A woman waiting for a routine procedure asks staff if they have the right person. The reply: “You’ll do.” Minutes later, surgeons remove part of her external genitalia instead of the small skin tag she came in for — and she never even meets the surgeon beforehand.

Dr. Christopher Chang and Jackie break down the surgical timeout most people never think about — the ID checks, armband scans, and consent verification every OR runs before the first incision — using the news out of Melbourne’s Sunshine Hospital as the jumping-off point, where Debra Buchanan was mistaken for another woman with the same first name. Jackie also tells her own family’s version of the same mistake: her mother was admitted to the ICU after a heart attack and treated under someone else’s name entirely, a mix-up that took weeks to unwind and delayed her cardiology care. They close out answering a listener question from someone about to get a rhinoplasty who’s more nervous about an administrative slip-up than the surgery itself.

ABC News, Investigations underway into surgery mix-up at hospital in Melbourne’s west

HOSTS

Jackie O’Brien RN, BSN, CNOR
Clinical Director at Cedar Lane Surgery Center

With 12 years of OR experience and training at Georgetown University Hospital, Jackie brings expert-level knowledge in plastic, trauma, general, vascular, and ophthalmic surgery. A proud George Mason alum and CNOR-certified perfectionist, she leads with passion, precision, and a love for all things surgical. Off the clock, she’s exploring new restaurants, hitting concerts and wineries, or hanging out with her cat—Biggie Smalls, the real boss at home.

Christopher Chang, MD
Plastic Surgeon

Considered to be one of the top plastic surgeons in DC, Dr. Chang specializes in facial and breast augmentation surgery and has acquired several advanced degrees and training from some of the most selective universities in the country.

Double board certified in plastic and facial plastic surgery, with specialized experience in facial surgery and pediatric reconstruction, Dr. Chang prioritizes precision over trends and thoughtful care over pressure. Based in Washington, DC, he serves a diverse community, respecting each patient’s preferences for discretion, communication, and natural-looking results.

About Secret Services

In DC, everyone has secrets — especially when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang and his sharp-witted team see everything and say nothing — except on this podcast, where every week you’ll get answers to confidential patient questions. Because in an era when aging gracefully and looking natural is easier than ever, it all depends on who you know—and what they’re willing to tell you.

Links

Learn more about Washington, D.C. plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Chang

Follow Dr. Chang on Instagram @dcplasticsurgeon @congressionalplasticsurgery

And on TikTok @congressionalpsurgery

Host: Christopher Chang, MD
Producer: Eva Sheie @ The Axis
Assistant Producers: Mary Ellen Clarkson & Laura Mayusa
Engineering: Chris Mann
Theme music: Harry’s Perfume - Harry Edvino
Cover Art: Dan Childs

Secret Services is a production of The Axis