TRENTON, NJ—The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners has permanently revoked the medical license of Dr. Shar Kennett, an emergency room doctor based in Wayne, following allegations of gross negligence leading to a patient’s death. The decision, announced by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs, comes after a thorough investigation initiated by a complaint from the patient’s mother in 2022.
Dr. Kennett agreed to the revocation to resolve charges of gross negligence, malpractice, and incompetence during an incident at Overlook Medical Center in Summit in 2017. On June 29, 2017, a 20-year-old male patient, identified as Patient 1, died from respiratory arrest after Dr. Kennett allegedly failed to examine him or order necessary diagnostic tests despite urgent pleas from his parents.
The case has prompted state officials to emphasize the importance of accountability and patient safety in healthcare settings. Acting Director Cari Fais commended the Board for its action to protect the public, stressing that the physician’s conduct demonstrated a severe lapse in professional judgment and care standards.