Life After “Death”: Lethal Surgeon Sentenced to Prison

Overview

Dr. Christopher Duntsch has been nicknamed “Dr. Death” and is the first known surgeon sentenced to life in prison due to gross malpractice. From 2011 – 2013, Dr. Duntsch reportedly maimed 33 patients, with two of them later dying after surgery, while working at hospitals in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. In 2015, Duntsch was indicted on five counts of aggravated assault and one count of harming an elderly person, and in 2017, he was sentenced to life in prison. In 2021, two additional patients passed away due to complications from his surgeries – including Duntsch’s childhood friend Jerry Summers. Dr. Phil speaks with individuals directly impacted by Dr. Duntsch, including a surviving victim, medical professionals, and a woman who once viewed Dr. Duntsch as her “second son.”