I am writing to you not only as a victim of malpractice but as a person determined to ensure justice and accountability within the medical system. I experienced a distressing and painful series of events at the hands of Dr. John Petersen and Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, WA. They both deceived and injured me, leaving me in a state of physical and emotional turmoil. As someone who believes deeply in transparency and justice, I have resolved to turn my personal ordeal into a beacon of change.

My goal is to establish a B Corporation with a mission to increase public awareness about medical malpractice and prevent others from enduring similar suffering. Alongside this venture, I am authoring a book detailing my experiences to shed light on the pressing issue of patient rights and safety. It is crucial that institutions like Swedish Medical Center take accountability for their actions and foster a culture of responsiveness and care towards patients and their families.

To proceed with my mission of raising awareness through this book and my advocacy work, it is imperative that Swedish Medical Center reply to our attorney. Despite numerous attempts by our legal team to seek a resolution or even an acknowledgment, the institution has remained silent, obstructing justice and neglecting their ethical responsibilities.

This petition calls on Swedish Medical Center to act transparently and responsibly by engaging with our legal inquiries. By doing so, they can begin the process of rebuilding trust in their care and show a commitment to patient rights. Everyone deserves a healthcare provider that prioritizes their well-being and safety, addresses their concerns with seriousness, and acknowledges its own failures.

Your signature on this petition will support the call for Swedish Medical Center and its staff to take necessary action and engage meaningfully with our legal team. Please stand with me in this fight for justice and accountability. Together, we can ensure that others do not suffer in silence. Your support can lead to impactful change in the healthcare community.

 

 

 

Attorney's Letter:

 

 

May 28, 2025

 

VIA MAIL
Swedish Medical Center

Attn: Risk Management Department 515 Minor Ave Suite 300

Seattle, WA 98104

 

Re: Formal Demand for Medical Malpractice and Negligence – Jennifer R****
 

Dear Risk Management Department:

 

On behalf of our client, Jennifer R****, this letter serves as formal notice and a comprehensive demand regarding significant medical malpractice and negligence arising from the substandard care and treatment provided by Swedish Medical Center and its associated medical personnel, specifically Dr. John Petersen and Dr. Brown, causing severe, lifelong harm to our client.

 

Background and Initial Negligence (2018-2021)
Between 2018 and 2021, our client persistently sought medical care at Swedish Hospital’s primary and emergency departments, repeatedly expressing serious concerns regarding her heart condition. Despite clear and repeated indications of cardiac distress, Swedish Hospital dismissed these concerns after providing rudimentary electrocardiogram (EKG) tests. Notably, laboratory results from metabolic panels during this period indicated elevated red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels - both clinically recognized markers for underlying heart disease. Nevertheless, Swedish Hospital continuously refused comprehensive diagnostic procedures, demonstrating negligence by failing to uphold standards of care established under RCW 7.70.040.

 

Inappropriate and Discriminatory Treatment by Dr. Brown
 

Eventually referred to Swedish Cardiology, our client encountered Dr. Brown, whose treatment of her case was seen condescending, inappropriate, and discriminatory by our client. Dr. Brown inaccurately and offensively categorized our client’s lawful use of CBD products as illicit drug use, invoking racial stereotypes and biases contrary to Washington’s anti- discrimination laws, RCW 49.60.030. Additionally, Dr. Brown falsely documented discussing risks and procedural options with our client, constituting a breach of ethical and legal standards for informed consent.

 

Negligent Misrepresentation and Procedure by Dr. Petersen
 

Following a formal complaint to Swedish Hospital about Dr. Brown’s misconduct, our client was referred to Dr. John Petersen, Lead Cardiologist. Dr. Petersen explicitly communicated in writing that he would personally perform the scheduled angiogram. Contrary to standard medical protocols under WAC 246-919-601, Dr. Petersen failed to adequately discuss available

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alternatives and potential serious risks associated with the angiogram, notably the possibility of arterial dissection and the subsequent need for emergency open-heart surgery. The informed consent documentation presented to our client contained no such critical disclosures, violating the legal principle of informed consent under RCW 7.70.050.

 

Subsequent Surgical Negligence and Unauthorized Consent
 

During the angiogram on January 19, 2023, our client suffered a severe arterial dissection, necessitating immediate and invasive open-heart surgery. Upon regaining consciousness, our client overheard Dr. Petersen stating that “it dissected” and “I’m just making it worse.” Notably, Dr. Petersen was present in inappropriate attire (shirt and slacks), while an unknown student appeared to perform or significantly participate in the procedure, a direct contradiction to Dr. Petersen’s assurances and a violation of RCW 18.71.011 regarding physician responsibility and supervision.

 

Despite our client explicitly refusing to consent to open-heart surgery, Dr. Petersen circumvented her expressed decision by obtaining unauthorized consent from her daughter. This action contravened RCW 7.70.065, outlining the explicit hierarchy and conditions required for surrogate medical decision-making.

 

Permanent Injury and Long-term Damages
 

The negligent conduct of Dr. Petersen and Swedish Hospital resulted in permanent damage to our client’s heart and lungs, documented through pre- and post-operative medical imaging. Our client now suffers from chronic sternum pain, a visible chest scar, substantial psychological trauma, and significantly reduced quality of life. Moreover, our client has suffered financial damages, including denial of high-value life insurance policies specifically due to this avoidable surgery, directly attributable to your staff’s negligent actions.

 

Intimidation and Violation of First Amendment Rights
 

Following the incident, our client has experienced ongoing intimidation, including threats of legal action and attempts to censor her communications online regarding her medical experience, infringing upon her constitutionally protected freedom of speech.

 

Pattern of Systematic Negligence and Overbooking
 

Dr. Petersen’s concurrent employment at Virginia Mason Medical Center raises legitimate concerns regarding patient safety and professional responsibility, suggesting a pattern of overbooking and improper delegation to inexperienced personnel without adequate supervision or disclosure, a violation of RCW 18.130.180 regarding unprofessional conduct.

 

Formal Demand

 

Based on the above, Swedish Medical Center is legally responsible for the significant physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by the negligence and malpractice of its personnel. Our client seeks immediate acknowledgment of liability, corrective measures within your medical practice, and commencement of settlement discussions for appropriate and substantial compensation.

 

Please reach out to clyde@lydagroup.com about any questions you may have. Thank you for your immediate attention and cooperation.

 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 
 
 

 

Clyde Shavers

Attorney Licensed in Washington