Beware of EMLA cream when going to medical spas:
The North Carolina Medical Board filed unprofessional conduct charges Thursday against a doctor who headed a laser hair removal clinic where a student died last year.Shiri Berg, a 22-year-old North Carolina State University student, died of a Lidocaine overdose Jan. 5, 2005, after she applied a powerful anesthetic gel to her legs in preparation for a laser treatment at Premier Body Laser and Skin Clinic, in Cary.
The medical board alleged that Dr. Samuel Wurster, the former director at Premier Body, acted improperly by authorizing Triangle Pharmacy to blend the prescription-strength gel and then permitting the laser clinic to distribute the gel to patients without a physician taking a medical history or giving a physical examination.
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{ 5 comments }
how does a dermatologist treat v-fib? With EMLA?
And just when everybody on this blog seemed to agree that dermatology was a low-risk speciality…
But what puzzles me is that all the discussion is about the EMLA and its dosage. That is – may I frespectfully submit – a minor, almost technical point.
A major point: What was the doctor doing with her legs in the first place? Is hairy legs a disease? It it fatal?
If he wanted to become a beautician instead of a doctor, why couldn’t he have saved himself the aggravation and done a beautician course (6 weeks) instead of qualifying as a doctor (6 years)?
Or, if he wanted to become a prostitute (which he is very close to being), why have any training at all? Why not go down to the waterfront where the real money is? (I’ll try not to be disgusting here, but I guess most of you know what prostitutes do at the waterfront)
Yes, it’s disgusting! Thank god.
What was the doctor doing with her legs in the first place? Is hairy legs a disease? It it fatal?
The same argument will apply to any plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Do you think they should stop doing all elective procedures on healthy people? Who will then help truly disfigured people? And if doctors are allowed to help disfigured people but not those who are simply vain, how many patients would a plastic surgeon have in a year?
Since wrinkles or an ugly nose are not deseases either, should beauticians start doing face lifts and nose jobs?
Most dermatologists nowadays do laser hair removal as well as other beauty treatments like dark spot removal, microdermabrasion, botox, dermal fillers. It makes sense when dermatologists do laser hair removal for many reasons one of which is their experience in using lasers to treat various skin problems. There are also plenty of horror stories about complications from laser procedures.
If anything this case showed that you do need doctor’s supervision for these procedures.
It shows that even though you can be a good physician, you can be a horrible manager. I have read the allegations from his civil suit. The allegations in the suit (and the North Carolina Medical Board’s inquiry) focus on his managerial incompetence related to his role as medical director.
Doctors have this “I know everything” mentality and narcissism, when truely, they are simply an expert in Medical Diagnosis and Treatment.
Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons are the best qualified individuals to provide laser treatments. The individuals that suggest whoring, beautician, etc. are completely incompetent regarding the dangers that occur with “lasers gone wild”. WHEN there is a laser accident, it can be very bad. Blinding, 2nd-3rd degree burns, etc. are not something a beautician can treat. HELLO,…McFly!!!!
Also, cosmetic is the way of the future. Don’t hate the players,…hate the game that Medicare is forcing physicians to play to stay on the top of the $$$ food chain. In 2007 Medicare was due to cut payments by 4.7%. Medical costs were rising approx 7%, leaving a 11% difference in net revenue from 2006. Yes,…it’s about money people. Tell me how many doctors truely think they are Mother Theresa. They want the Jag, the 2 vacation homes, the trophy wife or husband.
Insurance companies base their rates (for the most part) on Medicare’s reimbursement. How do you get off that cycle? Cosmetic procedures. What is the biggest medical market for cosmetic? All those wonderful baby boomers, that have tons of $$$ to spend on staying young looking. Think MILF of Orange County, CA.
Those that ask why a derm or plastic….Do you want an OB/Gyn, or an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon, or God Help US, a family practitioner performing a serious procedure on your skin? You must be the same types that would let a Wal-Mart Tire Associate balance the wheels on your Ferrari. Unfortunately, Derms and Plastics are the exception. Everyone is getting in the Botox/Laser circuit, but only Derms and Plastics have the skin training people should feel comfortable with.
You need a doctor’s supervision,…but they need to be a good manager in addition to being a good doctor. They don’t teach that at Medical School!!!
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