By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky has been indicted on a charge of second-degree manslaughter in connection with the death of a 70-year-old patient. Prosecutors allege that during a scheduled splenectomy, Shaknovsky mistakenly removed the patient’s liver instead of the spleen, leading to fatal blood loss. This incident follows accusations of malpractice in two other cases, one of which also resulted in a patient’s death. Shaknovsky’s medical licenses have been suspended or revoked in multiple states.
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A stark and deeply concerning incident has come to light involving a Florida doctor, Thomas Shaknovsky, who now faces a grand jury indictment for second-degree manslaughter. The indictment stems from the tragic death of a 70-year-old patient last August, following a surgery where prosecutors allege Shaknovsky removed the patient’s liver instead of the intended spleen. This horrifying mix-up, according to the Office of the State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit, led to catastrophic blood loss and the patient’s demise on the operating table.
The victim, identified by his wife, Beverly Bryan, as Bill Bryan, had sought medical attention for abdominal pain. Imaging had indicated a suspected enlarged spleen. Shaknovsky, a 44-year-old physician, reportedly recommended surgery to the patient, who was eager to return home. Court documents suggest that Shaknovsky continued to “pressure” the patient into the procedure, even as the patient’s condition worsened.
What makes this case particularly chilling is the sheer impossibility, for any competent medical professional, of mistaking a liver for a spleen. The two organs reside on opposite sides of the body, differ significantly in size, shape, and function, and are anatomically distinct. The idea that such a fundamental error could occur in a surgical setting raises profound questions about the doctor’s judgment, training, and perhaps even his state of mind during the operation.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, court filings indicate that Shaknovsky continued the surgery even after the patient went into cardiac arrest. He allegedly attributed the patient’s death to a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm, a claim subsequently disproven by an autopsy. The autopsy revealed that the patient’s spleen was untouched and in its normal position, while his liver was inexplicably missing. This suggests not only a catastrophic error in organ identification but also a potentially deliberate attempt to mislead about the cause of death.
This indictment is not the first time Dr. Shaknovsky’s medical practices have come under scrutiny. The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners temporarily suspended his license shortly after the fatal surgery, and it was subsequently revoked by the Alabama Medical Licensure Commission. His Florida license was also suspended in 2024, and his New York license faced suspension in 2025, painting a disturbing pattern of alleged medical misconduct.
The court order detailing the suspension of his license points to prior instances of malpractice. In May 2023, Shaknovsky is accused of removing part of a patient’s pancreas during a procedure intended to remove a left adrenal gland. Later, in July 2023, he allegedly removed part of a patient’s intestine, resulting in a gastrointestinal perforation and the patient’s subsequent death in the ICU. These past incidents, coupled with the recent indictment, fuel a sense of profound concern about patient safety and the adequacy of regulatory oversight.
The settlement of a $400,000 malpractice claim related to the May 2023 incident further highlights the seriousness of these accusations. Beverly Bryan, the widow of the patient who died due to the alleged liver-spleen mix-up, has expressed her hope that her husband’s death will prevent future tragedies. Her sentiments echo a broader concern that individuals who have allegedly caused such harm continue to practice medicine, highlighting the devastating consequences for victims and their families.
Public records indicate that Shaknovsky had claimed no restrictions on his medical privileges in the last decade, a statement that, given the unfolding events, appears highly questionable. The circumstances surrounding his medical education and residency are now under intense scrutiny, as many question how someone with such a history of alleged errors could continue to practice. The notion of mistaking a liver for a spleen is so egregious that it prompts speculation about the doctor’s competence, the effectiveness of his training, and the hospital’s internal checks and balances.
The legal proceedings are ongoing, with Shaknovsky having been taken into custody and awaiting a court appearance. The case raises critical questions about accountability within the healthcare system, the thoroughness of medical licensing boards, and the procedures in place to protect patients from practitioners who may pose a significant risk. The community’s reaction, as reflected in public comments, underscores a deep-seated disbelief and outrage that such a grave error, especially one involving such fundamentally different organs, could occur, let alone by a physician with a prior history of similar alleged mistakes. The hope now is that this indictment will bring a measure of justice for the victims and serve as a critical warning about the vital importance of rigorous medical oversight and unwavering patient safety.