Podcast Summary: "Nobody Should Believe Me" - Case Files 18: Rady Children’s Part 2

Introduction

In the eighteenth installment of "Nobody Should Believe Me," hosted by Andrea Dunlop of True Story Media, the focus shifts to a complex and emotionally charged lawsuit against Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. This episode delves deeper into the tragic case of Madison Meyer, whose prolonged medical investigations and subsequent legal battles shed light on the dark and often misunderstood realm of Munchausen by Proxy (MBP) abuse.

Background and Case Overview

The episode resumes from where the first part left off, introducing listeners to Madison Meyer, a young patient grappling with a series of mysterious medical symptoms. Initially suffering from shoulder dislocations, Madison's condition deteriorates, leading to multiple hospital admissions and a diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). Her journey takes a significant turn when she is transferred to Rady Children’s Hospital after initial evaluations at Kaiser Permanente.

Key Medical Insights

Dr. Shailene Nienow, a child abuse pediatrician at Rady Children’s, provides an in-depth analysis of Madison’s medical journey. She outlines the specialized diagnoses Madison received in New York from Dr. Paolo Bolognese, a neurosurgeon focusing on the connections between Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and conditions like Chiari malformation and tethered cord syndrome. Dr. Nienow emphasizes the complexity of Madison’s case:

“Dr. Bolognese seems to specialize in the connection between Ehlers Danlos and these different other conditions.” [06:58]

Video Surveillance and Privacy Concerns

A significant aspect of Madison’s stay at Rady Children’s involved covert video surveillance within her hospital room. This measure, intended to monitor potential MBP abuse, raises substantial ethical and legal questions. Dr. Bex discusses the utility and implications of such surveillance:

“Covert video surveillance can provide a piece of abuse. It is not the only thing.” [14:08]

Both hosts acknowledge the delicate balance between ensuring a child’s safety and respecting family privacy. Dr. Nienow highlights the legal ramifications and the emotional toll on families, noting:

“The parents do not know that the video is in the room until much later, at which point, you know, they realize they had been watched for 24 hours a day for seven days a week.” [16:24]

Legal Proceedings and Custody Battles

The courtroom becomes a battleground as the state files a petition to separate Madison from her parents due to suspected abuse. Dr. Nienow and Dr. Bex dissect the legal processes involved, emphasizing the roles of child abuse pediatricians and child protective services in these decisions. Dr. Bex elaborates on the responsibilities of these professionals:

“Child abuse pediatricians are looking for cases or, you know, sort of creating cases... their job is to evaluate abuse in a medical context.” [24:46]

The terminology used by the court, such as "scarlet letter of Munchausen by proxy," underscores the stigmatization faced by families accused of such abuse. Dr. Bex reflects on the emotional weight of these labels:

“Scarlet letter. I mean, that certainly is a very emotionally evocative language.” [45:17]

Ethical Dilemmas and Professional Responsibilities

The episode delves into the ethical complexities surrounding MBP cases. Dr. Nienow clarifies the role of child abuse pediatricians, stressing that their evaluations are based on reasonable suspicions rather than definitive proof:

“A child abuse pediatrician's role is in diagnosing or finding evidence that there is no concern for abuse.” [22:48]

Dr. Bex adds that these specialists are trained to minimize errors, often finding abuse in less than half of the cases they evaluate:

“The data shows us that they find findings of abuse in less than 50% of the cases that they evaluate.” [24:46]

Court Decisions and Aftermath

In March 2019, a court decides to place Madison in county custody, leading to a supervised visitation schedule for her parents. The hosts discuss the emotional trauma inflicted on families during such separations and the potential long-term impact on the child. Dr. Nienow explains the constraints imposed during court-ordered separations:

“They were told they're not to talk about her medical condition, her symptoms, how she's feeling about things.” [32:12]

Return to Parental Custody and Ongoing Litigation

After nearly a year, in February 2020, Judge Imhoff rules to return Madison to her parents' custody. However, Madison remains under medical supervision at Rady Children’s, indicating ongoing health concerns. The lawsuit filed by the parents against Rady Children’s brings to light allegations of unwarranted medical procedures conducted without proper consent.

Dr. Nienow highlights the challenges in differentiating between necessary medical interventions and potential overreach:

“What constitutes kind of a normal medical procedure versus what is something that constitutes needing that extra, you know, guidance or extra consent from a parent.” [38:43]

Conclusion and Future Outlook

As the episode concludes, Andrea and Dr. Bex set the stage for future discussions, promising to explore the specifics of the parents' lawsuit and the broader legal implications. They acknowledge the ongoing nature of Madison’s case and the broader societal issues it represents regarding MBP abuse and the intersection of medical and legal systems.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Bex: "Covert video surveillance can provide a piece of abuse. It is not the only thing." [14:08]

• Dr. Shailene Nienow: "Their job is to evaluate abuse in a medical context." [24:46]

• Andrea Dunlop: "She [Madison] does remain at the hospital for whatever medical condition complexities is still ongoing with her." [50:15]

• Dr. Bex: "The data shows us that they find findings of abuse in less than 50% of the cases that they evaluate." [24:46]

Final Thoughts

"Nobody Should Believe Me" offers a poignant exploration into the intricacies of MBP abuse cases, emphasizing the fine line between protecting children and respecting family integrity. Through expert insights and detailed case analysis, the podcast illuminates the profound challenges faced by families and professionals navigating these harrowing circumstances.