News in brief - Nov. 1, 2004

Organ removal was not homicide - Kidney-transplant waiting list hits all-time high - Medical board honors doctor with award

Organ removal was not homicide

A Colorado coroner protocol review committee has ruled that Montrose County Coroner Mark Young was incorrect and his actions were "reckless," "inappropriate" and "irresponsible" when he ruled last month that a 31-year-old man's death was a homicide resulting from his organs being removed and not the result of his self-inflicted gunshot to the head.

The committee, which included two physicians who also serve as coroners, ruled that standard tests were performed to test for the absence of brain and respiratory function, the "irrefutable cause of death" was the gunshot wound, and the organ recovery team acted appropriately.

The panel's report noted that Young is not a medical doctor, had just started an Internet course on brain death in late September and had only reviewed 10 of more than 220 pages of records related to the case.

"These actions have served to undermine the public trust in the organ donation system, as well as the public trust in the health care, coroner and criminal justice systems," the report stated. "Not only was Mr. Young incorrect in his conclusion regarding the cause of death, his actions seriously undermine the best interests of the citizens of our state."

Kidney-transplant waiting list hits all-time high

More than 60,000 people in the United States are on the kidney-transplant waiting list, reports the United Network for Organ Sharing.

With kidney failures resulting from diabetes and hypertension, kidneys are the most commonly transplanted and needed organs, UNOS reported. Last year, a record 15,137 kidney transplants were performed, with more than 40% of these involving organs coming from living donors.

"We are seeing encouraging recent increases in organ donation," said UNOS President Robert Metzger, MD, in a news release. "Living donation certainly helps meet the needs of thousands of people each year, but for many more, the only option is to have a transplant from a deceased donor. We can all help meet their needs by making and sharing a commitment to become an organ and tissue donor."

Medical board honors doctor with award

The Florida Board of Medicine recognized Shamsher Singh, MD, a dermatologist in Port St. Lucie, Fla. as the October recipient of the chair's Recognition Award, which is given to physicians who exemplify outstanding contributions to the medical profession and public service.

After Hurricane Frances, Dr. Singh contributed $250,000 to St. Lucie County to help the elderly recover. The contribution provided much needed medication, food and supplies to rebuild damaged homes. Dr. Singh's inspiration to help was repeated throughout Florida by other physicians who contributed time, space and funds and took over workloads of others so they could tend to hurricane victims, the board said.

"Dr. Singh is an outstanding physician and one of the leaders among many physicians who sacrifice, volunteer and contribute in Florida's time of need," said Florida Dept. of Health Secretary John Agwunobi, MD, MPH. "Dr. Singh merits the highest commendation for his contribution to the community."

Board chair Lisa Tucker, MD, said, "By presenting this award, Florida physicians have the opportunity to learn from Dr. Singh's compassion and dedication."

Dr. Singh was unable to attend the board's October meeting because his practice was destroyed by hurricane Jeanne. He is scheduled to receive his award at the December meeting.