Chapter 3
346 Words
One hour later, the Sterling family's retaliation arrived.
Josie pushed open the office door. She shoved her tablet directly in front of my face. The screen was shaking from the tremble in her hands.
"Boss, we have a problem." Josie's voice was tight. "The hospital system just cut your access. All your surgical privileges... they've been forcibly locked."
I looked at the tablet screen.
Trending number one across all platforms right now was a scathing news release: "Top East Coast Cardiac Surgeon Accused of Demanding an Astronomical Kickback and Abandoning a Patient."
Attached was a blurry screenshot from airport surveillance footage.
Below the article, tens of thousands of comments were refreshing in real time.
A: [Using a patient's life to negotiate a price? This person doesn't deserve to be a doctor!]
B: [Boycott this unethical doctor! Revoke her license! Investigate whether she took dirty money for her previous surgeries too!]
My computer screen lit up. A priority email popped into my work inbox.
State Medical Board: Due to allegations of serious patient abandonment and ethical violations, the Board is formally launching an investigation. You are hereby ordered to appear at a hearing tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m.
"They're insane!" Josie stared at the screen, her eyes reddening. "You've brought this hospital so much prestige over the past three years! Now they're smearing your name and trying to strip your license! This is a blatant attempt to destroy you!"
My phone vibrated on the desk.
A: You can still change your mind.
A: Walk into that OR, and I'll pull the trending stories immediately.
A: But if you insist on watching Richard Sterling die, after tomorrow, your name won't exist in the medical world anymore.
"Boss, what do we do now? Should I get a lawyer first..."
"Not necessary."
I pulled open the bottom drawer of my desk and took out an old folder. Its edges were yellowed, the cover slightly creased.
"They want me to explain my reasons for recusal?" I brushed the dust off the folder. "Tomorrow at nine, I'll give them a full explanation."
- Writer
