In a shocking series of events that has left patients and families reeling, Florida-based surgeon Thomas Shaknovsky is facing serious allegations of medical negligence that have resulted in multiple tragic outcomes, including the death of one female patient. This troubling saga highlights the pressing need for accountability in the medical profession and raises questions about the standards of care patients should expect.
Shaknovsky’s medical license was suspended in Florida on September 24 after a botched splenectomy led to the death of patient William Bryan, who bled out during the procedure. However, the gravity of the situation has escalated further. Following a new complaint filed by Alabama’s Board of Medical Examiners on October 22, Shaknovsky’s license has now also been suspended in Alabama, underscoring the widespread concern regarding his practice.
The new complaint details a disturbing pattern of negligence. It cites the August death of Bryan and highlights another incident in May 2023, where Shaknovsky allegedly removed part of a patient’s pancreas instead of the intended adrenal gland. But perhaps most concerning is the case of a female patient who underwent a last-minute procedure change in July 2023. Scheduled for an ileostomy, a procedure designed to divert waste from the body, Shaknovsky instead opted for a bowel resection, a drastic and unnecessary choice that led to severe complications and ultimately her death.
According to the United Ostomy Associations of America, an ileostomy is a common procedure meant to improve a patient’s quality of life. Yet, Shaknovsky’s decision to perform a bowel resection—removing a segment of the intestine—resulted in perforation and a cascade of medical complications for the patient. The complaint alleges that Shaknovsky and his team failed to use proper diagnostic testing and delayed necessary imaging, leading to a critical delay in treating the patient’s sepsis.
In a statement that sends shivers down the spine of anyone who values patient safety, attorney Joe Zarzaur, representing Bryan’s wife, asserted that Shaknovsky cannot legally practice medicine anywhere in the U.S. at this time. This shocking revelation raises questions about how such a physician could have been allowed to operate in the first place.
Moreover, additional allegations against Shaknovsky continue to surface. A former patient who underwent colon surgery in July 2024 has also sought legal representation after experiencing severe complications post-operatively. This patient claims that Shaknovsky even threatened him when he expressed interest in legal action. Such accusations paint a disturbing picture of a physician who appears to have evaded accountability for far too long.
A hearing regarding Shaknovsky’s license suspension is scheduled for December 18, which may be the last opportunity for the medical community to hold him accountable for his actions. The implications of this case are far-reaching, prompting an urgent call for stricter oversight and accountability measures within the medical field.
In a time when trust in medical professionals is paramount, the actions of Thomas Shaknovsky have not only shattered lives but have also eroded the faith of many in the healthcare system. As this case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, accountability, and the unwavering commitment to patient safety in our healthcare system.
