The popular veterinarian and star of Nat Geo Wild’s “The Incredible Dr. Pol,” Jan Pol, DVM, has faced a setback as the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled against him last month. This decision supports the state’s initial move to place the 77-year-old Doctor Pol on professional probation due to negligence, according to official court documents.
This ruling reaffirms a 2018 order from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The order originally placed Dr. Pol under probation for alleged negligence during a dog surgery and the treatment of a horse’s injury.
Case Timeline: Scrutiny and Allegations Against Doctor Pol
The legal proceedings began in 2013 after a viewer of “The Incredible Dr. Pol” raised concerns about the veterinarian’s surgical procedure during a dog ovariohysterectomy. Following an investigation, the state attorney general filed a formal complaint against Doctor Pol. The accusations included several procedural lapses: failure to intubate the dog during surgery, not using electronic monitoring equipment, difficulties in locating the dog’s uterus without assistance, and not wearing standard surgical attire like a cap, mask, and gown.
Image of Doctor Pol examining a dog
Alt text: Doctor Jan Pol, DVM, of “The Incredible Dr. Pol,” in his veterinary practice, amidst ongoing probation controversy.
Adding to the scrutiny, in 2015, another complaint was filed by horse owners. They claimed Doctor Pol did not use a cap, gown, or gloves while treating a laceration on their horse’s leg. Furthermore, they alleged he neglected to trim the hair around the wound before treatment.
Initially, an administrative law judge reviewed both complaints and concluded that the state had not successfully proven negligence or incompetence in Doctor Pol’s animal care. However, LARA officials partially overruled this decision. They placed Doctor Pol on probation for a period between one day and one year. The reasons cited were “failure to intubate the dog during the procedure, failure to wear a surgical mask and gown, and failure to clip the hair around the horse’s wound before suturing.”
As part of the disciplinary action, Doctor Pol was mandated to serve probation, cover all associated costs, and complete continuing education courses focusing on small animal surgical preparation and monitoring, as well as aseptic techniques for both small and large animals.
Doctor Pol contested LARA’s order, but the appeals court upheld the original decision in their ruling on December 19th.
A History of Challenges: Doctor Pol Versus LARA
This recent case is not an isolated incident for Doctor Pol. In 2012, he was also placed on probation related to a 2010 incident where he was accused of misinterpreting a canine ultrasound. Additionally, in 2014, a separate complaint from another veterinarian alleged that Doctor Pol did not wear sterile surgical attire while operating on a Boston terrier injured by a car. LARA responded to this complaint by ordering Doctor Pol to pay a $500 fine and undergo a year of probation. However, in 2016, the Michigan Court of Appeals overturned this disciplinary action, deeming the presented evidence insufficient.
The Future for “The Incredible Dr. Pol”
Doctor Pol, who has been a practicing veterinarian in rural Michigan since the 1970s, boasts a career treating over 20,000 animals, according to IMDb. His popular TV show follows his daily practice, showcasing his diverse patient list from domestic pets to farm animals across rural Michigan. The show is currently airing its 16th season.
Despite the recent legal setback, Doctor Pol retains a strong base of supporters, and past disciplinary actions against him have been successfully appealed. His attorney, Christopher S. Patterson, JD, remains confident, stating that the ongoing appeals process will not negatively impact the TV show. Patterson commented to dvm360, “This case demonstrates how the Michigan Veterinary Board makes arbitrary decisions. The Board even agreed that Dr. Pol’s care was competent. We have had these issues with the Board previously, which resulted in the Michigan Court of Appeals reversing the Board for arbitrary and capricious decision-making. Dr. Pol will continue to challenge the Board until a fair and rational process is used for review of veterinary care.”
