Just a couple of drinks to steady my hand
Posted on December 1, 2003 @ 6:58 am
An actual question from my wife’s veterinary board exam practice book:
Dr. X resects a large tumor from a dog’s abdomen. The dog later dies of complications. At a state veterinary board hearing initiated by the owner, testimony reveals that Dr. X was impaired by alcohol at the time of surgery. Dr. X is censured by the board. In a subsequent lawsuit for malpractice against Dr. X, the court:
- must find Dr. X liable for malpractice because he was drunk at the time of surgery
- must dismiss the case because it has already been decided by the state veterinary board
- must find that Dr. X was not negligent if he used the same degree of surgical skill as other veterinarians practicing in the community who do surgery while not so impaired
- must dismiss the case if Dr. X provides proof that he has enrolled in an American Veterinary Medical Association-certified alcohol rehabilitation program
The correct answer, as it turns out, is 3. Translation: if you’re as good when you’re drunk as the veterinarian across town is when she’s sober, you’re in great legal standing.
I have to admit, however, that I’m rather intrigued by the prospect of taking my pets to a veterinarian named Dr. X.
Posted by Jess | Filed Under Random Musings |
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Perhaps it’s a reference to Professor Xavier, beloved leader of the X-Men.
Drinking.
And cutting up pets.
With his MIND!
For some reason, I’m reminded of a line from one of my favorite Tenacious D songs: “How ’bout the power to kill a yak from 200 yards away…with mind bullets! That’s telekinesis, Kyle.”