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Trust is the foundation of medicine. When we're at our most vulnerable, we place our lives in the hands of doctors, nurses, technicians, and pharmacists—believing they'll do everything in their power to help us heal. But what happens when that sacred trust is betrayed on a scale so massive it defies comprehension?

This is the story of Robert Courtney, a respected Kansas City pharmacist whose actions shattered the lives of thousands. Over nine years, Courtney systematically diluted nearly 100,000 doses of chemotherapy and other critical medications for over 4,200 patients. These weren't minor adjustments—many contained less than 30% of the prescribed medication, and some contained none at all. While cancer patients fought for their lives, receiving what they believed was life-saving treatment, Courtney was secretly replacing their medicine with saline solution and pocketing millions.

The case broke when Dr. Verda Hicks, a brilliant gynecologic oncologist with 30 years of experience, noticed something strange: her patients weren't experiencing the typical side effects of chemotherapy. No hair loss, minimal nausea. Working with a pharmaceutical representative who noticed billing discrepancies, Dr. Hicks ordered tests on medications from Courtney's pharmacy, uncovering the horrifying truth. She immediately reported her findings to the FBI, kickstarting an investigation aptly named "Diluted Trust." Through a carefully orchestrated sting operation, agents caught Courtney red-handed, delivering IV bags with his initials that contained only a fraction of the prescribed medication—and one with no medication at all.

The human toll is immeasurable. Georgia Hayes, who became the face of patients harmed by Courtney, received 27 doses of diluted chemotherapy. Experts testified she had missed her optimal window to beat cancer. Countless families were left wondering: Could my loved one have survived with proper treatment? Was their suffering prolonged? Did they die sooner than necessary?

Despite being sentenced to 30 years in federal prison in 2002, Courtney was released to home confinement in August 2024 through credits earned via the First Step Act—a decision that has reignited outrage among victims' families who continue pushing for murder charges. As one family member asked, "What is the difference between withholding life-saving medication and shooting someone with a gun?"

Have you ever wondered how far someone might go for profit? How vulnerable we truly are when seeking medical care? Join us as we examine this case that continues to raise profound questions about trust, justice, and the value of human life.

Sources for today's show:

Kansas City Star

LAtimes

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Stay safe, and stay suspicious...trust, after all, is a delicate thing!

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