A Family’s Plea for Change: A System Broken and Wounded
A Story of Mutilation and Malpractice
A family is calling for change after winning a lawsuit against a South Florida doctor they say mutilated their infant son. The boy’s father, Michael Lubben, is speaking out about the traumatic experience, saying the system failed his son and puts patients at risk.
A Broken System
Michael and his wife went to a birthing center instead of a hospital due to COVID-19 restrictions. The midwife recommended Dr. Berto Lopez to circumcise their son, Gabriel. However, things took a turn for the worse when Lopez performed the procedure, despite knowing his license was being revoked 10 days earlier.
A Bizarre and Inhumane Procedure
Michael described the procedure as a "domino effect of substandard care." He said he watched helplessly as the doctor tried to stop the bleeding for 45 minutes without success. The family later learned that Lopez had not only cut off the foreskin but also 50% of the head of the penis, which was thrown away.
A License Revoked, but Not Stopped
The Florida Board of Medicine voted to revoke Lopez’ medical license just 10 days before the procedure. However, the final order was not filed until February 23, more than two weeks after the revocation. This allowed Lopez to continue practicing, despite knowing his license was being pulled.
A Pattern of Malpractice
Lopez’ track record is marred with a series of complaints and lawsuits, including the unnecessary bleeding death of Onystei Castillo-Lopez, a pregnant woman who bled to death after childbirth. Michael’s attorney, Gary Cohen, expressed his outrage, saying, "He should never have touched another patient and yet he did with this little boy."
A Broken Law and Inadequate Transparency
The Florida Department of Health has acknowledged that the process of disciplining doctors is lengthy and lacks transparency. The process can only be changed through legislation. Michael is calling for the system to be changed, saying, "I would like them to understand how helpless people like me are in these situations."
Conclusion
The Lubben family’s case highlights the need for change in the way the state regulates doctors. With a pattern of malpractice and a lack of transparency, it’s no wonder that families like the Lubbens are left to suffer. The system must be changed to protect patients and prevent such tragedies from occurring again.
FAQs
Q: What is the Florida Department of Health’s stance on the issue of transparency in disciplining doctors?
A: The department acknowledges that the process is lengthy and lacks transparency, but says it can only be changed through legislation.
Q: How many doctors have been struck from the medical registry due to malpractice?
A: According to Dr. Gary Cohen, he is not aware of any doctors with strikes on their record.
Q: What is being done to improve the system?
A: The Florida Department of Health is working to improve transparency and the process of disciplining doctors, but it will require legislative changes.
