When Shital Patel’s husband, Hemant Patel, MD, a respected cardiologist, died following a routine dental implant procedure, she never imagined her grief would propel her into a battle for systemic reform. But nearly 5 years later, her journey from widow to patient advocate continues, despite being denied a seat at the table she hoped to change.
According to reporting by The Assembly (JF Still), in 2020, the 53-year-old Dr. Patel underwent implant surgery at the Wilmington, North Carolina office of a board-certified oral maxillofacial surgeon. Ms. Patel felt something was wrong when the procedure went longer than the planned 20 minutes. Paramedics arrived and resuscitated Dr. Patel but he had been without oxygen for too long. He died 3 days later.
Upon investigation, it was found that Dr. Patel’s oxygen levels had been extremely low for 20 minutes while under deep sedation. State records later showed the dental team had not attempted CPR, nor other life-saving measures. The oral surgeon later surrendered his license amid revelations of anesthesia errors and drug violations. Yet, the deeper issue, Ms. Patel realized, wasn’t just about one provider, it was about the system that allowed it to happen…