Becker's Spine Review

7 SPINE AAOS renews call to protect healthcare workers in wake of fatal shooting By Carly Behm F ollowing the fatal shooting of a Tennessee hand surgeon, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons expressed support for stronger protections for physicians and other healthcare professionals. In a July 12 statement, AAOS President Kevin Bozic, MD, extended condolences to Dr. Mauck's family, Campbell Clinic and the Collierville, Tenn., community. "Dr. Mauck was a dedicated physician, colleague and valued member of our orthopedic organization, and his commitment to healing and devotion to the well-being of his patients touched countless lives," Dr. Bozic said in the statement. "His death leaves an irreplaceable void." Dr. Bozic also made a call to action to protect healthcare workers and their patients. "We cannot stand by idly as threats of violence against our members and their patients proliferate with little consequence," he wrote. "A physician's office should be a safe haven for physicians, healthcare teams and patients, and we need to do all that we can to further prevent these tragedies now and in the future." Gun violence against healthcare workers has increased globally, with 2022 being the worst year on record for personnel, according to the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition. And between 2011 to 2018, the rate of injuries from attacks against healthcare workers rose 63 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In a 2022 survey of AAOS members, 4 in 10 respondents said they experienced some type of violence within the last 12 months. Last year, spine surgeon Preston Phillips, MD, was fatally shot by a patient. "e rise in workplace violence, coupled with its effects on healthcare workers and the inevitable consequences for society writ large, is of major concern to the AAOS and all healthcare stakeholders," Dr. Bozic said. n Dr. Anil Kesani cleared of 'Dr. Death 2.0' allegations By Carly Behm A jury sided with Anil Kesani, MD, in a civil case accusing the spine surgeon of botching a woman's surgery in 2017, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Aug. 6. Aer a three-week-long trial, a Tarrant County jury unanimously found Dr. Kesani wasn't negligent with his care of Lesa Swanson, who sued him in 2019. e trial revealed inconsistencies in her allegations. Ms. Swanson alleged Dr. Kesani misplaced four of six screws in her back during a 2017 surgery and that they went into her nerves. e complication was corrected within 24 hours, but she alleged she had symptoms aer the second surgery and couldn't feel in parts of her right leg. Dr. Kesani and his wife, dermatologist Shaily Kesani, MD, in 2022 spoke out about the lawsuit and his comparisons to a former neurosurgeon, Christopher Duntsch, also known as "Dr. Death," who was accused of harming dozens of patients. Ms. Swanson and her representatives didn't respond to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for a request for comment. n Tennessee orthopedic surgeon killed by patient By Carly Behm A 29-year-old man was charged in the July 11 death of Benjamin Mauck, MD, at Campbell Clinic's Collierville, Tenn., office, Action News 5 reported. Larry Pickens faces first-degree murder and aggravated assault charges, and he is scheduled to appear in court July 13. Campbell Clinic confirmed Dr. Mauck was fatally shot to Action News 5 on July 11. Collierville police were called to the clinic about 2 p.m., and a suspect nearby with a gun was taken into custody. Police say the incident was targeted. Dr. Mauck, who was a hand surgeon, was shot in an exam room, police said. According to Campbell Clinic's website, he joined the practice in August 2012. Dr. Mauck earned his medical degree at the University of Tennessee- Memphis and completed his residency at Campbell Clinic. Campbell Clinic closed all of its locations July 12, a spokesperson told Becker's in an emailed statement. Police are investigating. n

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