Florida Surgeon Suspended After Fatal Surgical Error

Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky's license revoked following the removal of a patient's liver instead of spleen, resulting in death.

William Bryan, 70, died during a splenectomy at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital on August 21 when Dr. Shaknovsky mistakenly removed his liver.
The Florida Department of Health issued an emergency suspension of Shaknovsky's license citing 'egregious' errors and attempts to cover up the mistake.
Shaknovsky's previous error in May 2023 involved wrongly removing part of a patient's pancreas instead of the adrenal gland, causing permanent injury.
Bryan's widow, Beverly, is pursuing both civil and criminal actions against Shaknovsky and the hospital for her husband's death.
Hospital staff expressed concerns about Shaknovsky's competence before the surgery, and the hospital is conducting an internal investigation.