CNN Report: Joan Rivers’ Doctor Took Selfie In The Procedure Room

A source close to the investigation of the death of iconic comedian Joan Rivers has told CNN that Rivers went into cardiac arrest as her personal physician began to perform a biopsy on Rivers’ vocal cords. Before?beginning the procedure, however,?the doctor?took a selfie photo in the procedure room while Rivers was under anesthesia.

Because she was suffering from a sore throat and hoarse voice, Rivers was at the clinic for an endoscopy to be performed by another doctor, gastroenterologist Dr. Lawrence Cohen, who also served as the clinic’s medical director.

After Dr. Cohen finished his procedure, a biopsy was done on Rivers by the “selfie doc” without her prior consent, the unnamed source says. From CNN:

An ear, nose and throat specialist not certified by the clinic as required by law performed a biopsy on her vocal cords. The doctor is described by the source as Rivers’ personal ear-nose-throat physician.

“Even though you are a licensed physician, you still should have, if you will, the checks and balances to get your approval to practice in that particular place,” said Dr. Arthur Caplan, a medical ethicist at New York University’s Langone Medical Center.

As of last Thursday, the clinic is denying that a vocal cord biopsy was done at the clinic, but the clinic has confirmed that Dr. Cohen is “is not currently performing procedures…nor is he currently serving as medical director.” They have refused to comment on the source’s claims?about a selfie or a biopsy, saying that federal privacy laws prohibit them from doing so.

The unnamed source is a staff member at Manhattan’s Yorkville Endoscopy clinic where Rivers died. Joan Rivers was 81 years old.

Watch the video below. Let us know your thoughts at the Liberal America Facebook page. Sign up for our free daily newsletter to receive more great stories like this one.

h/t Liberaland


tiffany willis texas liberal america

Tiffany Willis is the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has?a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.

I had a successful career actively working with at-risk youth, people struggling with poverty and unemployment, and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. In 2011, I made the decision to pursue my dreams and become a full-time writer. Connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.