Today's Close-Up S2024E31 - Medical Incidents: How Doctors Become "Repeaters"

In 2020 at a regional hospital in Japan, a woman had her spinal nerves severed during a hip surgery. It was later revealed that the doctor in charge had been involved in eight cases of medical incidents in eight months — a so-called "repeater" doctor. While the case is still under police investigation, similar problems are being reported across Japan. Some point out that the cause of such repetitious incidents is a nationwide structural issue. We take a look at the current medical situation and ask experts how to better ensure the safety of patients.

Guest:
Nagao Yoshimasa (Professor, Nagoya University)