Malpractice Case Challenges IA Podiatrist’s Qualifications
Daniel Day, of Dubuque, IA seeks monetary damages from Finley hospital, alleging it was negligent in granting staff privileges to Dr. Michael Arnz, a Dubuque podiatrist. Arnz was once a party to the case, but he has since been released following a confidential settlement.
The podiatrist used a circular frame device in July 2004 to stabilize Day's foot following a surgical procedure to correct a foot deformity caused by Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurological disorder that can cause damage in the extremities.
"Arnz was not board-certified in podiatry at this time," said Day’s attorney Timothy S. White, who asked the jury to consider evidence that Finley did not adequately ensure Arnz was competent to perform a procedure involving a circular frame, a fixation device.
Finley's attorney, Connie M. Alt told the jury Arnz was well-qualified at the time of the Day surgery and that he was "board-qualified," a distinction that indicates the podiatrist had taken a written examination but not an oral examination before a certification board.
Source: Erik Hogstrom, Telegraph Herald [12/6/07]
