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Former California Doctor Found Dead in Pool Years After Botched Surgery that Killed a Patient

Roselydah Eunice
By Roselydah Eunice 5 min read
A former California physician who surrendered her medical license after a fatal cosmetic surgery case has been found dead in a backyard swimming pool in Bakersfield, authorities said. The woman was identified as Sarwa Ama Aldoori, 71, a Bakersfield resident and former doctor. She was found at 5:31 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, in a residential pool on Pineglen Drive in northwest Bakersfield.

Aldoori Found in Residential Pool

The discovery was made in the 1400 block of Pineglen Drive, near Brimhall Road and Allen Road. The location is a residential area in northwest Bakersfield. The Kern County coroner confirmed Aldoori’s identity after the death was reported. Officials said it was not yet known when she died.

An autopsy will determine the cause and manner of death. Bakersfield police investigated the incident, but authorities have not announced an arrest, suspect, or criminal charge. Police have not publicly said whether foul play is suspected. No official timeline has been released for when the autopsy findings may become public.

Former Doctor Had Disciplinary History

Aldoori’s death drew wider attention because of her past medical board case. She had practiced OB-GYN and cosmetic surgery in Bakersfield before surrendering her license. She worked at Bella Health and Beauty, where she performed cosmetic procedures. She later became the subject of state discipline tied to the death of a patient after surgery.

Aldoori surrendered her physician license in March 2024 after allegations that she failed to comply with probation terms connected to the patient’s death. The Medical Board of California had previously placed her on a 7-year probation. The board’s order restricted her ability to practice and required additional training and monitoring.

Fatal Surgery Case Began in 2016

The disciplinary case stemmed from an April 2016 cosmetic surgery involving a 43-year-old patient. The patient had sought a tummy tuck consultation from Aldoori and her husband, Dr. Yakdan Alqaisi. The surgery was performed on April 13, 2016. Aldoori was listed as the primary surgeon, while Alqaisi served as the anesthesiologist.

The patient went home after the procedure. The next day, her family called 911 after she became unconscious and pulseless. Emergency crews responded, and the patient was taken to Mercy Hospital. She was later declared dead. The Kern County coroner determined the patient died from fat embolism due to the surgery. Adult respiratory distress syndrome was listed as a contributing factor.

Board Cited Surgery Standards

Image Credit: Beyond de Lens via Facebook

State medical regulators accused Aldoori of several serious violations after the patient’s death. The allegations included gross negligence, repeated negligent acts, inadequate recordkeeping, and improper surgical practices. The board said the surgery happened in an unaccredited setting. It also cited concerns involving anesthesia, postoperative care, informed consent, and documentation.

The board found the patient’s temperature was not taken before or after the procedure. It also found that only four sets of vital signs were taken during nearly four hours of postoperative monitoring. Aldoori received seven years probation after the medical board case. The punishment included education requirements, ethics training, recordkeeping courses, and a clinical competence assessment.

The board also barred her from solo practice. She was prohibited from participating in surgical procedures in office or operative settings, including cosmetic surgery.

License Surrender Ended Practice

Aldoori’s California medical license was later surrendered through a formal state disciplinary order. The action ended her ability to practice medicine in the state. The Medical Board’s order stated that Aldoori understood that surrendering her license would allow the board to accept the action without further administrative proceedings. The surrender was tied to her probation compliance issues.

The official board filing said the surrender became effective in 2024. It also said Aldoori could not practice medicine unless the board later approved a petition for reinstatement. The document stated that she agreed to surrender license under the terms of the disciplinary agreement.

Cosmetic Surgery Risks Reviewed

Cosmetic surgery can carry serious medical risks, especially when procedures involve anesthesia, liposuction, or extended recovery monitoring. Fat embolism is one of the complications regulators cited in Aldoori’s disciplinary case.

The case also showed why outpatient surgery centers face scrutiny over accreditation and emergency protocols. Medical boards often review whether doctors have proper training, whether patients receive clear consent information, and whether staff monitor patients safely after surgery. Aldoori’s case involved each of those issues. Regulators said the concerns were serious enough to justify long probation and later license surrender.

Autopsy Remains Pending

The latest official status is that Aldoori’s death remains under investigation. The coroner has not released a cause or manner of death.

Bakersfield police have not announced additional findings about how Aldoori ended up in the pool. Investigators have also not released details about who found her or whether anyone else was at the home.

For now, officials have confirmed only the basic facts: Aldoori was found dead in a residential pool on June 30, her identity was confirmed by the coroner, and an autopsy is pending.

Read the original article in Crafting Your Home.

Author
Roselydah Eunice

Roselydah Eunice is a writer and sports professional. Since 2016, she has specialized in creating engaging social media content, authentic journal-style reflections, and persuasive commentary designed to spark meaningful discussions. A former professional player in the FKF Women's Premier League and a certified football coach, Roselydah uniquely blends her passion for sports leadership with a gift for clear storytelling. Her goal is always to build authentic connections and write content that resonates deeply with her readers.

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