Tampa Gastroenterologist sanctioned for not wearing his hearing aids when needed

A gastroenterologist in Tampa, Florida, has been sanctioned in a disciplinary action. Dr. Ishwari Prasad wears hearing aids, however, during two separate procedures he apparently didn’t wear them which prevented him from hearing his patients complaining about being in pain.

The first incident occurred at the Tampa Ambulatory Surgery Center where he didn’t wear his hearing aids and delegated tasks to a non-licensed surgical tech. The tech performed tasks like scope insertion and manipulation which caused the patient to call out in pain, which the doctor couldn’t hear.

During a second incident, the patient was not fully sedated. Dr. Prasad began the procedure while the patient was still alert leading to the patient yelling in pain, however, again no hearing aids were in use, so Dr. Prasad was unaware of the patient’s distress.  Prasad continued the procedure despite the patient’s pain and the administrator’s warning.

Dr. Prasad has been placed on probation by the Florida Board of Medicine. He was fined $7,500 and ordered to pay $6,301 in case costs. He is required to complete a 5-hour continuing medical education course regarding rules and ethics by August 2025.  He is not allowed to perform medical procedures alone until he has been evaluated or supervised for 10 procedures.