A surgeon in Georgia, United States, has been charged with simple assault after allegedly screaming at and charging towards a female patient who complained of pain following a gallbladder operation, according to a lawsuit.
Dr Steven James Muscoreil is accused of lashing out at Natalie Henry at St Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital in Lavonia on 8 January, two days after her surgery. The lawsuit claims that when Henry asked Muscoreil to examine her in person after a CT scan showed gas and fluid, he shouted: 'Don't you tell me how to do my job!' and 'You wanted me to come in here and check on you. Here I am.'
It is alleged that Muscoreil then charged towards Henry as she lay in bed, prompting a nurse to step between them and push him away. A police report stated that Muscoreil shook his finger in Henry's face and yelled so loudly that hospital staff outside the room could hear him. Two nurses described him as 'extremely angry'.
The lawsuit claims that the hospital and medical group knew Muscoreil was 'volatile' and had ignored prior complaints. Henry says she now suffers from emotional distress, anxiety, nightmares, and fears leaving the house. She is seeking over $10,000 in damages and has demanded a jury trial.
St Mary's Health Care System confirmed that Muscoreil is no longer providing care at the hospital. Muscoreil, who has over 35 years of experience and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, was arrested and charged with simple assault. It is unclear what happened after his arrest.
