Calif. doctor calls into virtual traffic court during surgery; medical board investigating
Using Zoom to connect online for meetings or virtual catch-ups during the pandemic has gone next level in a California court.
The phenomenon of utilizing Zoom to connect online for business meetings or family catch-ups amid the coronavirus pandemic has gone next level in California: A Sacramento plastic surgeon showed up for his virtual traffic court hearing from the operating room — while apparently operating.
Dr. Scott Green was scheduled to appear in front of Sacramento Superior Court Commissioner Gary Link on Thursday, and he arrived on time, albeit from the operating room, donning surgical scrubs.
The Sacramento Bee is reporting that Green was asked if he was “available” for his trial by the courtroom clerk. “It kind of looks like you’re in an operating room right now?”
Green replied affirmatively, stating, “I’m available for trial. Go right ahead.”
However, Link was not as confident in proceeding as the doctor was.
Read More: Vernon Jordan, civil rights leader and ex-Clinton advisor, dead at 85
“So unless I’m mistaken, I’m seeing a defendant that’s in the middle of an operating room appearing to be actively engaged in providing services to a patient. Is that correct, Mr. Green? Or should I say, Dr. Green?” Link asked.
‘I do not feel comfortable for the welfare of a patient if you’re in the process of operating that I would put on a trial notwithstanding the fact the officer is here today,”
Green made clear for the court that another doctor was in the room doing the surgery with him, however, Link expressed discomfort right away. “I don’t think that’s appropriate,” he said.
Read More: Nigerian governor says 279 kidnapped schoolgirls are freed
He then scheduled another date. Green apologized to the court.
Link said his concern was to “keep people healthy.”
“We want to keep them alive. That’s important,” he said. “I’m concerned about the welfare of the patient, based on what I’m seeing.”
Read More: Cuomo accused of inappropriate behavior at wedding: ‘Can I kiss you?’
California law requires that traffic trials be public, but with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, those cases are being live-streamed and later posted to YouTube, which was what was scheduled in this case. Reports have not cited what the original traffic charge was.
While this incident has been compared to the humorous occurrence of the attorney who appeared in court unable to take off the cat filter from his Zoom call, it’s certainly not being viewed in the same lighthearted way by the Medical Board of California, which is investigating the matter.
The board says it “expects physicians to follow the standard of care when treating their patients.”
Have you subscribed to theGrio’s “Dear Culture” podcast? Download our newest episodes now!
TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Roku. Download theGrio.com today!
The post Calif. doctor calls into virtual traffic court during surgery; medical board investigating appeared first on TheGrio.
