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From the standpoint of the surgical indications, this patient underwent an appropriate surgery for appropriate indications. She sustained a known though rare complication that was handled in the correct fashion, with care taken to maximize the outcome by including consultation and service transfer to otolaryngology after the complication had occurred. I am at a loss to explain the jury's verdict in this case. What I can explain, however, with full confidence, as an academic spine surgeon at two universities in the Phoenix area, and participating nationally as an Board Examiner with the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons, Dr. Pitt did in fact meet the standards of care in this case. If this case was presented to the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons Board Examiners for board recertification, Dr. Pitt would pass. I view the ultimate clinical result in this clinical case as a good. The patient had a rare complication. The surgery however was certainly indicated, and appropriately performed in a standard outpatient surgicenter venue, consistent with local and regional spine community patterns of care and consistent with the requirements of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons

Dennis G. Crandall M.D., Spine Surgeon Examiner American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
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I carefully studied Dr. Pitt's workup of this operative case that the Arizona Medical Board is considering. I reviewed radiographic images. I read most of the trial testimony. Using this very rubric we use for board certification purposes, I would have graded Dr. Pitt as 2 (expected level) or 3 (above expected level) on all 9 measures. I am happy to present this in detail to the Arizona Medical Board if required, but there is no question that he met this very high standard. Taking, for example, the complication: He recognized it, sought professional advice, executed correction, and appropriately aborted surgical instrumentation at that juncture. Many of my colleagues would agree that he actually performed "above expected level" for this unusual, but recognized, complication in revision cervical spine surgery. As to my personal knowledge of Dr. Pitt, I cannot say enough. He has excellent communication and analytic skills, empathy, and first rate technique. We have shared call for one another for 20 years, and operated jointly on occasion. He is a first-tier surgeon and trusted colleague.

James H. Maxwell M.D., Spine Surgeon, Examiner American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
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I have known Dr. Duane Pitt for over 4 years. I find him to be a well-respected doctor who is equally admired by his colleagues and the community. On occasion, I have covered for him when he was on humanitarian medical missions in the Caribbean. His clinical indications in those cases were sound, his interventions were medically appropriate, and his clinical outcomes were overwhelmingly positive... The operating room staff only has gleaming statements regarding his etiquette and his fastidious detail to patient safety. Additionally, in the past I have sent patients to him for second opinions and more complex spine surgical procedures and continue to do without any reservation.

Kunwar Singh Khalsa, M.D., Spine Surgeon
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