NRC sanctions Pa. doc in flawed cancer treatments
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission “has sanctioned a doctor who performed nearly 100 botched prostate cancer procedures at Philadelphia's VA Medical Center.” (Philadelphia AP, 2/24). Previous blogs discuss the concerning pattern of medical care provided by Dr. Gary Kao, and as a personal injury and medical malpractice attorney in Chicago, I am pleased that some form of justice has been served on the doctor.
The NRC says “Dr. Gary Kao cannot take part in agency-related activities without undergoing more training,” after finding that Dr. Kao was responsible for 91 botches procedures in which veterans received incorrect dosages of radioactive seeds implanted to kill cancer cells in the prostate. Many patients received doses that were insufficient, but had seeds implanted carelessly in nearby organs and surrounding tissues.
Last year, the NRC fined the VA hospital $227,500 and now are imposing sanctions on Dr. Kao. Although this is certainly a step, Dr. Kao’s carelessness should not be forgotten and he should be monitored further to ensure patient safety.
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