This story is published by agreement with ProPublica. It may not be republished without the express permission of ProPublica.
On August 2, 2020, Lisa Warwick found her husband, Scot, in distress at their home, marking the end of his extraordinary battle with Stage 4 lung cancer. For over 11 years, Scot had defied odds, undergoing six years of chemotherapy and five years of experimental therapies. However, his health declined rapidly after a recent chemotherapy round.
Lisa rushed Scot to St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana, where doctors noted symptoms that could be chemotherapy-related. His oncologist, Dr. Thomas C. Weiner, had been his consistent doctor throughout his treatment.
Dr. Randy Sasich, an ICU director at St. Peter’s, reviewed Warwick’s case and was shocked by the 11-year survival claim after a Stage 4 diagnosis. Sasich discovered no biopsy had confirmed Warwick’s cancer diagnosis, yet he was treated with aggressive chemotherapy since 2009. His investigation revealed a 2020 lung biopsy showed no cancer.
Sasich’s findings questioned Weiner’s practices, but Sasich faced local resistance, noting the hospital’s fear of Weiner’s influence. A review of Warwick’s medical records showed mismanagement, prompting Sasich to report Weiner to the hospital’s peer review committee. He believed Warwick’s condition was due to a fungal infection and not cancer, treating him with steroids and antibiotics. Despite this, Warwick succumbed to an antibiotic reaction and subsequent complications.
After his death, an autopsy confirmed no cancer presence, suggesting chemotherapy as a likely cause. The hospital had long ignored red flags regarding Weiner’s practices. St. Peter’s subsequently suspended Weiner, who had cultivated a powerful support system in Helena.
Despite Weiner’s dismissal, his legacy divided the town, with many rallying in his support. St. Peter’s Hospital faced scrutiny for its handling of his tenure, culminating in a significant settlement for violations of the False Claims Act. Weiner continues to contest allegations, maintaining his medical license amid ongoing legal battles.
—
Read More Montana News
