State authorities have suspended the medical license of Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Ayoub Sayeg, temporarily preventing him from practicing in Illinois. This action followed a Tribune report revealing that despite eight patient fatalities, the state had not previously taken disciplinary action against him.
Investigation and License Suspension
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation admitted its investigation into Dr. Sayeg, initiated after a 2020 complaint, was flawed. During the investigation, three patients died from surgical complications. The Illinois Medical Board inspected Dr. Sayeg’s clinic on June 18. By July 7, his medical license was suspended due to non-compliance with education requirements related to anesthesia services as part of an ongoing probe.
Records indicate Dr. Sayeg did not provide evidence of ongoing medical education in anesthesia delivery or proof of a certified registered nurse anesthetist’s advanced cardiac life support certification. The suspension, enacted immediately, came as the board deemed his practice a public risk.
Details of Patient Fatalities
The Tribune’s investigation detailed how eight of Dr. Sayeg’s female patients, all women of color, died after surgeries performed at his clinic over seven years. Six of these deaths were linked to surgical complications, while two involved pain medication overdoses at home. Family members have pursued legal judgments against Dr. Sayeg, with one case resulting in a $56 million verdict.
Responses from State Officials and Actions
State officials acknowledged slow responses to complaints, with necessary actions delayed until 2025. In one case, Crystal Walker Keating died the same day she underwent multiple procedures. Subsequent legal settlements accounted for $470,000 from Dr. Sayeg and his business.
The state department now seeks the maximum penalty against him. While Dr. Sayeg denies any malpractice, his attorneys claim he is unjustly targeted.
Regulatory Changes and Government Responses
In response to the investigations, Illinois regulators are reviewing internal processes and considering legal changes to expedite similar responses in the future. This has prompted reactions from public officials, including Alderman Silvana Tabares and Governor JB Pritzker, emphasizing the need for stronger patient protections and more stringent penalties.
State Senator Mike Porfirio has also committed to exploring legislative measures to avert similar incidents in the future. The regulatory agencies in Michigan are also investigating Dr. Sayeg following complaints about his practice there.