Lavonia, Georgia — A routine hospital stay turned frightening for a woman recovering from surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital when her surgeon, Dr. Steven Muscoreil, reportedly confronted her in her room in what police describe as an aggressive and alarming encounter. The incident led to his immediate arrest on a charge of simple assault late Thursday evening.
The patient had just undergone a surgical procedure earlier in the day and was resting in her room when she took a phone call with Muscoreil to discuss her concerns about the operation. According to the police report, Muscoreil’s tone shifted during the call and he became noticeably angry, raising his voice in the conversation.
What followed left the patient shaken. Shortly after hanging up, she said Muscoreil appeared at her door unannounced. Officers later learned he walked quickly into her room, stood uncomfortably close, and began yelling directly at her. She described feeling trapped and in danger as he shook his finger right in front of her face, loud enough that other hospital staff could hear his voice through the hallway.
Two nurses who witnessed the confrontation backed up the patient’s version of events. One nurse said Muscoreil’s behavior seemed aggressive and that he was on the verge of striking the patient before she intervened. According to the report, she physically stepped in and pushed him back to prevent any harm. Both nurses described the surgeon as visibly angry throughout the exchange.
The patient told police she was fearful Muscoreil might return, given that she could not leave the hospital on her own after surgery. That concern was a key reason officers felt they needed to act quickly. After interviewing the woman and the witnesses, police determined there was probable cause to arrest Muscoreil on a simple assault charge.
Authorities took Muscoreil into custody right at St. Mary’s Hospital where the confrontation occurred. He spent the night in custody and was released the following morning, according to law enforcement. Details about any bond or court dates have not been immediately disclosed.
Hospital officials have not released a statement so far about the incident or Muscoreil’s employment status. The focus now is on ensuring the patient’s safety and supporting staff after what witnesses described as a rare and unsettling event inside a space meant for healing.
