Cardiologist reprimanded for performing surgery after testing positive for COVID-19

Michael Walter | November 14, 2023 | Cardiovascular Business | COVID-19

Hypertension patients measured their blood pressure less frequently during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research published in Hypertension. In addition, when those patients did measure their blood pressure, the readings were less healthy than they had been before the pandemic.

Malcolm Kirk, MD, a veteran cardiologist who specializes in electrophysiology has been reprimanded by the Rhode Island Board of Medicine Licensure and Discipline for performing a surgery one day after testing positive for COVID-19.

WJAR in Providence, Rhode Island, reported on the story, noting that Kirk performed the procedure on Jan. 12 in Rhode Island Hospital. According to documentation from the Rhode Island Department of Health, Kirk tested positive for COVID-19 on the day prior to the procedure, Jan. 11. Despite this discovery, he went forward with the procedure as originally planned.

According to the Rhode Island Board of Medicine Licensure and Discipline, this “unprofessional conduct” was a direct violation of state and federal guidelines. Kirk has agreed to pay an administrative fee of $1,100 within the next three months.

In addition, he has been told to “review, be familiar with and follow all federal and state COVID-19 and other infectious disease guidelines that are directly applicable to healthcare providers.”

Lifespan, one of Rhode Island’s largest health systems, did issue a media statement about this incident.

"We conducted our own investigation earlier this year regarding the complaint, and consider the matter resolved,” the system said.

Click the link below for the full story from WJAR:

NBC 10 I-Team: Doctor reprimanded for performing surgery while having COVID

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A cause for concern: Death after heart transplant more likely if the donor had COVID-19

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Michael Walter, Managing Editor

Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.

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