What Is a Ghost Doctor – and Risks for Medical Tourists
- buoozturk
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 21
What Is Ghost Doctoring?
“Ghost doctoring” refers to the practice where a surgeon introduced to perform a procedure is not the one who actually conducts it—without the patient’s awareness or consent.
Instead, the surgery may be performed by:
A junior or trainee surgeon
A less qualified or unlicensed practitioner
A different surgeon altogether
This practice is deceptive and undermines patient trust and safety.
According to the World Bank Group, in just one decade (2013–2023), medical tourism demand has more than doubled, with global health-related travel exports rising by 70% (IMF). In 2019, the market was valued at up to US$87.5 billion, with middle-income countries such as Türkiye, Thailand, and Mexico leading the rankings.
This rapid growth has opened new opportunities for international patients—but also increased risks, including unethical practices like ghost doctoring.
Why Does Ghost Doctoring Occur?
Despite patient expectations, ghost doctoring can happen due to several factors:
High demand and overbooked schedules—surgeons accepting more patients than they can personally manage
Cost‑saving strategies—clinics delegating procedures to lower‑cost staff
Variable regulatory standards—limited enforcement of disclosure and consent laws in some medical tourism destinations
These dynamics can create a backdrop for the unethical substitution of surgical personnel.
What Are the Risks?
When someone other than the chosen surgeon performs a procedure, several results may follow:
Lower quality or outcome—judgment and skill may not meet the expectations of the international patient
Higher complication rates—less experienced surgeons may increase the risk of infection or surgical error
Emotional distress and loss of trust—patients may feel betrayed or anxious
Challenges in accountability—identifying and holding the responsible provider accountable become difficult
Transparency and verification are crucial in preventing these adverse outcomes.
How to Protect Yourself
International patients can take proactive steps to make sure they receive care from the surgeon they selected:
Obtain written confirmation
Ask for a signed agreement explicitly naming the surgeon, and include a clause that prohibits substitutions without your written consent.
Meet the surgeon before the procedure
Schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with the surgeon. On surgery day, verify the surgeon’s identity before anesthesia is given.
Use reputable medical tourism services
Prefer platforms that verify surgeon credentials and allow direct selection. Avoid intermediaries who may withhold doctor details until arrival.
Buy complication insurance
Planned coverage for revision surgery or additional treatment can protect you financially in case outcomes are unsatisfactory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ghost doctoring legal?
In many medical tourism destinations, performing surgery without the patient’s informed consent is illegal—but enforcement can vary. Legal protections differ across countries.
How can I confirm the operating surgeon’s identity?
You can arrange a pre-surgery meeting, confirm professional identification, and make sure the documentary proof matches the surgeon you initially booked.
Does ghost doctoring only happen in cosmetic surgery?
Ghost doctoring is more common in elective and cosmetic procedures, but it can also occur across other specialties, including dental, orthopedic, or general surgery.
Can I refuse the procedure if the surgeon is substituted on the day?
Yes. You have the right to postpone or cancel if the performing doctor is different from the one you agreed upon.
What should I do if I suspect ghost doctoring occurred?
Gather all relevant documentation, request full medical records, and consider seeking legal advice both locally and in the treatment country.
Key Takeaways
Ghost doctoring is a critical but preventable risk in medical tourism. You can identify the surgeon you choose is indeed the one performing your procedure by verifying clinic credentials, securing written agreements, and insisting on transparency.
