Here are five lawsuits Becker’s has reported on involving gastroenterologists and GI surgeons in 2025:
1. Florida-based physician Scott Wiesen, MD, has surrendered his medical license after facing a lawsuit for a colonoscopy he performed at Naples, Fla.-based Premier Endoscopy Center. He was facing an investigation from the Florida Department of Health. However, the inquiry is no longer active due to the surrender of Dr. Wiesen’s license. The lawsuit was filed by patient Elaine Bredehoft, who alleged medical malpractice during a 2023 colonoscopy. According to the suit, Dr. Wiesen punctured her colon and mistakenly removed her ovary and fallopian tube, believing them to be polyps.
2. Rajeev Manu, MD, a gastroenterologist in Bakersfield, Calif., was placed on five years of probation after mistakenly ordering procedures for the wrong patient in September 2020. The 67-year-old patient, who had severe COVID-19 pneumonia, underwent an unnecessary PEG tube placement and EGD, resulting in hemorrhagic shock and death from multiple organ failure. Dr. Manu’s attorney cited pandemic-related resource shortages as contributing factors. The Medical Board of California cited Dr. Manu for gross negligence, repeated negligent acts and unprofessional conduct. His license revocation was stayed, allowing him to continue practicing under supervision.
3. Bariatric surgeon Jeffrey Monash, MD, came under legal scrutny following the 2020 death of patient Jeremy Marine two weeks after a challenging weight loss surgery. Mr. Marine developed an infected hematoma and fluid buildup, leading to further complications. A CT scan reportedly showed no issues, and he was discharged without antibiotics. A jury in Tucson awarded $3.5 million to Mr. Marine’s family, finding the post-operative care deficient.
4. Brian McGee, MD, a member of the Arkansas State Medical Board, filed a lawsuit on Jan. 14 against Alonzo Williams, MD, a former gastroenterologist whose license was revoked in 2023 after decades of misconduct allegations. Dr. McGee accuses Dr. Williams of filing a false complaint against him in retaliation, resulting in reputational damage. The lawsuit also names Covenant Physician Partners and includes claims of negligence, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and violations under the Arkansas Civil Rights Act, citing fraudulent billing, sexual misconduct and racial discrimination.
5. A Virginia jury ruled in favor of a gastroenterologist accused of medical malpractice after a patient suffered a colon perforation during a 2019 screening colonoscopy. The plaintiff alleged the physician improperly used a hot snare to remove a 5mm polyp, arguing that cold snaring was safer according to recent research. The patient underwent multiple surgeries and claimed lasting physical and emotional harm, seeking $5 million in damages. The defense countered that hot snaring was standard practice in 2019. After a five-day trial, the jury returned a unanimous verdict for the defense on Jan. 28.
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