Physician Heal Thy Self

Dr. Esha Khoshnu, a New Jersey psychiatrist traveling to San Diego to attend a conference apparently became frustrated with airport personnel. While changing planes in Phoenix, Khoshnu got testy at a Mesa Airlines ticket counter, saying, "If I had a bomb, you wouldn't find it."

Airport personnel responded by detaining Khoshnu for questioning. After questioning the Doctor, FBI investigators reportedly cleared her to take a later flight to San Diego. Unfortunately, her suitcase got past security and was loaded onto Khoshnu’s original flight.

The airliner containing Khoshnu’s suitcase made a routine landing at Lindbergh Field in San Diego but, the pilot was instructed to taxi to a remote area of the airport, where about 35 passengers were taken off the plane and escorted onto two buses.

Members of the San Diego Fire Department's bomb squad searched the plane but found no explosives, officials said. They removed the woman's suitcase and inspected it in an open area on the grounds of the airport, finding nothing suspicious. But taking no chances, they blew up the bag with an explosive charge and then doused it with water.

Authorities in Phoenix said Khoshnu is not going to be charged with a crime but that she may have to pay for the search and destruction of her luggage, which could cost about $10,000.

Dr. Khoshnu has been practicing psychiatry since finishing training at Yale University in 1993 and has extensive training/experience in crisis intervention. She has long-term interests in recognizing and treating the special needs of women. More on the story here and here.