S01 Episode 4: The Clinic

The episode investigates a drug diversion incident at the Yale Fertility Clinic, focusing on the systemic failures that enabled a nurse to steal fentanyl, replacing it with saline. Patients reported severe pain during egg retrieval procedures, but their concerns were often dismissed. The investigation reveals that the clinic lacked proper oversight, including the absence of a secure drug dispensing system and questionable drug procurement practices. Staffers recall a shift towards increased patient pain before the nurse's confession, attributing it to various factors like inadequate anesthesia or a particular doctor's technique. Despite these warning signs, the possibility of drug diversion was not considered. The episode further explores the complex dynamics between patient pain, the desire for motherhood, and the responsibilities of medical staff.