More Doctors Speak Out On Facing Racism From Patients
One emergency room doctor's tale sparks debate in the medical community. Meanwhile, other medical personnel news from around California are reported today.
Sacramento Bee:
Racism In ER: Patients Refuse Doctor's Treatment Because Of Her Race
A doctor in Oregon has touched a nerve with a series of tweets revealing that some “white nationalists” have refused treatment from her because of her race. Esther Choo, an emergency physician and associate professor at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, according to Refinery 29, described on Sunday how she treats those patients with “compassion” because “the best thing I can do is make sure their hate finds no purchase here.” (Gutierrez, 8/16)
Ventura County Star:
Charges Dropped Against Thousand Oaks Doctor's Spouse In Patient Death
Charges were dropped Wednesday against a Thousand Oaks doctor's husband who'd been accused of practicing medicine without a license and administering drugs that allegedly led to a patient's death. The case against Paul McQuillan stemmed from the Aug. 2, 2014, death of Polly Duntley, which occurred two days after the defendant gave her a morphine injection. Duntley, 88, of Camarillo, allegedly needed care for leg pain. Ventura County Superior Court Judge Ryan Wright granted a motion made by prosecutors about 9 a.m. Wednesday to dismiss both felony offenses, according to a news release issued by McQuillan's attorney, Philip Dunn. (Diskin, 8/16)
Ventura County Star:
Clinicas Agency Gets National Honor For Care
The Clinicas del Camino Real health agency has received national recognition through a program that rewards high-quality care at centers for vulnerable and underserved patients. Clinicas was one of 12 health centers in the state and 46 in the country named as a “National Quality Leader,” the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced this week.“ That’s pretty darned good,” Christina Velasco, chief financial officer and acting CEO of Clinicas, said Tuesday. (Wilson, 8/16)
Los Angeles Times:
L.A. City Council Approves New Cannabis Department Head
The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday backed Mayor Eric Garcetti’s picks to oversee City Hall’s new Department of Cannabis Regulation, a vote that comes as officials prepare for legalization of recreational marijuana in California. Cat Packer, the former California coordinator for the Drug Policy Alliance, will run the new city division. A five-member Cannabis Commission will provide input on cannabis rules. (Smith, 8/16)
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
Salk Accidentally Kills A Monkey During An Experiment
An animal rights group has asked federal regulators to fine the Salk Institute in La Jolla for accidentally killing a marmoset while it was performing neurological research on the monkey. The Ohio-based Stop Animal Exploitation Now (SAEN) this week accused the Salk of negligence in a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which enforces the Animal Welfare Act. The incident occurred on Feb. 13, during a surgical procedure on the marmoset’s brain. The monkey’s temperature spiked to more than 107 degrees while the animal was under general anesthesia, the Salk told the National Institutes of Health in a compliance letter. (Robbins, 8/16)