A 70-year-old man from Muscle Shoals, Alabama checked into a Florida hospital for a routine spleen removal. He never left. Not because of some rare complication no one could have seen coming. But because the surgeon cut out the wrong organ entirely. The spleen was never touched. The liver was gone. And William Bryan bled to death on the operating table. This is MORNINGS IN THE LAB. I'm Keith, he's Jon. Show 3043. Friday, May 8th, 2026. Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky — 44 years old — is now charged with second-degree manslaughter. Arraignment: May 19th. Medical licenses in Florida, Alabama, and New York — all revoked. We are discussing this today not for shock value, but because it demands a conversation every one of us needs to have about who we trust with our bodies.
Most of us do not question our doctors. We walk in, get a diagnosis, someone hands us a consent form, and we sign it. We assume the person across that table has done this procedure a hundred times and knows exactly what they are doing. But this case is not a one-off. Court records show Shaknovsky was also accused of removing part of a patient's pancreas during a routine adrenal gland procedure in May 2023. Then in July 2023 — he allegedly removed a section of a patient's intestine during another operation. That patient ended up in the ICU and died. Three patients. Three wrong-organ events. In roughly 14 months. That is the pattern that should make every one of us sit up straight. Accountability in medicine does not happen automatically. It happens when patients and families push for answers — and when the system is forced to respond. Beverly Bryan said she wanted criminal charges brought because, quote, "at least no one else will be hurt by this man now." That is what accountability-focused grief looks like.
Five conversation starters for your day. One — At what point does a pattern of surgical errors cross from negligence into criminal conduct? Two — Shaknovsky told colleagues Bryan died of a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm. The autopsy flatly contradicted that. How do you feel about a physician giving a false explanation after a patient's death? Three — Bryan reportedly resisted the surgery for two full days. Court documents say Shaknovsky continued to pressure him until he consented on day three. What does informed consent actually mean if a patient feels coerced? Four — Prior malpractice incidents and settlements were on record. What should hospitals be doing to catch these warning signs before another patient is harmed? Five — His statement: "It's a devastating thing which I will have to live with the rest of my life." What do you make of that response?
Some context so you understand the full picture. Laparoscopic splenectomy is a minimally invasive procedure using small incisions and a camera to locate and remove the spleen. The liver and spleen are not similar structures. Different locations. Different sizes. Different in every observable way. Post-mortem confirmed it: the spleen was intact, in its normal position, attachments undisturbed. The liver was gone. Shaknovsky graduated from Midwestern University's Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2009. Florida revoked his license in 2024. New York followed in 2025. Alabama suspended his credentials by court order shortly after Bryan's death. He settled a malpractice claim from the May 2023 pancreas incident for four hundred thousand dollars. Beverly Bryan's civil lawsuit was still unresolved at the time of his arrest.
This is where we get practical — because being a pro at life means being your own best medical advocate. BAPL is not just about the gym or the morning routine. It is about protecting your longevity at every level. Including in a hospital room. Before any elective surgery: ask your surgeon directly — how many times have you personally performed this exact procedure? Not the department. Not the team. You. If you feel pressured to consent faster than feels right — you are allowed to slow down. You are allowed to say no. Get a second opinion. Not as an insult. As a standard you apply to your own body. Bring someone with you who can advocate loudly if you cannot. Research your surgeon. State medical boards publish license status, disciplinary actions, and malpractice settlements. It is all public record. William Bryan wanted to go home. He felt pressured and eventually relented. Your instincts about your own body matter. Speak up.
Reflection question for today. When did you last actually research a doctor before putting your life in their hands? Not just a star rating on a review site — but their license history, disciplinary record, board certifications. Most of us do more research buying a car than choosing a surgeon. That is not a character flaw. It is a system that makes this information hard to find and harder to act on. But self-improvement and a healthy lifestyle include the unglamorous work of being an informed patient. Peak performance does not mean much if you are not here to show up for it.
We want to hear from this community. Have you ever pushed back on a doctor? Switched surgeons before a procedure? Asked the hard questions in a medical setting? Drop your experience in the comments. These honest, specific, uncomfortable conversations are exactly why this daily accountability partner exists. And if this story reminded you why you stay sharp and informed — share it. Someone in your circle needs to hear it.
Beverly Bryan said she hopes no one else gets hurt by this man. The way we honor that is by taking our own healthcare seriously. Ask the questions. Do the research. Push back when something feels wrong. Being a pro at life — BAPL — means showing up for yourself in every arena. Including the ones where the stakes are as high as they get. Stay accountable. Stay sharp. Stay informed. We will see you Monday.
BAPL. Be a pro at life. Live morning show. Daily accountability partner. Accountability. Fitness. Healthy lifestyle. Peak performance. Longevity. Self-improvement. Community.