Sep 3, 2008 9:53 pm US/Eastern
Doctor Accused Of Performing Procedure Drunk
BRIGHTON (WBZ) ―
An anesthesiologist is out of a job after he drank alcohol while on duty and then performed a medical procedure at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton, officials said.
The State Board of Registration in Medicine said 39-year-old James Dolan showed up for an overnight shift at St. Elizabeth's on Nov. 9, 2007 and drank "a fifth of Bourbon while on duty."
Officials said he then performed an epidural on a pregnant patient. During the epidural, Dolan had trouble with the pump and called another resident to help, the Board said. That resident noticed Dolan's demeanor and the bottle of bourbon and called security.
The pregnant patient was not hurt.
Dolan was fired from the hospital later that month.
St. Elizabeth's Medical Center released a statement late Wednesday, saying it "acted swiftly, following strict protocols, and immediately removed (Dolan) from duty and confirmed that no harm came to any patients. As in all situations, St. Elizabeth's is committed to working with the Board of Registration in Medicine and others in ensuring a safe environment for all patient care."
Under his suspension, Dolan cannot renew his medical license, but the Board says he can petition to put his suspension on hold. However, he must stay sober for 18 months and must then follow the terms of a probation agreement.
According to the Board, Dolan has a history of alcohol abuse. In February of 2005, while he was a resident at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dolan voluntarily entered a three-year physician's chemical dependency contract due to "issues with alcohol and depression."
Since being fired, Dolan has been admitted to several alcohol abuse programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous, the Board said.
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