Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky has had his medical license immediately suspended following a tragic incident at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast hospital in Miramar Beach. Dr. Shaknovsky is accused of mistakenly removing the liver of 70-year-old William Bryan during a surgery intended to remove his spleen. Bryan tragically bled to death on the operating table.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating for potential criminal charges, while Bryan’s family is pursuing a malpractice lawsuit.

A recent 21-page report from the Florida Department of Health details not only the August 21 incident but also a previous case in May, where Dr. Shaknovsky misidentified and removed the wrong organ, resulting in permanent harm to the patient.

The August surgery was reportedly marked by concerns from the operating room staff regarding the late scheduling, limited personnel, and Dr. Shaknovsky’s capability to perform the procedure safely. Despite these concerns, the operation proceeded, leading to catastrophic consequences.

The report also reveals disturbing details from the surgery, where Dr. Shaknovsky later admitted he was unable to control a ruptured aneurysm and mistakenly removed Bryan’s liver, believing it to be the spleen. The state’s investigation concluded that this level of negligence warranted the immediate suspension of his medical license.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of surgical precision and accountability in the medical field. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice for William Bryan’s family.