Anesthesiologists Found Using Drugs
Anesthesiologists play a critical role in patient care, but their unique access to potent, mood-altering drugs like propofol and opioids places them at heightened risk for substance abuse. The phrase “surgeons turn to alcohol, anesthesiologists to propofol” underscores a troubling reality: anesthesiologists are disproportionately represented in chemical dependency treatment programs compared to other medical specialties. This article explores the scope of this issue, highlights real-world cases, and offers actionable solutions to support physicians struggling with addiction while prioritizing patient safety.
Video on Options for Physicians with Substance Abuse Problems
The Scope of the Problem
Anesthesiologists face unique challenges that contribute to substance abuse:
Easy Access to Drugs: The operating room provides immediate access to highly addictive substances like fentanyl, propofol, and other opioids.
High-Stress Environment: The intense pressure of managing critical patient outcomes can exacerbate vulnerabilities to addiction.
Potential Sensitization: Emerging research suggests that “secondhand exposure” to aerosolized anesthetic drugs in the operating room may increase addiction risk, though further studies are needed.
Studies show that anesthesiologists are overrepresented in addiction treatment programs, with opioids and propofol being the most commonly abused substances. These drugs, readily available in their workplace, pose a significant temptation for those with pre-existing emotional or psychological vulnerabilities.
Cases in the News Involving Anesthesiologists using Drugs in the OR
Note: We have obtained these from news stories and reviews of Accusations and discipline from the Medical Board of California. Facts may be inaccurate but we did try to verify.
The following cases illustrate the severe consequences of substance abuse among anesthesiologists, both for the physicians involved and their patients.
Raynaldo Riviera Ortiz Jr. (Dallas, Texas)
In April 2024, Ortiz was convicted of tampering with IV bags by injecting them with dangerous drugs, including bupivacaine, epinephrine, and lidocaine. His actions caused multiple cardiac emergencies and one patient death. Surveillance footage revealed him placing tampered IV bags in a warming bin for use in surgeries. In November 2024, he was sentenced to 190 years in prison, highlighting the devastating impact of such misconduct.
Anna Michelle Bowling (Scripps Encinitas, California)
In April 2024, Bowling was placed on seven years’ probation by the Medical Board of California for stealing and self-administering narcotics, including propofol, while working in the labor and delivery unit. A May 2022 hospital report noted her impaired and disheveled state at the end of a shift. She admitted to using propofol to cope with emotional pain and taking home excess narcotics like fentanyl and hydromorphone. Her probation includes strict conditions such as drug testing and therapy.
Roman Peplinski (Lee’s Summit, Missouri)
In April 2024, Peplinski pleaded guilty to illegally obtaining fentanyl from a hospital in November 2022 by misrepresenting its use for a discharged patient. Investigations also uncovered evidence of tampering with other fentanyl vials. While no patient harm was reported, his actions violated trust and hospital protocols.
See DOJ release on his guilty plea
Bradley Glenn Hay (UC San Diego Medical Center)
Between 2017 and 2020, Hay admitted to a long-term addiction to sedative drugs, which he diverted from hospital supplies and patients since his residency in 2003. He administered anesthesia while impaired and substituted saline for drugs like morphine and fentanyl in approximately 800 patient cases. Patients reported awareness during surgery and complications. His medical license was revoked in April 2018 after an interim suspension in September 2017, following accusations of dangerous drug use and falsified medical records.
Risks to Patient Safety
Substance abuse by anesthesiologists endangers patients in several ways:
Inadequate Anesthesia: Impaired professionals may fail to deliver proper anesthesia, leading to patient awareness or pain during surgery.
Drug Diversion: Tampering with vials or substituting saline for medications compromises patient care.
Complications and Death: As seen in Ortiz’s case, tampered medications can cause life-threatening emergencies.
Detection of such behavior relies on direct observation, patient complaints, discrepancies in drug logs, or discovery of tampered medications. However, identifying addiction remains challenging due to its often-subtle signs.
Recognizing the Signs of Addiction
Physicians struggling with substance abuse may exhibit:
Behavioral changes, such as irritability, depression, or mood swings.
Increased opioid use or requests for higher doses.
Sloppy documentation or errors in clinical practice.
Physical signs, such as appearing disheveled or impaired at work.