Anesthesiologist charged with murder after allegedly giving lethal dose of Demerol to California ASC patient: 5 things to know

Stephen Kyosung Kim, MD, an anesthesiologist, was charged with murder after allegedly administering a lethal dose of Demerol to a patient postoperatively, according to CBS News.

Here are five things to know:

1. Dr. Kim was the anesthesiologist during a procedure at Beverly Hills, Calif.-based Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery Center performed on another physician, Mark Greenspan, MD. Dr. Kim allegedly administered sedatives before surgery and then Demerol while Dr. Greenspan was in the recovery room; Dr. Greenspan suffered cardiac arrest soon after receiving the Demerol.

2. Dr. Kim pleaded not guilty to murder yesterday at his arraignment at the Los Angeles County Superior Court. He posted bail and remains free at the time of this report.

3. The District Attorney's office alleges during the procedure, Dr. Kim injected himself with an "unknown drug" before administering the fatal dose of Demerol.

4. Dr. Kim's next hearing is on Jan. 25, 2018, and he faces 25 years to life in prison if he is convicted, according to the report.

5. Dr. Greenspan was an orthopedic surgeon who treated patients in California.

 

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