The plastic surgery doctor Scott Green inadvertently made headlines last year after attending a court hearing over Zoom while operating. He inadvertently made headlines last year after attending a court hearing over Zoom from his operating room and continues to captivate the public imagination.

Although the events unfolded more than a year ago, the aftershocks of his unorthodox conduct and the resulting ramifications on his professional life have kept the case in the public eye.

Dr. Green’s actions, which flouted professional decorum, sparked heated debates over ethics, professionalism, and the implications of integrating digital technology into a traditionally brick-and-mortar judicial system.

Hearing while performing surgery on a patient

The incident unfolded on a seemingly ordinary day when Dr. Green was scheduled to attend a traffic court hearing via Zoom. Instead of excusing himself from the operating room, he attended the hearing while performing surgery on a patient, with the procedure visible in the background.

The reaction was immediate and severe. The presiding judge, taken aback by Dr. Scott Green’s audacity, questioned his decision to multitask in such a risky environment. After all, one would expect a surgeon’s undivided attention to the patient.

The judge’s decision to postpone the hearing for a more appropriate time catapulted the case into the national spotlight.

In the wake of the incident, public sentiment against Dr. Green was overwhelming, a mix of shock and disbelief. Critics pointed out that the doctor’s actions showed a blatant disregard for courtroom etiquette and risked the patient’s safety.

Proponents of virtual court hearings feared the incident could undermine progress in streamlining judicial procedures during the pandemic.

Scott Green Plastic Surgery

In the ensuing media frenzy, Dr. Scott Green was portrayed unfavourably. His actions, while perhaps indicative of a lapse in judgment, were seen by many as a reflection of his character. A malpractice lawsuit soon followed, filed by the patient on the operating table during the infamous Zoom hearing.

The most significant consequence of the event was the disciplinary action taken by the Medical Board. Following a thorough investigation, the Board temporarily suspended Dr. Green’s license pending a comprehensive review. The review was meticulous, examining Dr. Green’s entire professional history.

The update on Dr. Green’s case paints a picture of redemption and introspection. As part of his efforts to repair his tarnished reputation, Dr. Green took responsibility for his actions, expressed sincere remorse, and enrolled in several ethics and professional conduct courses.

He also participated in community service activities, showing a commitment to public service outside his professional role.

Dr. Green’s efforts to make amends

In its recent update, the Medical Board acknowledged Dr. Green’s efforts to make amends. It lifted his license suspension but imposed several conditions on its reinstatement. These included regular reporting, additional training, and restrictions on his ability to perform surgeries without a supervising physician present.

One year after the unfortunate incident, Dr. Green’s case is a stark reminder of the intersection between technology and professional conduct. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining professional decorum, irrespective of the platform, and upholding ethical standards.

As digital technology permeates various facets of life, the lessons learned from this saga will hopefully guide other professionals in navigating the digital landscape. Dr. Scott Green’s story is, ultimately, a story of change, accountability, and restoration. It’s a testament to the fact that everyone, even a seasoned professional, can make grave mistakes and find the path to redemption.

This incident underlines the need for continuous learning, adaptability, and humility in the face of errors. And while the past year has been a tumultuous journey for Dr. Green, he seems to be on the right path toward reclaiming his professional standing and public respect.

Scott Green Plastic Surgery Background Case

Have you heard of the plastic surgeon who attended court from the emergency room? COVID-19 has been a shock for all of us, but for the many judges over 65, it’s been particularly difficult. Courts and technology do not go hand in hand. This last month has been an exciting time for the COVID-19 Zoom courts. Things started with a lawyer in Peru who was caught having sex during a hearing. 

This was followed by a lawyer who appeared in Zoom court as a cat and had to convince the judge that they were not a cat. This video went so viral that even my friends in China sent it to me. Now, a doctor has appeared in a California traffic court while doing surgery on a patient. The doctor had to appear in virtual court to dispute a ticket he received. You can see the video here.

The judge said, “So unless I’m mistaken, I’m seeing a defendant in the middle of an operating room, appearing to be actively engaged in providing services to a patient.”

The judge continued, “I do not feel comfortable for the patient’s welfare.” The trial was adjourned to another date.

There are many ways to get a trial adjourned, including finding a new lawyer or providing a note from a doctor. Trials are adjourned because the two sides have entered settlement discussions. But being in the middle of an operation is new to me and mainly new to the judge.

Plastic Surgeon Attends Court

The new trial date for the doctor is March 4, 2021. Hopefully, this time, he will be dressed in a suit. Like the “lawyer cat,” the doctor said that they were willing to proceed with the trial. 

Part of a judge’s job is to maintain the integrity of the courts. They don’t want people to just “show up” and argue; they want people to dress appropriately and show respect for the judicial process. 

The Medical Board of California is now investigating. 

Court From The Operating Room

I’ve had my challenges during COVID-19. I had to do a court hearing from a park because there was too much noise in my condo building. The other day, a lawyer’s microphone stopped working during a discovery (deposition) examination, which caused delays.

While I strongly support legal innovation, I knew that the courts wouldn’t move to virtual hearings once COVID was over. Many people take advantage of the situation, like showing up to a trial while performing surgery or having sex.

A plastic surgeon attends court… What’s next?