Read Online Under the Knife: A Beautiful Woman, a Phony Doctor, and a Shocking Homicide by Diane Fanning - Free Book Online Page A

at The Beach. Dean performed electrolysis in her facility as an independent contractor. He set his own hours, used his own equipment and saw his own group of clients. Polis referred patients in need of electrolysis to Dean, and Dean referred clients who needed a dermatologist to Dr. Polis.
    Observing Dean, she was pleased with the arrangement. He practiced prudent aseptic techniques and was fastidious about his personal appearance, the condition of the treatment room and the care of any patients she referred to him. She witnessed no signs of duplicity—noindication that he was anything less than a consummate professional.
    At the time Dean joined the group, the world of dermatology was just beginning to welcome laser technology into its treatment regimen. Trained as a laser surgeon, Dr. Polis introduced the technology to her patients. Dean expressed an interest in observing and learning about the technique. He had some experience with the early technology of laser but none with the state-of-the-art laser machines used in Laurie’s practice.
    “If I know about it, I will know when to refer a client to you for laser instead of performing electrolysis,” he said.
    Dr. Polis agreed as long as he informed the patients in advance and obtained their consent. It was not an unusual request in her facility. Often medical students, residents, other doctors and staff sat in on her procedures.
    Dean referred several patients to Dr. Polis for laser work and was on hand with them from beginning to end. He was a helpful asset to the doctor. He moved patients in and out of the treatment room and jotted down notes. His inquisitive and enthusiastic manner made his presence a pleasure.
    Dean actively participated in other areas at the center. He fixed equipment all over the office. He attended the center’s marketing meetings and contributed valuable input.
    He built a strong clientele at the SoHo facility that included some straight women, but was dominated by gay men who wanted electrolysis or laser to look good on the beach at Fire Island, and transsexuals who were mainly interested in removing the hair from their faces.
    Unbeknownst to Dr. Polis, Dean discovered the highly addictive Stadol NS, an opiate nasal spray, while he worked at her facility. The active ingredient, butorphanol,induced a morphine-like state of calm. In no time, he was hooked.
    After working there for several months, Dean resigned. “I am dying of AIDS,” he said. “I’m going to move to Florida to spend the rest of my days with my parents down there.”
    Dr. Polis and the rest of the doctors and staff at the center were shocked. They knew Dean was gay. They were aware of the horrible loss of life that streaked through the homosexual community in New York. But Dean? He looked fit and strong—the epitome of good health.
    They were saddened by the news. They all liked him and enjoyed working with him. They knew they would miss him and grieve over his death at such a young age. They threw a farewell party giving gifts and best wishes to Dean as they sent him on his way. It was hard to lose a co-worker to the threat of an untimely death.
    DEAN WAS HIV POSITIVE—BUT DYING OF AIDS? HARDLY. Parents in Florida? Not exactly. He stole Michael Hart’s story and claimed it as his own. He decided to set up his own business and steal patients for both electrolysis and laser. He found it easy to seduce the trannies over to his camp. Eradicating facial hair on someone with a full beard took many long sessions. Each zap with the laser was like a slap. Each jolt of electrolysis felt like a stab. Individually, they were not too bad, but the repetition made it nearly unbearable. He promised prospective clients a reduced rate and the use of lidocaine to numb the area under treatment. To seal the deal, he bad-mouthed Dr. Polis to drive them to his door.
    Dani Samuelson, a transsexual with long dark hair, a slim body and a cute face, first saw Dean at Dr. Polis’ clinic on April