In his continuing efforts as an independent medical forensics consultant, Dr. O'Donnell will present a fraction of his findings as of November 2004. From falsified medical records and death certificates to mail fraud and medical microscopical evidence on brain tissue, two stories evolve: one is told by the police and hospital personnel and their attorneys, and the other is told by the actual medical evidence and the paper trail and postmarks on documents.

Bio Sketch
James O'Donnell D.O., received his B.A. from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and his D.O. from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. A fellowship in hematology and medical oncology and an internal medicine residency at Mount Sinai Hospital and Medical Center followed. Studies continued with another fellowship, this time in infectious diseases and AIDS research at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Numerous awards and publications. He then moved on to the Chicago Department of Health, Specialty Clinicians in STD and HIV Care. Currently, he is an independent medical forensics consultant.

Minutes of April 22, 2005 Meeting
First Degree Murder by Hospital by Dr. James G. O’Donnell, D.O.

A traditional dinner favorite for SMSI members, Connie’s Pizza was served at 6:30pm.

President Bill Mikuska made a few announcements regarding upcoming meetings before he turned things over to Dr. O’Donnell. Basically, he reminded us of the May 6 meeting on “Extracellular Plant Matrix,” the picnic on June 11, and the Annual Meeting on July 13.

Dr. O’Donnell has been an SMSI member for quite a few years now, and he, of course, fit right in as he made his presentation. The case which he discussed, involved an elderly man who was admitted to a New York Hospital, and subjected to a procedure which he did not wish to undergo. The procedure was the insertion of a catheter, the removal of which caused excessive blood loss, and after a series of other horrible incidents, his death.

A fast thinking relative secured documentation which Dr. O’Donnell reviewed, ultimately reaching the conclusion that Hospital Staff, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and others were not only aware of what was happening to this patient, but contributed to his death directly. Examination of the Autopsy Report leads Dr. O’Donnell to believe that even the Medical Examiner’s Office was involved.

Questions fielded by the audience after his talk eventually led to the topic of whether or not such an incident could happen in the Chicago area.

Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Kuksuk
Recording Secretary