Florida Board Placed Anesthesiologist on Probation
The state disciplined Dr. Jorge Melgen following a malpractice settlement involving a patient death.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Stroke
The Florida Board of Medicine placed anesthesiologist Dr. Jorge Melgen on a one-year probation that concludes on September 16, 2027. This disciplinary action followed a $250,000 malpractice settlement paid to the family of Cesar Chinchilla.
Why it matters
The board disciplined Melgen for failing to maintain required blood pressure levels and failing to secure a patient airway during a surgical procedure. These medical errors occurred during an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion that resulted in the patient's death.
Melgen paid a $7,500 fine and $10,948 in department costs, while also settling a malpractice claim for $250,000. The board mandates he complete five-hour continuing education courses in anesthesia and risk management.
The players
Dr. Jorge Melgen
He is an anesthesiologist currently holding staff privileges at Mercy Hospital and Larkin Community Hospital.
Florida Board of Medicine
This state regulatory body is responsible for the licensing, monitoring, and disciplining of physicians in Florida.
Cesar Chinchilla
He was a 56-year-old patient who died following complications during a spinal surgery.
The details
During the surgery, Melgen allowed the patient's blood pressure to drop below 20 percent of his preoperative baseline and failed to secure the airway following extubation. The patient, 56-year-old Cesar Chinchilla, was subsequently pronounced brain dead at Memorial Hospital.
Timeline
Dr. Jorge Melgen has held his medical license since April 29, 2003.
The family of Cesar Chinchilla filed a civil lawsuit in 2022.
Melgen's one-year probation period will end on September 16, 2027.
Health Landscape
This disciplinary action follows the Florida Board of Medicine's physician disciplinary framework for managing medical malpractice outcomes. It illustrates the state's regulatory response to professional negligence and surgical complications that result in patient mortality.
Patients undergoing surgical procedures should ensure they understand the risks associated with anesthesia and airway management during complex spinal surgeries. The board's action serves as a reminder for patients to verify the credentials and disciplinary history of their medical providers.
The takeaway
Medical professionals are held to strict standards regarding patient monitoring and airway safety during surgical interventions. Maintaining these protocols is essential to preventing preventable patient complications and legal consequences.
Further reading
Learn more about local standards of care and health regulations at Florida Stroke.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Miami Herald.
