A Virginia obstetrician-gynecologist has come under fire for allegedly performing unnecessary hysterectomies and tying women’s fallopian tubes without obtaining their consent. Dr. Samuel Carter, 69, reportedly conducted surgeries on 510 patients from January 2014 to August 2018, with 42 percent of those patients undergoing multiple procedures. Many women claim that Dr. Carter pressured them into surgery by suggesting an imminent risk of cancer, often without providing proper information about the procedures.
Disturbing Accounts from Patients
Legal documents reveal alarming accounts, including one woman who initially sought treatment for suspected endometriosis. After returning for care regarding an ectopic pregnancy, she discovered from a fertility specialist that her fallopian tubes had been removed without her knowledge, making it impossible for her to conceive naturally. In another instance, a patient was told she needed a total hysterectomy due to a high cancer risk. Although she expressed concerns about the invasive nature of the surgery, she was shocked to awaken and find that Dr. Carter had performed a total abdominal hysterectomy instead, during which he also allegedly punctured her bladder, leading to a serious infection.
Dr. Carter’s Troubling History
Dr. Carter’s history raises significant concerns; he previously lost hospital privileges in 1982 for poor clinical judgment and performing unnecessary surgeries, and he has faced multiple malpractice lawsuits. Most recently, he was associated with Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center and Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, but both institutions have since distanced themselves from him following his arrest.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, the troubling allegations against Dr. Samuel Carter highlight serious ethical breaches in the medical field, raising questions about patient consent and the integrity of surgical practices.