Callahan & Blaine

Two doctors and a medical assistant at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center say at least one patient has died because of sub-standard care brought on by the negative work environment at the center’s cardiology department. The employees claim they were ignored, embarrassed and in one case- terminated for complaining to administrators about the situation that led to at least two deaths.

The suit was brought by Thressa Walker, a medical administrative assistant, cardiologist Dr. Geeta Singh, and Dr. Kai Ihnken, chief of cardiothoracic surgery. The plaintiffs say they feel morally obligated to bring the dangerous situation to the public’s attention and feel a lawsuit is the best way to accomplish their goal.

The San Jose Mercury News described the legal complaint as “Seventy-four pages of allegations [that] paint a one-sided picture of death, backbiting and sexism.” Among other things, the suit alleges discrimination, a hostile work environment, invasion of privacy, slander and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit also says that misanthropy and inappropriate sex jokes occurred at the hospital. Even hospital administrators admit the department is “dysfunctional” but deny the work environment has resulted in any deaths.

In two separate incidences, Drs. Singh and Ihnken say their advice was ignored and as a result, patients died. One death was the result of a stress test given to a patient against a Dr. Singh’s advice. In the second death, Dr. Ihnken says he wanted to perform a surgery as soon as possible, but the administration denied his request. Dr. Ihnken says the patient died as a result. The medical center says their investigations demonstrate no connection between the deaths and the “dysfunctional” department.

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