A Sacramento plastic surgeon attended his trial at the Zoom traffic court while operating on a patient.
The incident is the latest mundane lawsuit to take an interesting turn in the age of coronavirus, videoconferencing and remote work.
A few weeks after a viral video of a Texas lawyer who failed to turn off a kitten filter during a court hearing, Dr. Scott Green appeared in a virtual court on Thursday, coming from an operating room wearing a uniform and surgical mask.
Despite some hesitation by a court official, Green insisted that they proceed with the trial.
“Sir. Green. Hi. Are you available for evaluation? It looks like you’re in an operating room right now,” said the clerk in a video captured by The Sacramento Bee.
“I am, sir. I am in an operating room. Yes, I am available for trial. Go ahead,” says Green.
While the court waits for Sacramento High Court Commissioner Gary Link, Green appears to be re-operating the patient while the nurse is filming.
While Green was ready to show off his multitasking skills, Link was not satisfied and expressed concern for the patient’s well-being.
“Unless I’m mistaken, I’m seeing a defendant who is in the middle of an operating room, looking like he is actively engaged in providing services to a patient,” he says. “Is that correct, Mr. Green?”
“Yes, sir,” says Green.
Link, saying he is not comfortable with proceeding with the trial, reschedules the date for March 4.
“We want to keep people healthy. We want to keep them alive, “he says.” This is important. “
When NBC News asked Green about the report by The Sacramento Bee and its audience, he said, “This is not necessary and I have nothing to say. Thanks.”
He ended the call.
The California Medical Council said on Saturday it “is aware of the incident and will review it, as it does with all complaints it receives”.
Spokesman Carlos Villatoro said the council “expects doctors to follow the standard of care when treating their patients.”
