Dr. Robert MacArthur
Doctor Robert MacArthur earned his degrees in Biochemistry and Physiology from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was recognized for his athletic prowess as a competitor in boxing and Rugby.
Following his undergraduate studies, Doctor Robert MacArthur pursued his medical education at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he later served as president of the institution, now recognized as the Vagelos School of Medicine. Subsequently, he completed his orthopedic residency at Harbor UCLA.
In terms of statistics, wrong-site surgery typically occurs as a singular event in the career of an orthopedic surgeon. However, this frequency increases to four occurrences per career for specialists in sports, hand, and spine surgeries. Unfortunately, many of these professionals choose not to report such incidents, let alone engage in open discussions about them. Dr. MacArthur holds a deep sense of pride in how he addressed these unfortunate situations. Rather than attempting to conceal the incidents, Dr. MacArthur responded in a distinct manner.
Dr. Robert MacArthur conducted thorough investigations into the underlying causes of the two incidents he encountered and subsequently published several works detailing strategies to prevent such occurrences. Through these efforts, he garnered recognition as an esteemed authority in the realm of preventable accidents. Notably, he authored two articles in the esteemed orthopedic journal, The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. The first article served as a guide, elucidating the specific errors leading to the wrong-site event, aimed at aiding other medical practitioners in averting similar mishaps.
In his second publication, co-authored with Dr. David Ring, Chairman of the AAOS, Dr. MacArthur addressed the issue of the "shame and blame game" prevalent in such situations. Acknowledging responsibility for these incidents remains uncommon, as the instinctive response often involves assigning blame to external factors. Dr. MacArthur emphasized that this tendency not only discourages surgeons from reporting their experiences but also hampers the essential analysis of root causes necessary for preventing future occurrences.
When addressing the incident of intraoperative burn, Dr. Robert MacArthur displayed the same level of investigative diligence as he did in his research on wrong-site events. For instance, he proactively contacted the manufacturer of the problematic clamp to ascertain if similar burn incidents had occurred. Upon learning that the clamp in question had been "discontinued," one can draw conclusions from this information.
Additionally, to mitigate uneven heating in large hinged clamps, Dr. MacArthur conducted a comprehensive investigation into the root causes of this issue. His inquiry revealed that flash sterilization could contribute to uneven heating, a practice discouraged by nursing associations except in emergency situations such as sterilizing dropped components. Further investigation disclosed that St. Joseph's Hospital frequently utilized flash sterilization to facilitate consecutive surgeries without acquiring additional equipment trays.
In an effort to prevent future burn incidents, Dr. MacArthur alerted St. Joseph's Hospital to the associated risks of using the specific clamp and routinely employing flash sterilization. Rather than attributing blame solely to the clamp, Dr. MacArthur assumed responsibility and acknowledged his surgical error. Despite being informed that the clamp was hot, he found the handles to be at a comfortable temperature when grasped. Unlike some surgeons who might hastily use a towel to handle a hot clamp, Dr. MacArthur operated the clamp without discomfort.
In discussing the issue of the "shame and blame game," Dr. MacArthur highlights how the legal and broader public communities often confuse the "captain of the ship" concept with genuine root cause analysis. According to this perspective, surgeons are deemed solely responsible for any adverse events that befall a patient under their care. Consequently, many are inclined to attribute any wrong site event solely to the surgeon. However, Dr. MacArthur stresses that such an approach contradicts the principles of root cause analysis, which seeks to comprehensively understand the underlying factors contributing to such events and ideally prevent their recurrence. Resorting to shaming and blaming not only impedes proper root cause analysis but also discourages other surgeons from reporting their own wrong site events due to fear of repercussions.
During the incident, Dr. MacArthur failed to recognize that the large hinge of the clamp was significantly hotter. Consequently, when he applied the clamp to the patient's leg, it caused a burn. Notably, he was being supervised for case privileges at CHOC at the time, and neither the supervising physician nor Dr. MacArthur immediately noticed the burn. It wasn't until after Dr. MacArthur had completed the operative report that a recovery room nurse pointed out a small red area on the patient's leg. Even then, he did not initially grasp the severity of the burn.
Dr. MacArthur points to the airline industry as a prime example of effective root cause analysis. Since its inception, the industry has prioritized a thorough understanding of the reasons behind adverse aviation events rather than simply assigning blame to pilots. This dedication to understanding root causes has led to impressive safety records within the industry. However, Dr. MacArthur expresses regret that the medical field has struggled to fully embrace root cause analysis due to prevalent legal and public perceptions associated with the "captain of the ship" concept. As a result, the rate of preventable medical errors remains alarmingly high, and the careers and reputations of many medical professionals suffer unjustly.
The incidence of wrong site surgery continues at an alarming rate, with one event per surgeon per career and up to four events per surgeon’s career for specialists in hand, spine, and sports subspecialties.
In 2023, it became apparent that individuals could make false accusations against others, tarnishing their reputation without facing consequences. Regardless of the innocence or guilt of the accused, the mere act of accusation could inflict enduring harm on a professional's standing.
Dr. Robert MacArthur disclosed his decision to depart from a workers' compensation clinic due to suspected illicit activities within the establishment. Allegedly, in retaliation, the clinic manager collaborated with a patient to fabricate a claim against him. The claim suggested that Dr. MacArthur had engaged in inappropriate behavior, purportedly involving nudity and solicitation of sexual favors in exchange for a favorable workers' compensation report. This accusation surfaced over a year after Dr. MacArthur had left the clinic, prompting him to request a lie detector test to refute the allegations. However, the accuser declined to undergo such testing.
Subsequently, Dr. Robert MacArthur learned that both his lie detector test results and the accuser's refusal to participate would be deemed inadmissible in court. The attorney mediating the situation cautioned Dr. MacArthur that the composition of the jury might not favor him, potentially leading to dire consequences in the event of a court loss. Despite the ludicrous nature of the accusation, Dr. MacArthur was advised to settle the matter for $29,000.
The Medical Board of California reviewed the allegations made by the accuser and deemed them "non-credible," suggesting an ongoing investigation into the clinic. When discussing the matter with Dr. MacArthur, he implied that the clinic might have faced legal action, although he did not provide confirmation.
Despite the aforementioned evidence, Dr. MacArthur encountered difficulty in removing the accuser's claims from internet search results. Consequently, despite his innocence, the defamation campaign against him proved successful.
Given that the claim does not assert Dr. Robert MacArthur's guilt but merely serves as a summary of a complaint, it remains publicly accessible.
Dr. MacArthur strongly advocates for imposing penalties on individuals who make false accusations that mirror the severity of the falsely claimed event. For instance, he believes that his false accuser should be labeled as a sexual predator and felon.
Dr. MacArthur concluded by contemplating the coexistence of good and evil in the world, expressing hope that those who come across his story would never encounter individuals capable of inflicting such damaging false accusations as he has endured. Indeed!
Dr. MacArthur is a highly regarded orthopedic surgeon renowned for his exceptional proficiency in diagnosing, treating, preventing, and rehabilitating musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. This encompasses a comprehensive understanding of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
Diagnosis: Dr. MacArthur's exceptional diagnostic skills set him apart. Through thorough physical examinations, advanced imaging techniques, and laboratory assessments, he promptly and accurately identifies a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions.
Treatment:
Non-surgical Approaches: Dr. MacArthur prioritizes exploring non-invasive treatment options before resorting to surgery. His toolkit includes medications, physical therapy, and other non-surgical interventions.
Surgical Expertise: In cases where surgery is necessary, patients can trust Dr. MacArthur's adept hands. He is proficient in a diverse range of surgical procedures, encompassing joint replacements, fracture repairs, and ligament reconstructions.
Rehabilitation: Recognizing the integral role of rehabilitation in the healing process, Dr. MacArthur underscores the importance of post-treatment recovery. He collaborates closely with physical therapists to facilitate patients' recovery of strength, mobility, and function in a timely and safe manner.
Prevention: Dr. MacArthur advocates for proactive healthcare practices. He frequently engages in workshops and educational sessions to raise awareness about injury prevention and the significance of maintaining musculoskeletal wellness.
Specialized Focus: Among his many accolades, Dr. MacArthur is particularly esteemed for his expertise in Pediatric Orthopedics. He has dedicated a significant portion of his career to addressing musculoskeletal issues in children, ensuring their optimal physical development.
Through his unwavering dedication to excellence, Dr. MacArthur has not only restored but also enhanced the lives of numerous individuals, establishing himself as a leading figure in the field of orthopedics.