Woman gains entry into hospital OR by posing as medical resident
A woman posing as a doctor in training successfully infiltrated the medical staff ranks at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston last year, according to an article published Monday in The Boston Globe. The incident illustrates the importance of a rigorous vetting process, vigilant staff, and a high-caliber security system.
Cheryl Wang, 42, was dismissed from a surgical residency program in New York City and reported to the state disciplinary board before entering the Brigham medical scene last September. Over the course of two days, she attended rounds, entered five operating rooms to observe surgeries, and assisted in a patient transport before Brigham physicians realized she wasn’t authorized to participate in these activities. Wang revisited the hosptial last December, observing surgeries for two more days before staff recognized her. Previously, she had managed to shadow a Brigham surgeon by forging recommendation letters. Despite these intrusions, Wang did not actively participate in patient care, a Brigham spokesperson said.
Wang’s actions shine a light on the problem of “tailgating,” or gaining entry to restricted hospital areas by trailing employees during shift changes and other high-traffic transitions, The Globe reports.
As a result of the breach, Brigham has fortified its surgery observation policy and stepped up staff education on tailgating.