Dr Thomas Shaknovsky Biography: Age, Career, Manslaughter Case and Medical Licence
Dr Thomas Shaknovsky biography covers the background and medical career of the former Florida surgeon who was charged with second-degree manslaughter following the 2024 death of William Bryan during surgery. Shaknovsky, an osteopathic physician trained in general and minimally invasive surgery, pleaded not guilty in 2026. His criminal case remains pending, with another pretrial hearing scheduled for November 2026.
Who is Dr Thomas Shaknovsky?
Dr Thomas Jacob Shaknovsky is an osteopathic physician and former practising surgeon who worked in Florida and Alabama.
He became the subject of national attention after 70-year-old William Bryan died during an operation at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Florida on August 21, 2024.
The procedure was intended to remove Bryan’s spleen. Authorities later alleged that Shaknovsky removed Bryan’s liver instead, resulting in catastrophic blood loss and his death.
Florida medical regulators subsequently issued an emergency suspension of Shaknovsky’s medical licence.
The case later became criminal. A Walton County grand jury indicted him in April 2026 on a charge of second-degree manslaughter.
Shaknovsky has pleaded not guilty. The charge remains unresolved, and he has not been convicted of manslaughter.
Dr Thomas Shaknovsky Quick Facts
Full Name: Thomas Jacob Shaknovsky
Date of Birth: January 22, 1982
Age: 44 years old
Birthplace: Minsk, Belarus
Profession: Osteopathic physician and former practising surgeon
Medical Degree: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Medical School: Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Graduation Year: 2009
Undergraduate Education: Loyola University Chicago
Specialty: General surgery and minimally invasive surgery
Florida Licence Status: Retired after an emergency suspension
Alabama Licence Status: Voluntarily surrendered
Criminal Charge: Second-degree manslaughter
Plea: Not guilty
Bond: $75,000
Next Pretrial Hearing: November 19, 2026
Early Life and Background
Thomas Shaknovsky was born on January 22, 1982, in Minsk, Belarus.
A professional biography published before the controversy surrounding his medical career stated that he immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 10 in search of religious freedom.
He grew up in the Chicago area and later attended Loyola University Chicago for his undergraduate education.
His professional biography also stated that he joined the United States Army during his sophomore year of college, shortly after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Shaknovsky later served in the U.S. Army Reserve while pursuing his medical and surgical career.
Medical Education
Shaknovsky earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2009.
Florida’s official practitioner records confirm his attendance at Midwestern University from 2005 to 2009 and his graduation in May 2009.
He later completed postgraduate surgical training.
Professional and academic profiles associated with his earlier career state that his training included:
- general surgery residency at Hackensack-area medical facilities in New Jersey;
- burn surgery and wound-care fellowship training at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in Chicago; and
- minimally invasive surgery training in Staten Island, New York.
His areas of professional interest included general surgery, laparoscopic surgery, robotic techniques and minimally invasive procedures.
Surgical Career
Before the William Bryan case, Shaknovsky had practised surgery in several locations.
Earlier academic publications identified him as a general surgeon practising in southeast Alabama and as an academic physician associated with the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine.
He later practised in Florida.
Shaknovsky held an osteopathic physician licence in Florida and had surgical privileges at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast at the time relevant to the regulatory proceedings.
His earlier professional profile presented him as a surgeon with experience in general, robotic and minimally invasive surgery.
That career changed dramatically after state regulators investigated several surgical incidents.
The William Bryan Surgery
On August 21, 2024, William Bryan, a 70-year-old man from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, underwent surgery at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Miramar Beach, Florida.
Bryan had developed abdominal pain while in Florida.
The planned procedure was a laparoscopic splenectomy, meaning an operation intended to remove the spleen.
According to investigators and the subsequent criminal case, Shaknovsky removed Bryan’s liver instead of his spleen during the procedure.
Authorities said the removal resulted in catastrophic blood loss and Bryan died on the operating table.
A Walton County grand jury later determined that there was probable cause to pursue a criminal charge against Shaknovsky.
It is important to distinguish that finding from a conviction. The criminal proceedings remain ongoing.
What Regulators Said Happened
Florida’s Department of Health conducted its own regulatory investigation after Bryan’s death.
The emergency suspension order described findings concerning the operation, surgical documentation and events surrounding the removed organ.
Regulators said Bryan’s spleen remained inside his body.
The regulatory documents also raised concerns about how the removed organ was identified and how the operation was documented.
These findings formed part of Florida’s decision to emergency-suspend Shaknovsky’s medical licence in September 2024.
Separate civil litigation has included additional allegations about the hospital’s handling of the incident.
Those civil allegations should not automatically be treated as criminal findings.
Earlier 2023 Surgical Incident
The William Bryan case was not the first surgical incident cited by Florida regulators.
According to Florida regulatory records, Shaknovsky performed an operation in May 2023 on a 58-year-old patient who was scheduled to have a left adrenal gland removed.
The regulator’s emergency order states that part of the patient’s pancreas was removed instead of the adrenal gland.
The patient experienced complications and long-term harm.
Public records show that a malpractice claim connected with that incident was later settled for $400,000.
The regulatory proceedings also referenced another 2023 surgical case involving a bowel procedure and a patient who later died.
These earlier cases became significant because regulators considered them when evaluating whether Shaknovsky could continue practising safely.
Florida Medical Licence
Florida issued Shaknovsky an osteopathic physician licence in 2020.
After the William Bryan operation, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo issued an emergency suspension order on September 24, 2024.
The order prevented Shaknovsky from practising while the matter was addressed.
Florida’s current official medical-licensing database no longer lists his licence simply as suspended.
It lists licence number OS16658 with the status:
Retired
The status date is November 14, 2024.
The Florida portal also continues to display an enforcement alert concerning the September 2024 emergency suspension and a public administrative complaint.
Alabama Medical Licence
Shaknovsky had also been licensed in Alabama.
The Alabama Medical Licensure Commission temporarily suspended his licence in 2024 after receiving information about the Florida case.
The commission initially planned further proceedings to determine whether additional action should be taken.
However, Shaknovsky subsequently voluntarily surrendered his Alabama medical licence.
Official Alabama records list the voluntary surrender as taking effect on November 14, 2024.
Therefore, reports stating that Alabama ultimately permanently revoked his licence are inaccurate.
The more precise description is that Alabama temporarily suspended the licence and Shaknovsky later voluntarily surrendered it.
New York Medical Licence
Shaknovsky had also held a medical licence in New York.
Reporting on his licensing history indicates that New York authorities suspended his medical licence in 2025 following the disciplinary action taken in Florida.
Because individual licence statuses can change through administrative proceedings, current state regulatory records should be checked when describing his ability to practise in any particular jurisdiction.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
William Bryan’s widow, Beverly Bryan, filed a civil lawsuit in Florida in January 2025.
The lawsuit includes wrongful-death and medical-malpractice claims connected with Bryan’s surgery and death.
It named Shaknovsky along with healthcare organisations and several individuals connected to Bryan’s treatment.
The civil complaint makes allegations about the surgery, the hospital’s oversight and what happened after Bryan’s death.
Civil allegations remain allegations unless admitted or established through the legal process.
The civil lawsuit is separate from Shaknovsky’s criminal manslaughter prosecution.
Manslaughter Indictment
The criminal case developed in April 2026.
A Walton County grand jury returned an indictment charging Shaknovsky with second-degree manslaughter in connection with Bryan’s death.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office announced the indictment on April 13, 2026.
Investigators said the grand jury found probable cause to conclude that Shaknovsky’s actions during the operation could constitute criminal conduct under Florida law.
He was arrested in Miramar Beach and booked into the Walton County Jail.
Dr Thomas Shaknovsky’s Bond
After his arrest, Shaknovsky made his first court appearance.
His bond was set at $75,000.
Walton County booking records show that the bond was posted and that he was released from custody on April 14, 2026.
His release on bond does not resolve the charge.
It allowed him to remain outside jail while the criminal proceedings continue, subject to applicable court requirements.
Did Dr Thomas Shaknovsky Plead Guilty?
No.
Shaknovsky entered a not-guilty plea to the manslaughter charge in May 2026.
This is an important point when describing the case.
Although medical regulators made findings that led to licensing action and a grand jury found probable cause for a criminal charge, Shaknovsky has not been convicted of manslaughter.
Under the criminal justice system, the prosecution must prove the charge through the legal process.
Latest Update on the Criminal Case
The criminal case remains pending as of October 2026.
A second pretrial hearing took place on September 17, 2026.
During the hearing, the prosecution, defence and judge agreed that the case needed additional time.
Shaknovsky’s attorney indicated that preparations would include depositions.
The court scheduled another pretrial hearing for:
November 19, 2026
Shaknovsky did not personally attend the September hearing.
No criminal trial verdict has been reached.
Has Dr Thomas Shaknovsky Been Convicted?
No.
As of October 2026, Thomas Shaknovsky has not been convicted of second-degree manslaughter.
He has been indicted and has pleaded not guilty.
An indictment means that a grand jury found sufficient probable cause for the criminal prosecution to proceed. It is not itself proof of guilt.
The criminal case remains before the Florida courts.
Is Dr Thomas Shaknovsky Still Practising Medicine?
Public licensing information indicates that he is not currently practising under his former Florida licence.
His Florida licence is listed as Retired, following the emergency suspension issued in September 2024.
He voluntarily surrendered his Alabama licence in November 2024.
His New York licence was also reported as suspended in 2025.
Ascension Sacred Heart has said that Shaknovsky has not practised at its facilities since August 2024.
How Old is Dr Thomas Shaknovsky?
Thomas Jacob Shaknovsky was born on January 22, 1982.
He is 44 years old in 2026.
Walton County booking records associated with his April 2026 arrest list the same date of birth.
Where Did Dr Thomas Shaknovsky Study Medicine?
Shaknovsky attended Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine.
He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree in 2009.
Before medical school, he attended Loyola University Chicago.
His later postgraduate education included training in general surgery, burn and wound care, and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
What is Dr Thomas Shaknovsky Accused Of?
Shaknovsky is charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection with William Bryan’s death.
Authorities allege that during a planned splenectomy on August 21, 2024, Shaknovsky removed Bryan’s liver instead of his spleen.
Investigators say Bryan suffered catastrophic blood loss and died during the operation.
Shaknovsky has pleaded not guilty, and the criminal allegation has not yet been resolved by a trial or guilty plea.
What Happened to His Medical Licences?
Florida emergency-suspended Shaknovsky’s licence in September 2024. The state’s current database lists that licence as retired, effective November 14, 2024.
Alabama temporarily suspended his licence and he later voluntarily surrendered it in November 2024.
His New York medical licence was reported suspended in 2025.
What Happens Next in the Case?
The next publicly reported pretrial hearing is scheduled for November 19, 2026.
Further hearings, depositions, motions or scheduling decisions may occur before any trial.
Because the criminal proceedings are active, details can change as the case develops.
Conclusion
Dr Thomas Shaknovsky built a medical career that included general surgery, military service and specialised training in minimally invasive procedures before the death of William Bryan brought intense regulatory, civil and criminal scrutiny.
Florida regulators emergency-suspended his medical licence after investigating Bryan’s August 2024 surgery and earlier surgical incidents. His Florida licence is now listed as retired, while his Alabama licence was voluntarily surrendered.
In April 2026, a Florida grand jury indicted Shaknovsky on a charge of second-degree manslaughter in connection with Bryan’s death.
He has pleaded not guilty.
As of October 2026, the case remains unresolved, and his next reported pretrial hearing is scheduled for November 19.
For that reason, responsible coverage should distinguish carefully between regulatory findings, allegations made in civil litigation, the criminal charge against Shaknovsky and facts that have been established through final court proceedings.
