‘Bad Surgeon: Love Under the Knife’ Netflix Series Review - A Shocking Exposé of Medical Malpractice

Bad Surgeon: Love Under the Knife is a three-part documentary series that reveals the dark truth behind Dr. Paolo Macchiarini's groundbreaking stem cell-infused windpipe transplants. The series follows the investigation of a team of journalists who uncover how Macchiarini lied about his research, manipulated his patients, and evaded accountability for his actions.
The series is a gripping and disturbing watch that exposes the flaws and corruption in the medical system, the ethical dilemmas of scientific innovation, and the human cost of blind faith and ambition.

The series begins with the introduction of Macchiarini, a charismatic and charming surgeon who claims to have pioneered a revolutionary technique of creating artificial windpipes from plastic and coating them with the patient's own stem cells. He performs his first transplant in 2011, on a young woman named Andemariam Beyene, who suffers from a rare form of cancer. Macchiarini hails the operation as a success and a breakthrough in regenerative medicine.

However, as the series progresses, it becomes clear that Macchiarini's claims are not backed by scientific evidence, and that his patients are suffering from severe complications and infections.

The journalists discover that Macchiarini has falsified data, fabricated results, and misled his colleagues and the public about the outcomes of his transplants. They also find out that Macchiarini has a history of misconduct, fraud, and deception, dating back to his early career in Italy and Germany.

The series also explores Macchiarini's personal life, which is full of lies and contradictions. He is revealed to be a serial womanizer, who seduces and manipulates women with his charm and status. He even fakes a marriage proposal to an NBC producer, Benita Alexander, and convinces her that he is friends with the Pope and other celebrities. He also neglects his family and children and shows no remorse or empathy for his patients or their families.

The series ends with the aftermath of the scandal, which has sparked outrage and controversy in the scientific and medical community. Macchiarini is fired from his position at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.

The series is based on extensive research and interviews with Macchiarini's former colleagues, patients, and victims, as well as footage and recordings of his surgeries and interactions. The series does a good job of presenting the facts and evidence, while also telling the human stories of the people involved.

The series also raises important questions and issues about the ethics and regulation of scientific research, the role and responsibility of the media and the public, and the psychology and motivation of Macchiarini and his supporters.

The series shows how Macchiarini was able to exploit the loopholes and gaps in the system, and how he was enabled and protected by his peers and institutions, who were either blinded by his charisma and reputation or driven by their own interests and agendas. It also explores the moral and emotional dilemmas of the journalists and whistleblowers, who had to face the consequences and backlash of exposing Macchiarini. I absolutely loved it.

One of the criticisms that I have is that the series sometimes focuses too much on the sensational and dramatic aspects of the story, rather than the scientific and medical details and implications of his actions. The series also does not provide enough context and background on the field of regenerative medicine and stem cell research, and why Macchiarini's technique was considered so revolutionary and promising. Another criticism that I have is that the series sometimes portrays Macchiarini as a one-dimensional villain, without delving deeper into his personality and psyche. 

The series also does not explore the possibility that Macchiarini may have genuinely believed in his method and his mission and that he may have been a victim of his own hubris and delusion.

The series also does not address the question of whether Macchiarini had any redeeming qualities or positive contributions to the field of medicine and science. The series is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in the ethics and challenges of modern medicine, and the human stories behind the headlines. The series is also a cautionary tale of how a charismatic and ambitious doctor can fool the world.

Final Score – [6/10]
Reviewed by - Arpita Mondal
Publisher at Midgard Times