For the past five years, Dr. Jeffrey Monash, a respected bariatric and wound care surgeon in Tucson, Arizona, has been the target of a misleading legal battle and media attacks. The truth is clear: the case against him lacks medical negligence, so it is built on misrepresentations, legal pressure, and a trial filled with errors.
“I told my dad when I was 5 that I was going to be a surgeon. I have dedicated my career to helping people live healthier, live happier, and live longer. It is staggering to see how the actual facts in this case are buried under false accusations. Even more so, it is egregious to attack me personally.” said Dr. Monash. “The facts matter, and I will not allow this plaintiff’s attorney to pressure me to settle.”
The Truth About the Case
🔹 No Surgical Negligence – Independent tests and medical reviews confirmed there was no evidence of surgical errors or complications related to the patient’s death.
🔹 Baseless Impairment Claims – The judge allowed Dr. Monash’s ex-wife to testify about false claims that she made three years prior in order to obtain parenting time. To try and substantiate her claims, the plaintiff’s attorney took depositions from every person Dr. Monash worked with at TMC. After 23 depositions, not a single doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider testified to ever seeing or having any concerns of impairment.
🔹 The Trial Was Flawed – Court records show that 80% of the evidence presented at trial had nothing to do with the actual patient’s case. The trial judge allowed in misleading information that was irrelevant to the medical facts, and the juror’s that voted against Dr. Monash admitted that it was not related to his medical care, but cited false claims from his ex-wife. The jurors that voted in favor of Dr. Monash admitted that there was no evidence that the patient died from negligent care.
🔹 False Mortality Reporting – The plaintiff’s attorney hired a doctor to falsify Dr. Monash’s mortality rate in order to distract the jury, and make him look bad. He failed to report Dr. Monash’s actual mortality rate of 5 in 5500 bariatric surgeries, less than half the national average.
🔹 The Case is Under Appeal – Legal experts say that the verdict is likely to be overturned due to major legal errors and a lack of medical basis. “The court allowed prejudicial and irrelevant evidence that had no place in a medical malpractice trial,” said Christopher J. Smith, Esq., a legal expert representing Dr. Monash. “When we remove the noise and focus on the facts, the evidence simply does not support the claims made against him.”
Where is Due Process for Doctors?
The Lawyer Behind the Case is Using Media Pressure, Not Facts
Rather than letting the legal process play out, the lawyer behind this case has turned to the media to apply pressure on Dr. Monash to settle.
“This is a common tactic in high-profile cases,” said legal analyst Monica Kozan. “When attorneys know their case is weak, they try to pressure the other side by using media exposure rather than facts and legal arguments.”
The recent KOLD-TV coverage is one-sided and misleading, leaving out key facts about the case. The journalist leading the story even admitted, before speaking to Dr. Monash, that nothing he said would change the direction of the story.
A Message of Gratitude
Despite the false claims and media attacks, Dr. Monash has received overwhelming support from his patients, former patients, colleagues, and the Tucson community.
“The messages, calls, and letters of support have meant the world to me,” said Dr. Monash. “I’ve spent my career putting my patients first, and hearing from so many of you reminds me why I do what I do.”
The medical community, patients, and experts continue to stand by Dr. Monash, recognizing his dedication and commitment to patient care. They have evaluated this case based on the medical record, not false claims.
Standing for the Truth
Dr. Monash remains focused on continuing his work at Tucson Bariatric and the Wound Center of Tucson, helping patients improve their health and quality of life.
“I will not be intimidated by false accusations,” he said. “My commitment to my patients and my community is unwavering, and I will continue to fight for the truth.”
