Concerns Raised Following Surgical Mishaps
Wayman Dorsett became alarmed as he observed an ICU doctor reviewing his mother’s medical records. His intuition suggested that something was amiss during her post-surgery recovery.
Dorsett, 53, recalled the moment vividly: “I’ll never forget the look on the doctor’s face as he read the file,” he said. “He was just shaking his head, almost questioning what had happened.”
Dorothy Dorsett, 70, was recuperating after surgeons removed a tumor from her gastrointestinal tract. However, her condition deteriorated, with reports indicating she was eating very little and had an unusually high heart rate. Almost a week after her surgery, she was transferred to the ICU.
A year later, another patient, William Bryan, 70, also died following a surgical procedure performed by the same surgeon. Prosecutors later arrested Dr. Thomas Schachnofsky on allegations of mistakenly removing Bryan’s liver instead of his spleen. Both surgeries occurred at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach.
Efforts to reach Dr. Schakunowski and his attorney for comments were unsuccessful. Nevertheless, in his court filing, he denied any wrongful actions in Dorothy’s case, asserting that some of the lawsuit allegations were inaccurate and that his account of the care provided to her was incomplete. The lawsuit remains ongoing.
The hospital did not respond to requests for comments. Earlier this week, Ascension Sacred Heart’s spokesperson McDonald Walker stated that Shakunowski is no longer employed at their facilities and has not practiced there since August 2024.
Claims of Medical Negligence Unfold
Wayman Dorsett filed a negligence lawsuit against Schakunofsky and Ascension Sacred Heart last year. Speaking publicly for the first time since his mother’s death on Thursday, he expressed the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on his family. “I struggle mentally every day,” he shared. “It’s a pain that lingers.”
According to Wayman, on July 24, 2023, Dorothy was admitted to the hospital due to abdominal pain. He described her as “very healthy” at the time and recounted that she was active and independent. Notably, just before her surgery, she flew to her oldest son’s wedding despite a broken leg from a car accident.
The civil complaint indicates that doctors diagnosed Dorothy Dorsett with gastrointestinal bleeding and acute blood loss anemia. The following day, the family met with Dr. Shakunowski, who, according to Wayman, did not inspire confidence with his peculiar behavior. “It felt dishonest,” he noted.
Shakunowski conducted a colonoscopy that led to the discovery of a tumor in Dorothy’s gastrointestinal tract. Although the surgery to remove the tumor was performed on July 27, the mother’s condition swiftly worsened.
Wayman reported that Shakunowski assured the family that the surgery “went well.” However, shortly thereafter, Dorothy began to decline, and by August 2, she was moved to the ICU. In a gut-wrenching moment, Dorothy told Wayman that she felt she was nearing the end of her life. “And I had to sit there and watch her die,” he recalled.
Investigation Reveals Lack of Proper Care
On August 3, Dr. Chun W. Chen documented concerns regarding Dorothy’s post-surgery condition, noting unexpected air retention and the possibility of bowel perforation. His report indicated that an alarming air mass had formed around her pelvis.
Despite these warnings, the lawsuit alleges insufficient action was taken, as Shakunowski did not recommend surgical intervention due to Dorothy’s weakened organ function. Tragically, she was pronounced dead on August 4, surrounded by her family.
“Experiencing that kind of loss is traumatic,” Wayman stated. “It’s a haunting memory that I can’t erase.”
In an unrelated case, prosecutors charged Shakunowski with removing William Bryan’s liver instead of his spleen in an alleged surgical error. Following these incidents, Shakunowski’s medical licenses in Florida and Alabama were suspended, with New York State later taking similar action.
Wayman learned of the investigation conducted by the Florida Department of Health Services Administration into his mother’s death about a year after the event, revealing failures in properly conducting diagnostic tests and delaying critical imaging needed to treat suspected sepsis.
Maintaining a spirit of bittersweet recognition, Wayman lamented, “We can’t bring back my mother or Mr. Bryan, but we can advocate for those who continue to suffer due to negligent care.”
