2024.

The cost of medical errors

Dr. Prasad’s story isn't unique—medical errors take a significant toll on the healthcare system and individual patients and providers each year. 

Medical errors are being recognized as a serious public health issue and are now considered the third leading cause of death in the US.

Rodziewicz TL, Houseman B, Vaqar S, et al. Medical error reduction and prevention. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; February 12, 2024.

When mistakes happen in healthcare, they don’t just affect the patient. Patient’s families, the providers, and the surrounding community may all experience significant psychological impacts as a result of actual or perceived errors.

The most common types of medical errors include:

Rodziewicz TL, Houseman B, Vaqar S, et al. Medical error reduction and prevention. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; February 12, 2024.

• Communication issues

• Diagnostic mistakes

• Equipment failures

• Hospital-acquired infections

• Medication-related errors

• Patient falls

• Surgical mistakes

While it may be impossible to eliminate all human error in medicine, improvements can be made. Understanding past mistakes and optimizing equipment and communication systems could help reduce the number of preventable mistakes. In addition, avoiding provider burnout by managing workloads and timing expectations is essential for safe medical practice. All members of the team are responsible for bringing awareness to existing deficiencies and helping avoid medical errors.