The Preventionist Episode 2: The CAP Will See You Now
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Oct 30, 2025 Explore the controversial field of child abuse pediatrics through the lens of Dr. Deborah Asernio Jensen's career. Delve into community outrage and legal battles tied to her diagnoses. The episode highlights the delicate balance between medical findings and family welfare, sparking debates over child removal practices. Hear firsthand accounts of families affected by Jensen's determinations and the evolving science of abuse diagnosis. This gripping discussion unveils the complexities and high stakes in child protection and the pressures faced by those in the field.
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Troubled Career Uncovered
- Dr. Deborah Asernio Jensen's career drew repeated complaints and lawsuits across multiple states for alleged misdiagnoses leading to child removals.
- Diane Neary reconstructed Jensen's history from court filings, colleagues, and documents after Jensen declined interviews.
CAPs Became Deciders In Abuse Cases
- The child abuse pediatrician (CAP) subspecialty rose to give medical weight to abuse findings in hospitals.
- CAP certification made physicians like Jensen central authorities whose opinions often drove removals and prosecutions.
Family Torn Apart After Gray Diagnosis
- Jesse Santiago's four-month-old needed emergency brain surgery and Dr. Jensen deemed the injury consistent with abusive head trauma.
- The diagnosis led to custody removal, criminal charges, 14 months in jail, and eventual dismissal through pre-trial intervention.