[lg policy] UK Based German Doctor's Linguistic and Surgical Competence Called into Question

[Gareth Price]

A German surgeon showed scant regard for the welfare of a 94-year-old
patient as he swore in his native language during a botched hip operation, a
disciplinary hearing heard today.

The German surgeon is accused of a catalogue of failings, including
reverting to a language other than English, making uncontrolled use of a
power saw and failing to communicate effectively with his colleagues.

[...]

The fitness to practise panel was told that a staff sister recalled Kolb
speaking in German and thought she heard him swear "as he struggled to carry
out the procedure".

Dr Unesh Nagare, who was assisting in the operation, also saw him mumbling
and speaking in a different language. A colleague had to take over as Kolb
had approached the hip through the wrong plane and "didn't know where he
was".
[...]

Kolb had an "impressive CV" and was considered "very good at English". He
was employed by the trust as a locum while a surgeon took annual leave.

The hearing, which is expected to last two weeks, continues. Kolb claims he
is being made a scapegoat because of his nationality. He previously told a
German newspaper: "As a German doctor and without a witness, I have no
chance."
The rest of the story is here:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jun/14/doctor-werner-kolb-disciplinary-hearing

-- 
Dr. Gareth Price
Visiting Assistant Professor
CSEEES/Linguistics Program
Duke University
Durham, NC
27708-2960
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