L.A. Law (TV Series)

Blood, Sweat and Fears (1990)

Franc Luz: Dr. Michael Dayan

Quotes 

• Victor Sifuentes : And so you were the first doctor to examine this patient?

  Dr. Michael Dayan : Yes. Uh, I don't usually work in the ER, but I was on call that night and through a series of other emergencies, I happen to be there when they brought Mr. Parral in.

  Victor Sifuentes : And you diagnosed Mr. Parral having a ruptured spleen?

  Dr. Michael Dayan : It wasn't ruptured, but the cat scan revealed a severe contusion and a lot of blood in the abdomen, that's why I scheduled surgery.

  Victor Sifuentes : And then you decided not to operate, is that right?

  Dr. Michael Dayan : Yes, I had noticed during the initial examination that he was somewhat emaciated and then during prep, I saw the purple lesions on his skin and the advanced yeast infection in his mouth. I knew then that he had AIDS.

  Victor Sifuentes : And that is why you declined to operate?

  Dr. Michael Dayan : Yes, sir. I will treat AIDS patients. But I will not perform surgery.

  Victor Sifuentes : Why not, Doctor?

  Dr. Michael Dayan : Because I would be exposing myself and my team to an infectious disease that is almost always fatal.

  Victor Sifuentes : But can't you wear protective clothing?

  Dr. Michael Dayan : It's very common for surgeons to get cuts and Nick's on their hands while they're performing the procedure.

  Victor Sifuentes : Dr. Dayan, when this patient went into shock, you knew that if you didn't operate right away, he was going to die?

  Dr. Michael Dayan : Yes. And every single day, I'm haunted by the memory of watching him die. I stood there and watched it, but I also knew given his weakened immune system, that there was a chance that he wouldn't survive the procedure, and when I considered that along with the fact that it's a bloody operation and that I would be risking my own life as well. I made my decision. How am I conflicted about this? Absolutely. Was I wrong? I don't think so.

  Victor Sifuentes : Thank you, Doctor. Nothing further.

• Mark Gilliam : Dr. Dayan... you let a man die because he had AIDS?

  Dr. Michael Dayan : I decline to operate because I didn't want to die of AIDS.

  Mark Gilliam : Well, what exactly are the odds of contracting aids in that way, Doctor?

  Dr. Michael Dayan : Laws are only significant if you're willing to gamble, Counselor, I'm not.

  Mark Gilliam : Ever, uh, operate on a patient who was infected with Hepatitis B?

  Dr. Michael Dayan : Yes.

  Mark Gilliam : Well, I'm confused, is there? Hepatitis B is a deadly disease which is more easily transmitted than the HIV virus. You don't mind dying from hepatitis?

  Dr. Michael Dayan : First of all, Hepatitis B is not always fatal. There is a treatment for Hepatitis B. There is no cure for AIDS. If you get it, you died.

  Mark Gilliam : Well, over 200 healthcare workers die every year from Hepatitis B. Only 19 have ever contracted the HIX virus from job exposure and none have died.

  Dr. Michael Dayan : We don't know how many doctors have contracted the HIV virus. This disease has a long incubation period, Counselor, there could be thousands of healthcare workers out there who have this disease and don't know it.

  Mark Gilliam : Warren and Susan Parrel counted on you. They went to the hospital for help and what they got was a doctor who discriminates against patients on the basis of what diseases they have.

  Dr. Michael Dayan : [Pointing the finger]  Do you see those kids over there, Counselor? They count on me, too. They count on having a father around when they grow up.

  Mark Gilliam : You took a note to save lives, and you let him die?

  Dr. Michael Dayan : He was going to die anyway.

  Mark Gilliam : So are we all, Doctor. We're all just trying to put that day off for as long as we can.

  Dr. Michael Dayan : Have you ever been in an OR, Counselor? We are passing around razor sharp instruments that can cut through your gloves that can cut your hand.

  Mark Gilliam : Move to strike.

  Dr. Michael Dayan : And if you're asking me to risk my life to buy three extra months for a man who's likely to spend them an excruciating agony? Yes. It's not worth it.