How Many Other Families Were Destroyed by The Practices Of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg?
Oct 12, 2023, 07:00 PM
Is there a boundary between a medical professional's power and the infringement on a patient's rights?
In a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," hosted by Tony Brueski, former FBI Special Agent and Hidden Killers Daily Contributor Jennifer Coffindaffer shed light on a disturbing case involving a young girl named Maya Kowalski and the unsettling events she experienced at the esteemed Johns Hopkins Hospital.
The episode focused on testimony from Betty, one of the therapists who closely monitored Maya during her 90-day stay at the institution. Betty's alarming testimony highlighted her taking inappropriate photographs of Maya and eavesdropping on her confidential conversations with family and legal representatives. Even more concerning was her claim that these intrusive actions were directives from the Department of Children and Family Services.
Brueski stated, "You can't believe the treatment of this child." He further emphasized the extreme autonomy given to professionals in such cases, potentially leading to abuse of power and grave mishandling.
This unsettling revelation extends beyond just the actions of one individual. The episode brought up the hospital's reputation with Coffindaffer pointing out, "You hear the term Johns Hopkins and you think, oh, that's going to be a good one." Yet, it seems some bad apples tainted the name of this otherwise esteemed institution.
Specifically, the focus shifted to Dr. Smith, who reportedly exercised undue power, making decisions about Maya's care and restricting her family's access without external checks or balances. Brueski expressed his disbelief, asking, "How on earth did they get to that point where they're able to yield? Such blind power."
The emotional toll these actions took on Maya's family is immeasurable. The gravity of the situation was magnified when it was revealed that Maya's mother took her own life, possibly due to the belief that she'd never be reunited with her daughter.
As details unravelled, even more astonishing behaviors were recounted. Jack Kowalski, Maya's father, provided testimony that Betty would slap Maya's leg despite her being in excruciating pain. Furthermore, Betty reportedly told Maya she wanted to adopt her while undermining Maya's mother.
The lingering question is why? Why did Johns Hopkins staff overlook Maya's extensive medical history and treatments, choosing instead their own course of action? Coffindaffer surmised, "I think part of it was ignorance on the diagnosis she had... And then, I think there's so much with, as you said, the name Johns Hopkins, this reputation they have, and so at a certain point it became, we're right." This suggests a potential arrogance or "God complex" within the institution.
The alarming actions of Dr. Smith were further discussed, with past instances of her questionable decisions highlighted. Despite the numerous accusations against her, Dr. Smith seemingly dismissed them, comparing her track record to an airline with a minimal crash record.
A pivotal point of discussion was whether the actions taken at Johns Hopkins extended beyond civil misconduct and entered the realm of criminality. Coffindaffer highlighted the complexities of determining this, as Dr. Smith could argue she acted in good faith, given her experience and conviction in her decisions.
However, for the families affected, justice might seem elusive. Many might still be out there, too afraid or traumatized to come forward after their ordeals. Brueski and Coffindaffer both expressed hopes that lessons would be learned from Maya's tragic story.
As the curtains fall on another revealing episode of Hidden Killers, one can't help but ponder - how many more hidden stories are out there, and how do we ensure they see the light of day?
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In a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," hosted by Tony Brueski, former FBI Special Agent and Hidden Killers Daily Contributor Jennifer Coffindaffer shed light on a disturbing case involving a young girl named Maya Kowalski and the unsettling events she experienced at the esteemed Johns Hopkins Hospital.
The episode focused on testimony from Betty, one of the therapists who closely monitored Maya during her 90-day stay at the institution. Betty's alarming testimony highlighted her taking inappropriate photographs of Maya and eavesdropping on her confidential conversations with family and legal representatives. Even more concerning was her claim that these intrusive actions were directives from the Department of Children and Family Services.
Brueski stated, "You can't believe the treatment of this child." He further emphasized the extreme autonomy given to professionals in such cases, potentially leading to abuse of power and grave mishandling.
This unsettling revelation extends beyond just the actions of one individual. The episode brought up the hospital's reputation with Coffindaffer pointing out, "You hear the term Johns Hopkins and you think, oh, that's going to be a good one." Yet, it seems some bad apples tainted the name of this otherwise esteemed institution.
Specifically, the focus shifted to Dr. Smith, who reportedly exercised undue power, making decisions about Maya's care and restricting her family's access without external checks or balances. Brueski expressed his disbelief, asking, "How on earth did they get to that point where they're able to yield? Such blind power."
The emotional toll these actions took on Maya's family is immeasurable. The gravity of the situation was magnified when it was revealed that Maya's mother took her own life, possibly due to the belief that she'd never be reunited with her daughter.
As details unravelled, even more astonishing behaviors were recounted. Jack Kowalski, Maya's father, provided testimony that Betty would slap Maya's leg despite her being in excruciating pain. Furthermore, Betty reportedly told Maya she wanted to adopt her while undermining Maya's mother.
The lingering question is why? Why did Johns Hopkins staff overlook Maya's extensive medical history and treatments, choosing instead their own course of action? Coffindaffer surmised, "I think part of it was ignorance on the diagnosis she had... And then, I think there's so much with, as you said, the name Johns Hopkins, this reputation they have, and so at a certain point it became, we're right." This suggests a potential arrogance or "God complex" within the institution.
The alarming actions of Dr. Smith were further discussed, with past instances of her questionable decisions highlighted. Despite the numerous accusations against her, Dr. Smith seemingly dismissed them, comparing her track record to an airline with a minimal crash record.
A pivotal point of discussion was whether the actions taken at Johns Hopkins extended beyond civil misconduct and entered the realm of criminality. Coffindaffer highlighted the complexities of determining this, as Dr. Smith could argue she acted in good faith, given her experience and conviction in her decisions.
However, for the families affected, justice might seem elusive. Many might still be out there, too afraid or traumatized to come forward after their ordeals. Brueski and Coffindaffer both expressed hopes that lessons would be learned from Maya's tragic story.
As the curtains fall on another revealing episode of Hidden Killers, one can't help but ponder - how many more hidden stories are out there, and how do we ensure they see the light of day?
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com