Wrong Patient, Right Choice

I found the wrong patient's chart in the OR. My attending had already made the

first incision. I froze. Do I speak up and destroy my career or stay silent and

let this happen? My hands shook as I double checked the wristband. Different name.

Different birthday. My mentor, the surgeon I worshipped for two years, was operating on

the wrong person. I whispered his name. He ignored me. I said it louder.

He snapped at me to be quiet. The room went cold. I had a choice. I grabbed the chart

and held it up. Everything stopped. He looked at me with pure hatred. Later,

he pulled me aside and told me I'd never work in this hospital again if I reported it.