It is hard to imagine removing 20 some teeth in one session, even for a young person. However, the state board is also investigating allegations that Patel failed to respond appropriately when Gan’s oxygen levels dropped. She was later pronounced dead at Baystate Medical Center.
Patel has two clinics, in Enfield and Torrington, and in December a 55-year-old man “aspirated [a] throat pack” and was rushed to the hospital after he stopped breathing. He spent six days in the hospital after suffering heart and lung damage.
Even more chilling is the account given by state investigators that the patient was in obvious distress but Patel “wanted to complete the placement of implants” as “the assistant begged (Patel) to stop working, and finally ran out and called 911, but the patient had already flat-lined.”
Patel’s attorney Michael Kogut objected to the entire hearing, saying “this arbitrary action was taken against Dr. Patel before the cause of death was determined. The Department of Public Health has again acted outside its limitations.”
Obviously, the suspension of Patel’s license is only the first possible legal action. He will presumably face a major tort lawsuit for negligence and even battery. While this currently appears a civil matter, he could even face a criminal investigation if police believe that circumstances raise questions of potential manslaughter. Certainly his counsel would need to be prepared for all such eventualities in such a case.
Source: NY Daily News