A Washington state commission accused orthopedic surgeon Valentin Antoci, MD, of improperly treating two patients and barred him from performing surgical procedures until a full hearing is conducted, according to the Yakima Herald.
Here are five things to know.
1. The Washington Medical Quality Assurance Commission accused Dr. Antoci of failing to treat a patient's shoulder injury and not recognizing a post-operation complication resulting in long-term loss of arm function.
2. The commission also alleged Dr. Antoci didn't properly diagnose and treat another patient's ankle infection, which put the patient at risk of amputation.
3. "[Dr. Antoci's] substandard care of patients A and B demonstrates a lack of surgical skill and judgment that poses a serious threat to patient safety. [His] treatment of patients A and B and management of their care is inconsistent with safe practice and creates an unreasonable and imminent risk of patient harm," commission documents said.
4. Dr. Antoci has an office in Sunnyside, Wash. A woman at the office told the Yakima Herald he wasn't available for comment.
5. Dr. Antoci has been given 20 days to respond to charges and request a hearing.