Important dates in the case of US doctor being tried in Australia for manslaughter

Important dates in surgeon’s manslaughter case

A timeline of the case involving Dr. Jayant Patel, who is facing trial on manslaughter charges in the deaths of three patients in Australia from 2003 to early 2005:

April 10, 1950: Jayant Mukundray Patel born in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India.

1976: Patel graduates from the state-run M.P. Shah Medical College at Saurashtra University in Jamnagar, India.

1978: Patel enters surgical residency program in the U.S. at University of Rochester in New York state.

1984: Patel is cited in Buffalo, New York, for failing to examine patients before surgery; he is fined and placed on probation for three years.

1989: Patel moves to Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Portland, Oregon.

1998: After 79 complaints, Kaiser restricts Patel’s practice, banning him from liver and pancreatic surgeries and requiring second opinions on other surgeries.

September 2000: After reviewing four cases in which three patients died, the Oregon Board of Medical Examiners applies Patel’s restrictions statewide.

April 2001: New York state revokes his medical license.

2003: Patel employed as a surgeon at Bundaberg Base Hospital in Queensland, Australia, and is promoted to director of surgery.

March 22, 2005: Patel’s clinical practices at Bundaberg hospital questioned by lawmakers in Queensland state parliament.

April 1, 2005: Queensland health department pays for Patel’s one-way business class ticket to Oregon.

Nov. 22, 2006: Warrants issued for Patel’s arrest on charges of manslaughter, causing grievous bodily harm and fraud.

March 11, 2008: FBI agents arrest Patel at his Portland home.

June 26, 2008: Patel volunteers to be extradited to Australia for trial.

July 21, 2008: Patel escorted to Australia by police and makes court appearance where he is granted bail pending trial.

February 9, 2009: Preliminary hearing for Patel begins in Brisbane Magistrates Court.

April 20, 2009: Patel ordered to stand trial.

March 22, 2010: Patel’s trial begins.

Sources: 2005 Queensland Public Hospitals Commission of Inquiry, New York State Board for Professional Medical Conduct, Patel’s application for clinical privileges at Bundaberg.