A surgeon in Lufkin, Texas, has permanently closed his practice and stopped treating patients at another medical center after an investigation by The Lufkin Daily News into allegations of medical malpractice, the publication reported May 2.
Allegations involving patient deaths and post-surgical complications have been leveled against Mario Matos-Cruz, MD, who was hired by Woodland Heights Medical Center, also in Lufkin, in late 2024, according to the publication.
At the time of the allegations, Dr. Matos-Cruz was still employed by the medical center, but according to a statement shared with the Daily News by Jose Echavarria, CEO of Woodland Heights, he was no longer seeing patients, as of May 1.
“Providing quality care is a top priority at Woodland Heights Medical Center,” Mr. Echavarria said in the statement. “While we do not comment on individual cases or providers, what I can share with you is that we take any concerns seriously and when indicated, engage in a rigorous internal and external review process. We conduct a thorough credentialing process on all members of our medical staff that includes education, training and licensure to affirm they meet the requirements to obtain privileges at Woodland Heights.”
Prior to his position at Woodland Heights, Dr. Matos-Cruz was employed by Adena Health System in Chillicothe, Ohio, where he was one of three surgeons allegedly involved in a suspended cardiac surgery program linked to a series of patient deaths. A federal whistleblower lawsuit alleged that uncredentialed surgeries were performed and improperly billed to Medicare, resulting in his departure in late 2023.
Other allegations included a claim that Dr. Matos-Cruz and a colleague were reportedly seen watching YouTube videos to prepare for unfamiliar heart surgeries. Another case involved a 74-year-old woman who underwent surgery by Dr. Matos-Cruz and another physician to open heart blockages. However, the woman suffered numerous surgery-related injuries before her family removed her from life support.
The Texas Medical Board does not currently list any disciplinary actions against him, according to the report.
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