Medical Association: “It is unheard-of” for an 11 year-old child to operate

SANTIAGO.- The president of the Medical Association of Chile, Pablo Rodríguez, has responded to a report that Colombian doctor Olmedo Valencia allowed his 11 year-old son to assist him in an operation on a patient at the regional hospital in Iquique, saying that it is an act that represents a very serious lack of ethics.

“I want to be very clear about this.  There is a lack of ethics and judgement here, this is not something that should be done”, asserted Rodríguez.

The president of the organization mentioned that he spoke to his counterpart in Iquique, who confirmed that the situation had occurred in one of the small operating rooms at the medical facility.

Rodríguez also clarified that Valencia –if it is proved that he committed a serious violation- could be exonerated and his contract would also be revoked.

Additionally, Rodríguez stated that they are concerned about the hospital, since local authorities seem to display a blatant lack of leadership.