DESTIN, Fla. — Documents provided to WEAR News from attorney Joe Zarzaur show Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky had a previous alleged operation mix-up prior to the recent incident that allegedly resulted in an Alabama man’s death.
WEAR News reported Wednesday that Dr. Shaknovsky is accused of removing 70-year-old Bill Bryan’s liver during an operation atAscension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast in August that was intended to remove his spleen. Bryan died following the surgery.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is now investigating the death, whileZarzaur — who is representing the Bryan family –plans to file a civil lawsuit on behalf of Bill’s widow Beverly.
Zarzaur claims this isn’t the first time Dr. Shaknovsky had a wrong-site surgery.
“There was a case that was settled last year where this doctor had removed a portion of — or was intending to take an adrenal gland off a kidney, and he took out part of the pancreas,” Zarzaur said.
Zarzaur’s firm sent WEAR News a document — a Florida Office of Insurance Regulation medical malpractice closed claim report.
The document states an injury allegedly occurred on May 12, 2023, during an operation on the left adrenal gland at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast.
It says the alleged abscess and infection resulted from the removal of the pancreas tail. The document outlines the injuries, including damage to the fingers and loss or damage to organs.
The report says the incident was settled.
“That case settled pre-suit without the lawsuit being filed,” Zarzaur said.
WEAR News checked Dr. Shaknovsky’s status as a practicing physician. According to the state’s Department of Health website, his license is clear and active and does not expire until 2026.
The Department of Health told WEAR News it could not confirm or deny the existence of any ongoing complaint against Dr. Shaknovsky, nor would it confirm or deny the receipt of any complaint.
“When the Department of Health receives a complaint, regardless of its gravity or frivolousness, those complaints are taken seriously and they are treated with the utmost respect,” said Jae Williams with the Florida Department of Health. “And in the event an investigation is needed, those actions are certainly carried over to the investigation process to see if there’s probable cause to take action against an individual’s license.”
According to state statute, if probable cause is found that a medical professional operated outside of the standard of care, those findings will be turned over to the respective medical board that oversees that individual’s medical license.
“It is ultimately up to the board to render a solution and any disciplinary action if needed,” Williams said.
WEAR News reached out to Dr. Shaknovsky for comment on Thursday. A receptionist in his office said she’d pass the message on to him.
WEAR News also reached out to Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast on Thursday to ask if Dr. Shaknovsky faced any disciplinary action following the 2023 incident, and also if he is still associated with the hospital. We have not heard back.
