Earlier this month, the New York Times reported on an Atlanta area dermatologist who reportedly wanted to be known as the “dancing doctor.” The doctor, Windell Davis Boutté, has been recently suspended by the Georgia Composite Medical Board after a video surfaced of her dancing to a hip-hop song while performing a procedure on a patient. The Board stated that that allowing her to continue to practice would pose “a threat to the public health, safety, and welfare.”
A Pattern of Misconduct
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Medical Board had been investigating malpractice complaints against Dr. Davis-Boutté for two years. There have been multiple lawsuits, and the New York Times reported that over 100 people have come forward to complain. The suspension appears to have been finally sparked by a case that was reported at the end of May when one of Davis-Boutté’s patients was allegedly taken from her office to the emergency room. It was reported that the patient was having difficulty breathing and was bleeding from liposuction incisions. Upon examination, hospital staff reported that the patient had a collapsed lung and was suffering from serious blood loss.
If true, the details that have emerged paint a shocking picture. Although she holds herself out as a cosmetic surgeon on her website, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Dr. Davis-Boutté was not a board-certified cosmetic surgeon – only a board-certified dermatologist. Furthermore, the AJC reported that her facility was not a licensed surgery center, and did not meet the guidelines for in-office surgeries.
Displaying a shocking lack of professionalism, it is claimed that Dr. Davis-Boutté would make videos of herself singing and dancing during procedures, with her unconscious patients’ buttocks on full display. There are numerous allegations that she provided substandard care resulting in serious injury to her patients, and raises questions concerning the standards that govern cosmetic surgery in the state of Georgia.
Medical Malpractice Happens More Often Than You Think
From a young age, we are taught to trust our doctors and medical professionals. After all, they are responsible for our health and are supposed to provide no harm to their patients. Thankfully, most doctors are worthy of our trust and our deepest respect. Doctors such as Dr. Davis-Boutté undermine that trust and serve as a stern reminder that not every doctor provides the care that he or she could. When doctors fail to provide adequate care, patients suffer serious injuries that can be life-threatening or even result in death.
What You Can Do
Putting your life and health in the hands of your doctor is no small thing. If you suspect that you are the victim of medical malpractice, here are some steps you should take:
- Trust your instincts. If you don’t feel right or are in pain, don’t let your doctor or friends and family talk you out of your symptoms. You know yourself better than anyone. Listen to your body and take action.
- Get a second opinion. An unscrupulous doctor won’t admit he or she did something wrong. Seek another opinion from a qualified medical professional.
- Talk to a lawyer. If something has gone wrong, you need to understand your rights. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your options and give you advice regarding how to proceed.
Speak with an Atlanta Area Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
The lawyers at Slappey & Sadd represent victims of medical malpractice across the state of Georgia. If you or someone you love is suffering, we want to help: call us at 404-255-6677 or email us via our online contact form in order to schedule a free consultation.