As the civil trial against Atiq Drrani, MD, continues, the fugitive spine surgeon's attorney asked the judge to not to allow the testimony of a surgeon who would have been critical of Dr. Durrani, according to WLWT 5.
Here are seven insights:
1. Charles Mehlman, MD, was scheduled to testify in front of the eight-member jury against Dr. Durrani. However, the defense argued due to the time laps since Dr. Mehlman has seen Dr. Durrani he cannot provide insight on the fugitive spine surgeon's truthfulness.
2. Dr. Mehlman has not worked with Dr. Durrani in over a decade. Dr. Durrani's defense argued Dr. Mehlman's testimony would be irrelevant. The judge ultimately decided to dismiss his testimony.
3. While unable to hear testimony from Dr. Mehlman, the jury did hear testimony from James Cole, MD, a neuroradiologist who looked over Dr. Durrani's surgical notes for the specific case at the center of trial, in which the patient is alleging Dr. Durrani performed unnecessary spine surgery.
4. Dr. Cole testified the fugitive spine surgeon exaggerated the patient's spine curvature to justify the need for surgery.
5. Dr. Durrani denies any wrong doing. Additionally, Cincinnati-based Center for Advanced Spine Technologies, where Dr. Durrani previously worked, denies any wrong doing from Dr. Durrani.
6. Closing arguments are expected either June 29 or July 2.
7. Dr. Durrani is on trial for performing unnecessary spine surgery and then filing insurance claims to receive millions in reimbursements. After authorities became aware in 2013, the surgeon fled to Pakistan.