Medical Malpractice #5 THE CAUSE OF JOAN RIVERS’ DEATH By Saba Hashemian, Year 12 North London Collegiate
Joan Alexandra Molinsky, better known as Joan Rivers, was an American comedian, actress, writer, producer and television host. Having appeared on programmes such as Fashion Police, Drop Dead Diva and The Late Show, she was noted for her controversial, outspoken and acerbic nature. In September of 2014 however, Joan died, following a procedure for the treatment of voice changes and acid reflux. Initially, the medical examiner’s office ruled her passing as a ‘therapeutic complication’, implying that her death was an accepted possible outcome of the procedure. This conclusion primarily ruled out any concern regarding medical error or malpractice, however an inquiry into her death revealed discrepancies surrounding the true cause of her fatality.
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