Freed Surgeon Jayant Patel 'Forgot' About Manslaughter Conviction, Claims He's 'Moved On'
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Indian-origin surgeon Jayant Patel, who was convicted of manslaughter in 2010, has sparked controversy with his response to being confronted about the trauma he caused in Australia. In his first public comment since 2015, Patel claimed he 'completely forgot' about the incidents that led to his conviction, which was later overturned on appeal in 2012. Patel, 75, was arrested in 2008 and extradited to Australia after allegations of botched operations, misdiagnoses, and sloppy surgical techniques at a Queensland hospital. He was initially sentenced to seven years in prison for the deaths of three patients and harm to another. However, the convictions were quashed by Australia's highest court in 2012, and prosecutors dropped outstanding charges in 2013. Patel left Australia and moved to the US, where he reportedly lives a comfortable life with his wife, a fellow doctor. When approached about his past in Portland, Oregon, Patel maintained a detached demeanor, stating that the incidents were 'ages ago' and that he was 'beyond that.' He also claimed to be unaffected by 'stupid criticisms,' and that he had moved on with his life. The comments have raised questions about Patel's accountability and remorse for the harm he caused. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of medical professionals being held to high standards of care and ethics.