(Image: Cover of Bad Medicine, One Signal Publishers/Atria Books)
Approximately seven years ago, there was a trial beginning in New York, involving a medical doctor tasked with one of the highest responsibilities, do no harm. However, (former) Dr. Stan Li did much to the contrary in his pain management clinic run out of a small basement office in Flushing, Queens, New York between the years 2004 and 2011. Between 2008 and 2011, (former) Dr. Stan Li wrote approximately 21,837 controlled-substance prescriptions to persons coming to his pain management clinic. Li would sometimes see a hundred patients in one day in his clinic, spending just enough time to write each person one or more prescriptions. One patient, at least once per month, received a prescription for fentanyl, oxycodone, and Xanax all from Li. Li would also charge "self-pay" cash fees ($100-$500) of patients. Li received letters from family members of patients begging him to reconsider his treatment of their loved one.
Based on his actions, after a grand jury vote and a judge's approval, a 211-count indictment against Li was brought to court. The indictment included two counts of manslaughter. After 121 days, the trial came to an end.
If this sounds like a case that may interest you, the book Bad Medicine by Charlotte Bismuth is a must-read. Charlotte was on the prosecution team, along with Peter Kougasian, Joe Hall, Stefani Miotto, Jon Courtney, among others. After being handed a yellow Post-it note with "Dr. Stanley, 41st Rd" written on it, Charlotte began the years-long process to bring a doctor to justice.
"It wasn't my duty to win at any cost: it was my duty to do justice." --Charlotte Bismuth (p. 59)
Written in a format capturing different points throughout the trial process (pre-investigation, investigation, trial, post-trial), you will learn more about the corrupt actions of a doctor, the devastating impact poor practices can have on people and their families, and a challenge facing the entire nation (even world). Charlotte does not just recite the facts, but provides her lived experiences, both professional and personal, along the way. She pulls back the curtain that is often hiding the actual person behind the statistics we see on the news. By bringing charges against (former) Dr. Stan Li, it shows that no one is above the law, especially those tasked with protecting and promoting health. You will come to see that doctors are some of our most trusted individuals, but unfortunately, some but not all, would rather diminish and exploit a person's pain and addiction for a profit. Charlotte also highlights the practices of large pharmaceutical companies and their role in the exploitation and spiraling cycle of addiction.
Peter Kougasian (known to many as "Uncle Pete") was the senior prosecutor on the Li case, arguing the case and providing the closing argument. Peter is seen as a mentor by Charlotte, getting his own chapter in the book highlighting his knowledge gained through 35 years of prosecuting cases. In this chapter titled "The Kougasian Rule", Charlotte details Peter's ability to apply his knowledge and skills to cross-examining the defendant himself, Stan Li. Peter began his career at the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, the same year as now Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor. Justice Sotomayor speaks of her admiration of Peter in her children's book "Just Ask". Among other honors and recognition, the Manhattan DA's Office has created an entire training center in his name as of 2019. Peter unfortunately has a diagnosis of ALS and has been hospitalized due to worsening symptoms. As part of this post, it is with deepest sympathetic wishes that he be comfortable and well. Please send your regards and well wishes. If you'd like to learn more about ALS and/or donate to the cause, please check out https://www.als.org/donate.
Peter, I hope that at the end of each day, we will know more.
(Image from New York City Bar Association)
A personal and heartfelt thank you to Charlotte Bismuth for sending me a free, signed, copy of her book, Bad Medicine. Merci beaucoup, Charlotte!
(Image: personal photograph of inside cover of Bad Medicine book and personalized card)
Bismuth, C. (2020). Bad medicine : Catching new york's deadliest pill pusher. One Signal Publishers/Atria Books.
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