Seattle Doctor Allegedly Sexting During Surgery – What Was He Thinking!?

At Phillips Law Firm, we care about our clients.  We care about those people whose lives have been impacted by the careless and negligent acts of others.  Our firm works tirelessly to help ensure that these acts are condemned and those injured from the acts are delivered respite and reprieve.

In this aim, we would like to introduce a new monthly component to our blog.  Each and every month, we will highlight a professional or citizen that allegedly acted with undue care, negligence or complete disrespect for those under his guidance, treatment, or dependence upon safety.

We highlight these people to help convey what safety truly requires.  Our emphasis on these people is also aimed at deterring acts of complete unprofessionalism and acts of pure miscalculation that could easily give rise to danger or injustice.  The individuals we will highlight are those that would make any reasonable person stand up and scream…. What Was He Thinking!?

Arthur Zilberstein…What Were You Thinking!?

Arthur Zilberstein is a 47 year-old Seattle doctor.  In particular, he’s an anesthesiologist who practiced at Swedish Medical Center.  His license to practice medicine was suspended in early June for allegations of “lack of focus” and putting patients at risk.  Lack of focus might be an understatement.

The allegations surfaced amid accusations that Mr. Zilberstein sexted during surgeries that he performed or was a part of.  According to the Washington State Department of Health, Mr. Zilberstein exchanged nearly 250 text messages of a sexual innuendo while performing various procedures (e.g., Cesarean deliveries, pediatric appendectomies, epidurals, tubal ligations, and cardiac-probe insertions).  Here are a few examples to help clarify.

• During a single cardiac probe insertion procedure, Mr. Zilberstein allegedly exchanged 26 text messages, all of a sexual nature.
• During a stomach surgery, he allegedly exchanged 45 sexual related texts in less than an hour and a half.
• During one Cesarean procedure, he allegedly exchanged 18 texts with sexual innuendo.  One text expressed, “I’m hella busy with C sections.”

And, Then there Are the Selfies

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Mr. Zilberstein is not only accused of sending text messages of a sexual nature while performing medical procedures.  He’s also being accused of sending X-rated “selfies,” or cell phone pictures of himself cast in a sexually provocative depiction .  For example, in one such alleged picture, Mr. Zilberstein sent a selfie while wearing hospital scrubs and a badge with his genitals exposed.

And, Then there is the Patient and Sex Issue

Yes, it gets even worse.  Many of Mr. Zilberstein’s text messages and selfies were sent to the same woman.  This woman just so happens to be one of Mr. Zilberstein’s patients.  He not only sent texts and selfies to her cell phone, but he also invited her to visit the hospital for sex.

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The two allegedly would arrange to meet in the doctor’s lounge or hospital call room for sexual encounters.  On one occasion, Mr. Zilberstein even invited his patient to park in the doctor’s parking lot to avoid paying for parking.  According to statements made in the case, Mr. Zilberstein initially obtained his “patient’s” medical records “not for medical purposes, but in order to view images of her for his own sexual gratification.”

And, Then there are the Prescribed Drugs

Yes, and even worse.  In addition to the above allegations, Mr. Zilberstein is also being accused of prescribing drugs without keeping or maintaining sufficient medical records.  Let’s do some math here people.  Follow the equation with us:

Sexting + X-rated selfies + Sex with a patient + Questionable prescription practices

Equals

Concerns, Issues, Problems, Bewilderment and Severe Dangers

Arthur Zilberstein attended medical school at UC-San Diego.  He completed his residency at the University of Washington.  He received his license to practice medicine from Washington State in 1995.  He will not be permitted to practice medicine in Washington until his charges are resolved.

We Have to Ask it Again

Mr. Zilberstein…What were you thinking!?  If the allegations above are proven true, Mr. Zilberstein could possibly lose his license to practice medicine for the rest of his life.  Further, even though there is no indication that anyone was immediately hurt by his alleged acts, Mr. Zilberstein’s actions could have easily placed the lives of his patients in danger.  Mr. Zilberstein’s allegations, if true, could have easily resulted in a number of suits involving negligence and medical malpractice.

The Phillips Law Firm does not, in any way, seek to make light of the above allegations.  We discuss them merely as a means to protect the safety of our clients and our fellow citizens.  All of us entrust our care with countless professionals every single week of our lives.  We should be able to rely on these professionals for competent and compassionate service.  Our firm delivers this service; and, we get a little upset when others cannot.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have been harmed or threatened when dealing with a medical professional.  We’re here to help in whatever manner we can!

Real People. Real Justice. (800) 708-6000