May 13: 'The Great Escape'

Mark and Michelle Weinberger had what many would consider a picture perfect relationship until he took her away to the Greek Isles for her 30^th birthday and never came back. In a “Dateline” exclusive, previously reported on by Pulitzer Prize winning writer Buzz Bissinger for Vanity Fair, Rob Stafford tells the story of a runaway doctor, airing on “Dateline” on Friday, May 13 at 9pm/8c.

A successful ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor who had a practice outside of Chicago, Mark Weinberger and Michelle Kramer met at a bar, and according to her the two instantly hit it off. From Athens to Miami, Caribbean sunsets to French champagne, the whirlwind romance began and she was swept off her feet.

As Michelle recalls, the turning point was a few months before Mark had disappeared. One of his patients was diagnosed with cancer and there was a lawsuit filed against him. According to Michelle, Mark was afraid that his medical license would be revoked and his life would be destroyed.

And, while on a yacht celebrating her 30^th birthday, Michelle woke up and Mark was gone. With all evidence leaning towards him still being alive, Michelle tracked Mark’s whereabouts through his credit card statements that were still coming to their home. And, since there is no law for disappearing, Michelle, who was now left with $6 million in debt, was forced to file for divorce and bankruptcy.

But it was Ken Allen, the lawyer hired by Mark’s former patient that was persistent in pursuing justice.