Last month, a Michigan Court of Appeals decision upheld the state’s ruling to place celebrity veterinarian Dr. Jan Pol, the charismatic 77-year-old star of Nat Geo Wild’s The Incredible Dr. Pol, on professional probation. This ruling, according to court documents, stems from a negligence case, marking another chapter in Dr. Pol’s long and eventful career. This article delves into the details of the recent court decision, Dr. Pol’s age-defying energy, his history of legal challenges, and what this means for the beloved veterinarian and his popular show.
Dr. Jan Pol, star of The Incredible Dr. Pol, in a field.
The Michigan Court of Appeals’ recent decision reinforces a 2018 order from the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). This order initially placed Dr. Pol on probation due to alleged negligence during surgery on a dog and treatment of a horse’s wound. The court’s affirmation means Dr. Pol, even at his current age, must comply with the probationary terms set forth by LARA.
The Cases Against Dr. Pol: Dog Surgery and Horse Treatment
The legal proceedings against Dr. Pol trace back to 2013. A viewer of his television show raised concerns about the veterinarian’s technique during an ovariohysterectomy performed on a dog. Subsequently, the Michigan Attorney General launched an investigation, leading to a formal complaint against Dr. Pol. The accusations included several procedural oversights: failure to intubate the dog during surgery, not utilizing an electronic monitoring device throughout the procedure, neglecting to seek assistance in locating the dog’s uterus, and not wearing standard surgical attire such as a cap, mask, and gown.
Adding to the legal pressure, in 2015, a separate complaint was filed by horse owners. They alleged that during the treatment of a laceration on their horse’s leg, Dr. Pol again failed to wear a cap, gown, or gloves. Furthermore, they claimed he did not adequately prepare the wound site by trimming the horse’s hair before suturing.
An administrative law judge initially reviewed both complaints. The judge concluded that the state had not successfully demonstrated negligence or incompetence on Dr. Pol’s part in either the dog or horse cases. However, LARA officials contested a portion of this proposed decision. They ultimately placed Dr. Pol on probation for a period ranging from one day to a year. The specific points of contention leading to probation were the failure to intubate the dog, not wearing a surgical mask and gown during the dog’s surgery, and neglecting to clip the hair around the horse’s wound before suturing.
The stipulations of Dr. Pol’s probation included a probationary period, financial responsibility for all associated costs, and mandatory continuing education. This education was to focus on crucial areas such as small animal surgical preparation and monitoring, as well as aseptic techniques for both small and large animals. Despite his age and extensive experience, Dr. Pol was required to adhere to these measures.
Dr. Pol contested LARA’s order, appealing the decision. However, the appeals court upheld the original ruling on December 19th, adding another layer to the ongoing legal saga surrounding the seasoned veterinarian.
A History of Scrutiny: Dr. Pol’s Battles with LARA
This recent ruling isn’t the first instance of Dr. Pol facing scrutiny regarding his veterinary practices. In 2012, he was placed on probation related to a 2010 incident where he was accused of misinterpreting a canine ultrasound. Further back, in 2014, another veterinarian filed a complaint concerning Dr. Pol’s surgical procedures on a Boston terrier injured in a car accident. The accusation in this case was again centered on the lack of sterile surgical attire. LARA initially responded to this complaint by ordering Dr. Pol to pay a $500 fine and serve a year of probation. However, in 2016, the Michigan Court of Appeals reversed this disciplinary action, citing insufficient evidence to support the claims.
These past events highlight a recurring pattern of challenges Dr. Pol has faced with the Michigan Veterinary Board and LARA throughout his long career, even as he continues to practice at an age when many consider retirement.
The Future of ‘The Incredible Dr. Pol’ and Dr. Pol’s Practice
Dr. Pol, a veterinarian practicing in rural Michigan since the 1970s, has reportedly treated over 20,000 animals throughout his career. His television show, The Incredible Dr. Pol, showcases his demanding yet rewarding work, following him as he provides care to a diverse range of animals across rural Michigan. The show is currently in its 16th season, maintaining considerable popularity.
Despite the recent legal setback and his age, Dr. Pol retains a strong base of support. The reversal of previous disciplinary actions suggests a resilience in his career and legal defenses. His attorney, Christopher S. Patterson, JD, downplayed concerns about the impact of the appeals process on the TV show. Patterson stated to dvm360 that the case illustrates “arbitrary decisions” by the Michigan Veterinary Board. He emphasized that the Board itself acknowledged Dr. Pol’s competence in care. Patterson further added, “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.”
This ongoing legal battle, juxtaposed with Dr. Pol’s advanced age and continued dedication to his practice and television show, paints a picture of a resilient and determined individual. His future, both in his practice and on television, remains a topic of interest for his many followers.
