Patient-172
No Medical Care and None of His Prescription Medications for 8 days at Sunrise Hospital
Patient-172 went to Sunrise Hospital with a broken leg. The entire experience was extremely unprofessional. Dr. Hubert was very difficult to deal with and would not provide adequate information so the patient could make an informed decision. The patient felt her life was in jeopardy, so she left "against medical advice." She went to a different hospital where she was given proper medical care.
Patient-172 went to Sunrise Hospital with a broken leg.
Here is the patient's story:
The entire experience was extremely unprofessional. I felt so unsafe that I left “against medical advice."
I was transferred to Sunrise hospital for a broken tibia 3/14/26. I saw the surgeon Dr Hubert the next morning 3/15/26.
Dr. Hubert immediately told me that he was putting a rod inside my leg. He did not provide me with any alterative options such as a plate or non-surgical splinting. He did not adequately explain to me the benefits or drawbacks of having a rod inserted into my leg.
When I asked him about my X-ray, he told me that the break was “clean” but that a rod was necessary and that "if you were my sister, I would tell you the same thing.”
When I asked why we couldn’t splint my leg instead, he said that this was the standard medical practice now. His answers provided me with no information and he was extremely dismissive.
When I asked for other options, he told me that there were none.
I had to use the bedpan while he was there, and he watched me through the curtain as I relieved myself. I felt extremely undignified and completely helpless.
Without any real information, I declined to have the rod put in me.
My husband then asked Dr. Hubert if there were any way to keep my fracture from getting infected. Dr. Hubert replied, “yes there are” but did not explain any methods.
My husband had to further ask him, “so how can we do that?” Dr. Hubert replied, “We can clean it, but I was going to do that anyway when I put in the rod.” He then left.
That was the last time I saw him.
The nurse then came back and had a form for me to fill out for “irrigation and debridement.” I then asked her if he could stabilize my leg during cleaning, so I could return home.
The nurse left and came back after speaking to Dr. Hubert and replied, “Dr. Hubert will only stabilize your leg if he can put a rod in it.”
I declined once more and was put under anesthesia. When the anesthesia wore off, I was put back into my room.
Dr. Hubert never came to talk to me or my husband after the procedure.
The entire experience was extremely unprofessional. I felt so unsafe that I left “against medical advice” Monday 3/16/26. I was not informed of any risks of leaving the hospital.
I truly felt my quality of life was in jeopardy, and I needed to leave for my safety.
I was given no antibiotics or pain medicine for the drive back to my home hospital, even though I was told I would be.
We drove straight to another emergency room, and I was given detailed explanations of all of my options and professional medical care. It was a stark contrast to my experience at Sunrise Hospital with Dr Hubert.
I ultimately opted to have a rod placed in my tibia, but I did it in an informed manner.
The doctors seemed to care very little for me as a patient or a person.
Know the Signs of Unethical and
Unprofessional Doctors
When looking for a medical professional to trust with your health, look for positive, reliable qualities — and look out for warning signs of shady or unprofessional behavior.
Find a physician who listens and takes your complaints seriously. When a doctor completely ignores or dismisses your concerns or opinions, you may put yourself in danger.
Discriminatory Behavior
If a doctor cherry-picks their patients and refuses to treat some of them based on their race or gender, they're violating a code of ethics laid out by the medical profession. Some doctors are more dismissive of women's health concerns than those of male patients, for example. Whether intentionally discriminatory or not, you want a doctor who will not dismiss you based on gender or race.
Obscuring the Truth
Your doctor is responsible for being up-front and transparent with you about your treatment. The American Medical Association's Code of Medical Ethics clearly states that a doctor should be honest and open with patients. As a patient, you have a right to know your current and past medical condition.
A good physician discusses all available options and listens to the patient's concerns. Doctors should explain why any treatment or surgery is necessary and review other options. Good doctors recommend you get a second opinion before completing serious surgical procedures.
However, if your doctor insists on surgery without exhausting other treatment options, they may be performing an unnecessary surgical procedure that can leave you with complications.
Some doctors recommend unnecessary tests and surgeries purely to earn additional money. Millions of people are ordered screenings, scans, and even surgeries with little or no medical benefit. Everything from duplicate blood tests to unnecessary joint replacements, look for things that might not make sense.
Keep in mind that sometimes there are sound medical reasons for additional testing. Ask questions and seek a second opinion if you question something.
Confidentiality Breaches
HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is no joke in the medical field. If a doctor discusses other patients' personal health information in your presence, you can't guarantee that they're not equally cavalier with your information. Choose a doctor who takes confidentiality seriously.
Not Respecting Your Time
We understand doctors are busy, and sometimes emergencies happen. But if a doctor is always late and has no concern for the value of your time, you should look for another doctor.
Any doctor who speeds through their exam with you is also not doing their job. Make sure the doctor takes the time with you that who you need and desire. If they don't, go elsewhere.
Office Staff Less Than Professional
While not always true, a doctor's staff reflects them. The receptionists and other support staff are the links between you and the doctor; they need to treat you professionally as well; if not, it could be reflective of the doctor.
Sexual Advances
Most doctors are appropriate with how they conduct themselves, but there are times they cross the line. A doctor's sexual advances toward a patient are never ok, even if 'consensual.' Sexual misconduct should never be tolerated. Unwanted sexual advances can also cause severe psychological harm.
This type of behavior is unethical and usually illegal. If questionable conduct occurs, get yourself out of the situation, report it, and find a new doctor.
The Right Doctor is Vital
Choosing the right doctor is a significant life decision, more important than buying a house or a car. Put your health in trustworthy hands by knowing how to spot an unethical doctor, and steer clear of any physician who dismisses your concerns.
Be sure to speak up and express concerns with your doctor. If something doesn't feel right, go elsewhere.
Remember, as a patient, you are a consumer. The doctor works for you, and you can choose to select the doctor that meets your needs.
The same thinking should be applied when reviewing hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health care providers. Whether these providers are yours - or a loved one - you should always expect professionalism.
Never accept mediocrity, unprofessional or unethical behavior. You and your loved ones deserve better.
Patient-172 went to Sunrise Hospital with a broken leg. The entire experience was extremely unprofessional. Dr. Hubert was very difficult to deal with and would not provide adequate information so the patient could make an informed decision. The patient felt her life was in jeopardy, so she left "against medical advice." She went to a different hospital where she was given proper medical care.