Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray was found guilty today of involuntary manslaughter in the death of the King of Pop. I have no particular opinion about the case itself but lines like this in the news coverage seem worthy of a head-shake or two…
Murray's license to practice medicine is now suspended, according to the Medical Board of California, which decides if a doctor can legally work in the state. In the light of the conviction, the board now will open an investigation to determine whether or not to fully revoke Murray's right to practice medicine in the state, spokeswoman Jennifer Simoes said.
So is this investigation just a formality? Or is there a chance that they could decide that going to prison for causing the death of a patient by supplying him with a dangerous drug and not monitoring its usage is no reason to stop a doctor from continuing to treat patients? I do know a doctor (a very good one) who lost his license over a matter that by comparison seems trivial and which did not cause anyone to die. Is there really a chance that Murray could go on being Dr. Murray?