Newswise — Orleans Parish (New Orleans) coroner Frank Minyard recently determined that the physical evidence does not support a finding of homicide in the deaths of four elderly patients at Memorial Medical Center in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The decision of the district attorney to bring the case to a grand jury this month in the face of the coroner's finding threatens to undermine the long history and tradition of physicians putting their lives on the line to serve their patients and the public in emergency conditions.
We stand at a crossroads for crisis care in our nation. In crisis situations, traditionally society has trusted doctors like Anna Pou, MD, to make difficult decisions to attend to the needs of the ill despite imminent danger to their own safety. A press release on January 11, 2006, from the American College of Surgeons stated, "The College believes that the arrest of Dr. Pou . . . will have a chilling effect on volunteerism provided by physicians and health care professionals during emergency situations. Medical and health care professionals should continue to be free to render appropriate medical care without fear of criminal charges regarding their emergency medical judgment ...." When we are confused or disappointed with the medical outcome after appropriate voluntary medical care is rendered under dire circumstances, should we attack those who stepped in to help at great sacrifice to themselves? That is the question at issue in the Pou case.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) believes that the law enforcement officials in New Orleans have an obligation to consider the broader effects of their prosecutorial decisions. Through such decisions, they should strive to foster an environment that protects and encourages selfless concern of care-givers for patients in need, rather than one of fear and self-preservation. As a society, we should be thanking those like Dr. Pou who have had the strength of purpose to risk their own life to save others.
Dr. Anna Pou is a skilled and brilliant practitioner, highly regarded by her peers and the patients she treats. These accusations are completely incompatible with what is known of her character and her history of exceptional care. Therefore, on her behalf and for all of us who may find ourselves involved in such a crisis in the future, the Academy urges District Attorney Eddie Jordan and all others working on the prosecution of this case to consider the important ramifications of a decision to continue with this prosecution, in the face of the coroner's critical evidential finding and the enormous public interest in dismissing, rather than pursuing, this case. Dr. Pou's heroism should be rewarded, not punished.
About the AAO-HNSF:The American Academy of Otolaryngology " Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (http://www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's mission is: "Working for the Best Ear, Nose, and Throat Care."
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