Doctors Face Varied Outcomes in Misconduct Cases

Professor Richard Thompson, a senior doctor at King’s College Hospital in the UK, was found guilty of misconduct and gross negligence related to the care of 13-year-old Martha Mills, whose death from sepsis led to the creation of Martha’s Rule, allowing patients to seek a second medical opinion. Despite the seriousness of his errors, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service chose not to impose any sanction, citing Thompson’s previously exemplary career and the absence of evidence that he directly caused Martha’s death. The tribunal stated that the finding of guilt and resulting professional stigma were sufficient consequences. Other recent disciplinary cases include Dr. Amir Taherzadeh in Ireland, found guilty of submitting fake diplomas to register as a cardiologist, and Dr. Lu Gao in the U.S., suspended for eight years after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a minor and potentially eligible for reinstatement. These cases underscore challenges in ensuring medical accountability and the diverse outcomes of professional misconduct hearings.