Grandville MD, Rasheed Aranmolate, reflects on career lessons

In a deeply personal and reflective statement, Dr Rasheed Aranmolate, renowned Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Medical Director of Grandville Medical & Laser, has opened up about the tragic loss of a patient during a surgical procedure at their Abuja center, sharing the weight of responsibility and the critical lessons it has inspired.

A few years after the expansion of Grandville’s services into the northern region of Nigeria, the Abuja clinic had grown into a trusted hub for cosmetic surgery. On a recent visit to the facility, Dr. Aranmolate participated in surgeries in a supervisory role—guiding his team and stepping in for critical aspects where needed.

Among the patients was a young woman described by Dr. Aranmolate as “vibrant, intelligent, and full of promise.” A lawyer and professional cook, she had come in for a liposuction and Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). Although the surgery began as routine, signs of excessive bleeding prompted the surgical team to take cautionary steps.

Dr. Aranmolate highlighted a key insight from his experience in Abuja: “We’ve observed that many of our patients in the northern region consume high levels of garlic, ginger, and turmeric—natural ingredients with blood-thinning properties. As a cook, it’s likely she incorporated these often, which may have contributed to the unusual bleeding we noticed.”

Despite making the difficult decision to reduce the extent of the surgery and pause several times, post-operative complications emerged. The patient’s vitals revealed a lowered packed cell volume and elevated pulse. Immediate steps were taken, including blood transfusion and ventilator support. Eventually, she was transferred to a nearby hospital with an Intensive Care Unit, where she initially appeared stable.

However, the patient passed away days later, a development that Dr Aranmolate says shook him to the core.

In a heartfelt message, he said: “Leadership is not about shifting blame—it is about owning outcomes, learning from them, and doing better.”

Though he was not the lead surgeon, Dr. Aranmolate says he assumes full responsibility for the outcome. The incident, he said, has led to a complete reevaluation of protocols, including more rigorous pre-surgical assessments and early escalation procedures.

“Our goal is not just to perform surgeries—but to provide safe, holistic care every step of the way,” he stated.

In reflecting on the emotional toll and professional reckoning, Dr. Aranmolate concluded: “Her passing has left a deep mark on me, and I carry the memory with both sorrow and resolve. I share this not for sympathy, but to reaffirm a core principle: that medicine must continuously evolve with humility, reflection, and a commitment to doing better.”

The Grandville team has since implemented strengthened risk-screening protocols and invested in additional equipment and support systems in its Abuja center.

As the Nigerian healthcare system continues to navigate the complexities of private surgical care, Dr. Aranmolate’s candid disclosure offers a sobering reminder of the gravity of medical responsibility—and the human stories behind every surgical case.