Doctor involved in Miramar woman's liposuction death suspended
March 5, 2010 - Miami Herald
By BOB LAMENDOLA
Florida health officials on Thursday suspended the medical license of a doctor who performed a liposuction procedure that led to the death of a Miramar nurse in October, saying he was ``a danger to public health.''
The suspension of Dr. Omar Brito Marin came one day after the victim's husband publicly implored the state to act because the doctor was still performing minor cosmetic procedures in Pembroke Pines.
Brito gave Rohie Kah-Orukotanan an excessive amount of the anesthetic lidocaine that contributed to her death, did not have proper training to do the procedure and should not have done the work in a med-spa not legally equipped to handle a ``level 2'' procedure involving general anesthesia, the suspension order says.
``Dr. Brito Marin demonstrated bad judgment and disregard for the health and welfare of his patient,'' said the order by state Surgeon General Ana Viamonte Ros.
His disregard for basic rules of office surgery shows that ``this type of conduct by Dr. Brito Marin is likely to recur and presents an immediate danger to the public health, safety or welfare,'' Ros wrote.
Kah-Orukotan was a healthy 37-year-old nurse when she went to now-closed Weston Medspa in September for a light version of the fat-removing procedure. She left the med-spa in a coma and died weeks later.
The Broward Sheriff's Office is also conducting a criminal investigation into the death.
Brito's attorney, Brian Bieber, said the doctor denies any wrongdoing and would appeal the suspension. The death, while tragic, was due to an unavoidable complication, he said.
The procedure was a ``level 1'' procedure involving minor sedation that could legally be done at the med-spa, Bieber said. He also said the state had incorrect information about the amount of anesthesia given.
``We believe the order has been issued in error,'' Bieber said.
Orukotan's husband and attorneys were not available for comment Thursday evening.
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