On the outside, it may seem that celebrities have it all – cars, clothes, endless wealth and the glamorous lifestyle that goes along with it. From personal chefs, housekeepers, trainers, and assistants that cater to their every need, some of the biggest names in showbiz even have a personal physician.
VIP doctors, also known as ‘concierge doctors’, have been thrust into the spotlight in lieu of Michael Jackson’s untimely passing. Since his death, reports about the King of Pop's addiction to prescription drugs and the physicians who supplied him have called into question the moral and ethical boundaries that some VIP doctors are willing cross in order to service their high profile clients’ demands.
Michael Jackson Dead at 50
Perhaps the most high profiled celebrity death to date, Michael Jackson dead at the age of 50 from cardiac arrest presumed to be due to his addiction to prescription drugs, specifically a drug called Propofol. (Autopsy results were not publicly available to date.) Propofol is an anaesthetic usually administered by an anaesthesiologist prior to a medical procedure. Since Jacksons’ death, allegations surfaced that the singer was addicted to the drug and sought out doctors who would provide the drug to him on a regular basis. A July 27th report by the Associated Press says that it was Dr. Conrad Murray, Jacksons’ ‘live in’ physician, whom authorities believe administered the fatal dose of Propofol that killed him.
Elvis Presley Dead at 42
When Elvis Presley was found dead in his home on August 16th, 1977, it was reported that the initial cause of death was a heart attack. Toxicology reports later revealed that the Presley died as a result of an overdose. After multiple court battles, Presleys’ personal doctor, George Nichopoulos, was found negligent and stripped of his licence. In a 2002 article published in The Observer, a physician said of Nichopoulos: ‘One of his problems…was that he couldn't say no.'
Anna Nicole Smith Dead at 39
Model and actress, Anna Nicole Smith, died on February 8, 2007, of a lethal combination of prescription drugs. Her death, albeit accidental, made headlines. In a March 13th report by CNN, a police investigation led to the conviction of Smiths’ long time partner and two doctors for “…giving the "known addict" thousands of prescription pills.”
The death of Michael Jackson has once again propelled the issue of VIP doctors and their services to high profiled clients into the spotlight. Celebrities are not immune to addiction. And by having a personal physician at their disposal that is willing to accommodate their clients’ needs despite ethical and legal guidelines, it is celebrities like Michael Jackson who pay the ultimate price.
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