How Johns Hopkins Went Off the Rails Caring For Maya Kowalski

Oct 20, 2023, 05:00 PM

When parents walk into a healthcare facility, their primary concern is the well-being and safety of their child. So what happens when the healthcare system they're relying on seems to fall short in its duty, or even worse, becomes entangled in a power struggle? A recent discussion on the podcast "Hidden Killers" between Tony Brueski and psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott delved into these grave concerns.
 
 Tony brought to light a specific case wherein a mother, Maya's mother to be exact, approached a hospital with significant concern for her child. The urgency in her demeanor and her narrative led to tensions and confrontations with the hospital staff. But beyond these initial reactions, what became of particular concern was the hospital's alleged lapse in their duties.
 
 Scott states, "Ethically, we, all healthcare professionals, are supposed to consult and collaborate." Yet, in this instance, collaboration appeared to be absent. According to the psychotherapist, while many doctors are pressured by time and heavy caseloads, quality standard care dictates that doctors should consult and collaborate, especially when it concerns a child's welfare.
 
 The scenario took a turn for the worse when a child welfare advocate, identified as Miss Betty, became involved. Tony points out a disturbing history associated with Miss Betty, including an incident where she had reportedly kneeled on a child, resulting in her being fired and a significant financial settlement to the victim. The pertinent question then becomes: why was she allowed anywhere near vulnerable children in a professional setting?
 
 The aftermath of the conflict was even more tragic. Maya's mother, overwhelmed with the situation and possibly battling mental health challenges, took her own life. Scott provides a professional insight, stating, "to suicide is really one of the greatest forms of child abuse you can commit." This extreme measure undoubtedly leaves a profound mark on the child, with Maya likely grappling with thoughts that if she hadn't fallen ill, her mother would still be alive.
 
 Such a sequence of events paints a bleak picture of the ripple effects when professional duties are not diligently executed or when families are not provided the support they direly need. It's a stark reminder of the responsibilities that healthcare professionals, child welfare advocates, and hospitals hold. These entities must ensure that their actions and decisions are grounded in the best interest of the child and family, devoid of power struggles or personal biases.
 
 As the case continues to unfold, with investigations and deeper dives into the intricacies of what transpired, the global community is left to ponder: How many more such tragic cases are lurking in the shadows due to systemic flaws?
 
 In a world where trust in medical institutions is paramount, can we afford such lapses in duty and judgment?
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