Ep 18. Do No Harm

In Dateline's season 24 episode 18 titled "Do No Harm," viewers are taken on a journey into the dark world of medical malpractice and the devastating consequences it can have on unsuspecting patients. The episode follows the story of a beloved grandfather named Jerry Stone who went into a routine spinal surgery and never came out alive.

As the investigation unfolds, Dateline's team of journalists follows the trail of evidence that leads them to Dr. Christopher Duntsch, a well-respected neurosurgeon who had been operating out of Dallas, Texas. As they dig deeper, they uncover a troubling pattern of behavior that suggests Duntsch had been making negligent and reckless decisions in the operating room, causing harm to multiple patients over the years.

With the help of medical professionals, legal experts, and victims' families, Dateline pieces together the intricate web of deceit and incompetence that allowed Duntsch to operate for so many years without being stopped. Starting from the early days of his career to the final moments of his last surgery, viewers are taken on a harrowing ride through a world where doctors are supposed to be trusted but can do immense harm when they fall short of that trust.

The episode explores the emotional toll the malpractice took on Stone's family and the many other victims that Bhurtahi saw come through the doors of the hospital. Along the way, Dateline shines a light on the challenges of investigating medical malpractice and holding doctors accountable, including the resistance of medical boards and the difficulty of pursuing legal action against medical professionals.

The story of Jerry Stone and Christopher Duntsch is a cautionary tale for patients and medical professionals alike, reminding us of the importance of transparency, accountability, and vigilance when it comes to healthcare. As Dateline concludes its investigation, viewers are left to contemplate the powerful impact of one individual's actions and the vital need to hold those in positions of power accountable for their choices.

Overall, the episode is a gripping and emotionally charged exploration of one of the most pressing issues in modern healthcare, providing a sobering reminder of the high stakes involved in medical decision-making and the essential importance of upholding patient safety and well-being. By telling the story of Jerry Stone and Christopher Duntsch, Dateline offers a powerful reminder of the human cost of medical malpractice and the need for greater accountability and transparency in the field of medicine.