The hearing was scheduled for a cold morning in November, four months after Ethan’s ruptured appendix. The boardroom looked exactly like every boardroom where professional fates are decided: fluorescent lighting, too little warmth, long tables arranged to imply impartiality while radiating dread. Five physicians and two public members sat on the panel, appointed by the governor to review misconduct cases. Their faces gave nothing away at first. Reporters occupied the back row. Lawyers arranged binders. Court staff shuffled papers. Ethan sat beside Jeffrey, wearing a suit he hated and trying to look older than the damage had made him feel.
He testified first.