Neurosurgeon Arrested in Operating Room

The Chief of Neurosurgery at Highland Hospital in Oakland California was wrestled to an operating room floor by deputies and arrested after allegedly throwing a fit when a nurse refused to let him operate, authorities said.

"Do you know that I am a (expletive) doctor, and I'm going to do what I want," he said, according to a witness.

Federico Castro-Moure, 45, was arrested the evening of March 6th on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol and interfering with the duty of officers.  He is currently out on bail, and has been placed on leave while the hospital investigates the matter, hospital spokesman David Cone said.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/03/09/ap/strange/mainD8G8AFQ00.shtml

I have no knowledge of this incident beyond what is being reported in the news. 

However, my thought as I read the story was 'how sad that it came to this.'  Regardless of how the facts of this matter turn out, this well-known physician's reputation is badly damaged, the hospital's medical staff and administrators are left to deal with a mess, and there are many patients now questioning their own safety when placing themselves in the care of a physician.

If substance abuse has you in its grip, get help.  Get help today.

Media Jury: Does the Media Have the Right to Pass Judgement?

Comments

[jhon leningrad]

How easy is to make up an story to make it interesting. It is a shame that today's press does not care at all about the truth of a matter. All it matters is to make an story interesting to sell products. It takes at least 2o years of school to become a neurosurgeon and many other years to build a credible reputation for a pathetic lie like this to appear without the proper scrutiny. The press is reckless and useless.

[George Anderson]

I urge you to follow-up on this case. It is my understanding that he did lose his priveledges nor were any criminal charges filled against him.
This may not be your best example of "disruptive physician behavior"

[Rita Schwab]

Thank you for your comment. This is a case that has generated considerable media interest.

The Oakland Tribune reported on April 6, 2006 that the DA dropped the case against Dr. Castro-Moure due to insufficient evidence:
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20060406/ai_n16142394

If the reported facts of the original incident in the OR are accurate however, "verbally abusive, screaming profanities, alcohol on his breath, hitting lockers and kicking doors", it does appear to be a case of significant disruptive behavior.

While a single incident of bad behavior should not in most cases lead to a loss of privileges, it is also not a matter to be taken lightly. With intervention and education the escalation of such behavior can often be halted.

[AspireNow]

It is true that the media often creates a story just for sensationalism. What is sad is when it affects someone who works so hard to protect their reputation.