Former surgeon accused of altering patient records says he did it to 'help his patients,' docs state

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A former surgeon, accused of manipulating a transplant list, said he did it to help his patients. This is all according to a new motion filed in the case.

ABC13 first reported on the allegations against Dr. John Bynon in 2024. This happened when Memorial Hermann suspended its liver transplant program over the allegations that Dr. Bynon altered several patients' medical records, making it impossible for them to get donor livers.

In February 2026, Bynon was indicted by a federal grand jury and accused of falsifying medical records.

Now, in a motion to dismiss the case, Bynon acknowledges he changed the acceptance criteria for five patients because he claims they were not healthy enough to undergo a transplant. The document adds that Bynon kept them on the "active" waitlist until their health improved.

According to the motion, the changes were "consistent" with COVID-19 guidance given by the "United Network for Organ Sharing" (UNOS), which maintains the organ database.

Dr. Bynon also faces three civil cases related to the scandal.

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