Doctor joins Zoom court hearing while operating on patient

A doctor in Sacramento, California attended a court hearing on Zoom while operating on a patient.

As per the details, doctor Scott Green was seen wearing the surgical scrubs in an operation theatre. He was seen performing surgery on a patient on Thursday. But, he also appeared at his virtual trial at the same time.

The judge asked him about the happening, Green said he was happy to go ahead, and that he had “another surgeon right here who’s doing the surgery with me”.

A court clerk asked Mr. Green ahead of the trial, “Hello, Mr Green? Hi. Are you available for a trial? It kind of looks like you’re in an operating room.”

Mr. Green responded, “I am, sir. Yes, I’m in an operating room right now. Yes, I’m available for a trial. Go right ahead.”

The clerk told Mr. Green that the Superior Court hearing was live streamed on YouTube, because traffic hearings are needed by the law to be open to the public.

According to the international news agency, an officer summoned in court expressed concern. Mr. Green appeared to be operating on the patient while waiting for the judge Court Commissioner Gary Link to join the Zoom session.

Mr. Link had joined, he told the hearing: “So unless I’m mistaken, I’m seeing a defendant that’s in the middle of an operating room appearing to be actively engaged in providing services to a patient. Is that correct, Mr Green? Or should I say Dr Green?”

Judge: “Unless I’m mistaken, I’m seeing a defendant who’s in the middle of an operating room appearing to be actively engaged in providing services to a patient. Is that correct, Mr. Green?”

Defendant: “Yes, sir.”

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Judge: “Or should I say, Dr. Green.”

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— Ajit Pai (@AjitPai) February 28, 2021

Mr. Green said he was in the middle of the surgery and he would be happy to continue. Mr Link said: “I do not feel comfortable for the welfare of a patient if you’re in the process of operating that I would put on a trial, notwithstanding the fact the officer is here today.”

Mr. Green then said, “I have another surgeon right here who’s doing the surgery with me, so I can stand here and allow them to do the surgery also.”

Mr. Link replied: “I don’t think so, I don’t think that’s appropriate. I’m going to come up with a different date – when you’re not actively involved or participating and attending to the needs of a patient.”

But the judge said that would not be “appropriate” and postponed the trial.

The Medical Board of California mentioned in a statement that it would investigate the incident, saying that it “expects physicians to follow the standard of care when treating their patients”.