A Family’s Surgical Nightmare

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You’re at the hospital and a doctor tells you to sit down. It’s bad news. You need surgery. But you have to sign a consent form first. Patty and David Skolnik, who live in Centennial, have been there. Their son, Michael, was diagnosed with a brain cyst after he passed out. The doctor recommended surgery and the family went ahead with it. But after the operation, Michael couldn't talk and was confined to his bed. Three years later, he died. The Skolniks say they weren’t informed about all of their options and if they had been, Michael might be alive today. Their story is part of a film series that’s meant to teach doctors how to communicate clearly with their patients.