A surgeon at East Meadow, N.Y.-based Nassau University Medical Center was arrested on attempted strangulation and assault charges Tuesday after he choked a nurse with an elastic cord, according to Newsday.
Venkatesh Sasthakonar, MD, who specializes in weight loss surgery, had a disagreement with a 51-year-old nurse Monday regarding a medication error.
Later that day, Dr. Sasthakonar allegedly attacked the nurse from behind, tightening an elastic cord from his sweatshirt around the nurse's neck, causing her to gasp for air.
According to the complaint, as the attack continued, Dr. Sasthakonar told the nurse, "I should kill you for this," reports Newsday.
Dr. Sasthakonar left the hospital following the incident and returned hours later. Nassau police detained the surgeon upon his return.
The nurse, whose name remains anonymous for legal reasons, was treated at NUMC for significant pain to her neck and was later released.
Dr. Sasthakonar pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday on charges of attempted strangulation and assault. He was released on a $3,500 bail. His attorney claims the strangulation charge was "overblown" and he did not intend to harm the nurse over the medication error, according to Newsday.
"Following the alleged incident that occurred on January 22, 2018, the hospital cooperated with the Nassau County Police Department. At no time was patient safety effected [sic]. The doctor has been suspended until further notice," a statement from NUMC reads.