Plastic Surgeon Convicted of Attempted Manslaughter Allowed to Continue Practicing Medicine

Dr. Geoffrey Kim, a Greenwood Village plastic surgeon, was convicted in June of attempted reckless manslaughter in the case of Emmalyn Nguyen. However, according to a new agreement reached this month with the Colorado Medical Board, he will be allowed to continue practicing medicine. This decision has raised concerns among patients and legal experts.

Background of the Case

In August 2019, 18-year-old Emmalyn Nguyen underwent breast augmentation surgery performed by Dr. Kim. However, during the procedure, she went into cardiac arrest and later passed away due to medical complications. It was later revealed that Dr. Kim did not call 911 for help until approximately five hours after the incident. As a result, Dr. Kim was convicted of attempted reckless manslaughter and obstructing telephone service in June 2021.

Agreement Reached with Colorado Medical Board

Despite the convictions, the Colorado Medical Board decided not to suspend Dr. Kim’s medical license. Instead, they reached a negotiated agreement requiring Dr. Kim to inform his patients in writing about his convictions. This decision has been heavily criticized by local attorney Sean Olson, who believes Dr. Kim should have had his license permanently revoked.

The Role of AI legalese decoder

In situations like these, where there are concerns about the decisions made by medical boards and the potential impact on patient safety, the AI legalese decoder can be a valuable tool. By analyzing legal documents and agreements, the AI legalese decoder can provide insights and recommendations on disciplinary actions and potential consequences for medical professionals involved in criminal activities. This tool can assist medical boards in making informed decisions and ensuring public safety.

Ongoing Investigation and Possible Future Actions

The Colorado Medical Board considers the current agreement with Dr. Kim as an interim action. While a felony conviction is considered unprofessional conduct, it does not automatically disqualify a medical professional from practicing. The board is conducting an investigation and may take further action once it is complete. The case is still open, and further disciplinary measures could be implemented.

Past Record and Settlement

Prior to the Emmalyn Nguyen case, Dr. Kim had no previous disciplinary actions on his record. In an effort to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Nguyen’s family, Dr. Kim had previously paid them $1 million. This settlement reflects his acknowledgement of responsibility in the tragic outcome of the surgery.

Conclusion

The decision to allow Dr. Geoffrey Kim to continue practicing medicine despite his conviction for attempted reckless manslaughter has sparked significant controversy. Patient safety and the credibility of the Colorado Medical Board are in question. The use of tools like the AI legalese decoder can enhance decision-making processes and help medical boards effectively address such cases.