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