Did Dr Death harm his patients on purpose? Christopher Duntsch's motives explored

Dr. Christopher Duntsch became infamously known as Dr Death due to a series of events showcasing his behavior toward patients. However, the most alarming aspect of Duntsch's career was the suggestion of possible malicious intent. The suspicion, in turn, led to scrutiny against him.

According to The Real Dr Death show on CBC, prosecutors, despite Duntsch's lawyers' objections, summoned many of his former patients to testify. Furthermore, Duntsch's lawyers argued that he only became aware of his surgical incompetence when hearing the prosecution's experts outline his numerous errors in surgery.

The lawyers attributed Duntsch's conduct to inadequate training and insufficient hospital oversight. However, Dallas County District Attorney Michelle Shughart highlighted a 2011 email sent by Duntsch after his initial surgeries failed. The evidence proved that Duntsch's actions were intentional.

---

Dr Death's actions made people believe he had ill intent toward his patients

A still from Dr Death season 2 (Image via Peacock)

According to The Real Dr Death show on CBC, initially aspiring to be a neurosurgeon, Duntsch completed significantly fewer surgeries during his residency than the usual requirement. Reportedly, the number is only 100 surgeries compared to the standard 1,000.

This lack of experience undoubtedly contributed to his surgical incompetence. Furthermore, his personality traits contributed to his murky downfall. This particularly included his oversized ego and narcissism.

According to the source, Duntsch's overconfidence led him to grossly overestimate his abilities as a surgeon despite his evident lack of skill. Moreover, unlike many doctors who would cease practicing after botched surgeries, Duntsch persisted in his medical career. He even created fake testimonials to open his practice and oscillated between hospitals to continue operating while disregarding his mistakes.

Then, augmenting the issues was his substance abuse. This reportedly included the use of cocaine, which likely impaired his judgment and surgical skills. As a result, he put his patients' lives at risk. Duntsch's pattern of harming patients through botched surgeries was well documented.

The list included a large number of his patients suffering severe injuries or even death as a result of his actions. Among all, Mary Efurd's case stands out as a particularly egregious example of his malpractice.

---

What did Dr Death do to Mary Efurd?

A still from Dr Death season 2 (Image via Peacock)

The journal A Surgeon So Bad It Was Criminal from ProPublica provides an in-depth look at the negligence and malpractice of Dr. Duntsch. In it, the case of Mary Efurd is highlighted.

According to the source, Mary Efurd's case is among the most notorious associated with Dr. Christopher Duntsch. In July 2012, during a spinal fusion surgery performed by Duntsch, Efurd, who was 71 at the time, suffered catastrophic injuries.

Duntsch severely mishandled the procedure, resulting in Efurd being paralyzed. He mistakenly severed one of her nerve roots and left surgical hardware embedded in her back muscles. Subsequently, this led to her inability to move her legs and enduring severe pain.

The surgery was conducted in such a hideous manner that another surgeon, Dr. Robert Henderson, who later performed corrective surgery on Efurd, said that Duntsch's surgery was akin to a child playing with construction toys. In addition, Henderson discovered that Duntsch had drilled into Efurd's muscle instead of her bone, hence recklessly damaging a nerve.

Following Henderson's intervention, Efurd's condition was somewhat stabilized. However, she never regained her full mobility and now uses a wheelchair. Notably, this case was a key factor in Duntsch's eventual arrest and conviction, as it highlighted his repeated negligence and malpractice.

---

Is Dr Death season 2 based on a true story?

While The Real Dr Death focused on Dr. Christopher Duntsch, Dr Death season 2 delves into the true story of Dr. Paolo Macchiarini and his medical career. The show portrays his rise as a pioneering surgeon in regenerative medicine and his subsequent fall from grace due to the fatal outcomes of his surgeries.

The narrative closely follows real events, including the surgeries on patients Claudia Castillo and Andemariam Teklesenbet Beyene. It also delves into the legal and ethical controversies surrounding Macchiarini. While dramatic elements may be added for television, the story's core is firmly rooted in reality.

Dr Death season 2 is available to stream on Peacock.