Physician Discipline is Linked to Multiple Baby Deaths and Harm
Bakersfield, CA – After multiple death complaints were filed for the deaths of mothers, babies, and lifelong harm to another mother, the Osteopathic Medical Board disciplined Bakersfield OB/GYN Dr. Hans Chunghan Yu D.O placing his license on five years’ probation effective last week.
According to the Osteopathic Medical Board’s public disciplinary document, the Board has also ordered Dr. Yu, as a condition of his probation, to take a special purpose examination (SPEX) or competency test. The SPEX is a medical licensing exam specifically designed to assess a physician’s current knowledge and competence in clinical medicine. Dr. Yu must take the competency exam within 60 days of the date his probation became effective.
This disciplinary action comes in response to years of heart-wrenching complaints from families to the Osteopathic Medical Board about the tragic harm that has led to the loss of their loved ones. Following the initial complaints concerning Demi Dominguez and her baby, Malakhi De Leon, who both died from preventable maternal negligence —complaints that went unheeded—other families bravely stepped forward to voice their grievances, seeking justice for their own loved ones.
This disciplinary action underscores the board’s recent commitment to patient safety and the dedication of local families to advocate for enhanced care for families in the Central Valley.
Recent allegations against Dr. Yu emerged, tragically linked to the deaths of two infants and the critical condition of a mother. One of the death complaints was brought forth by Susana Talamantes, who suffered the unimaginable loss of her daughter, Laylianna, before delivery. According to a public document from the Osteopathic Medical Board, Dr. Yu neglected to refer Susana to the hospital, despite her alarming blood pressure readings. According to Susana, while at a prior appointment, Dr. Yu reassured Susana not to take her blood pressure medication, promising that this would allow for a smoother admission for an emergency C-section, if necessary. Trusting her doctor, yet deeply anxious, Susana followed his advice and skipped her medication. However, when she returned for her next appointment, her blood pressure was dangerously elevated. Rather than directing her to the hospital immediately, Dr. Yu instructed Susana to go home and report to the hospital later that afternoon. It was during her time at home that Susana became acutely aware that she could no longer feel her baby moving. When she arrived at the hospital as scheduled, the staff’s silence echoed her worst fears—they could not find a fetal heartbeat. Tragically, Laylianna passed away that very day, just hours after Susana’s routine visit with Dr. Yu. This heart-wrenching complaint regarding Laylianna’s death is one of three that ignited disciplinary proceedings and an action against Dr. Yu’s medical license.
Dr. Yu has been mandated to pay the Osteopathic Medical Board of California a sum of $70,000 for cost recovery. This payment is intended to reimburse the Board for its extensive investigative and prosecution efforts. The issue of cost recovery, championed by Consumer Watchdog and its dedicated team of advocates in 2021 through the passage of SB 806, has brought about significant change. This vital legislation empowers medical boards to seek cost recovery not only for investigations and prosecutions but also for the ongoing costs of probation monitoring. This represents a meaningful step toward accountability in the medical field, safeguarding the interests of consumers and ensuring that those who breach the standards of care are also held financially responsible.
The Osteopathic Medical Board’s disciplinary decision can be found here.
“I may not have found full accountability for the tragic loss of my daughter Demi and my grandson Malakhi, but I am deeply heartened that justice has been served for Laylianna Medina and the other families who have endured such unbearable pain and lifelong suffering,” expressed Tracy Dominguez. “As a community, we must come together with renewed determination to advocate for meaningful legislative and policy changes that will protect the lives of mothers and their babies.”
Families in the Central Valley have passionately championed reforms within the medical board, demonstrating unwavering dedication to enhancing patient safety. Their consistent presence at both the Osteopathic Medical Board and the Medical Board of California meetings showcases their commitment to advocating for change. Through their tireless efforts, these families have not only pursued safer care for themselves but have also inspired meaningful improvements that will benefit countless other families in Kern County.
