Doctor says hospital fired him in retaliation

A Pennsylvania physician says his termination came after he brought up patient safety concerns, but the hospital says he was fired for disruptive behavior.

By Mike Norbut, AMNews staff. June 27, 2005.

An emergency physician who was dismissed from a Pittsburgh hospital has filed a whistle-blower lawsuit accusing the facility's officials of turning a blind eye to concerns he had about patient safety and unsanitary conditions while he was employed there.

David M. Lemonick, MD, who resides in Pittsburgh, filed a complaint last month against Western Pennsylvania Hospital and West Penn Allegheny Health System, its parent organization. He claims his dismissal was retaliation for his good-faith reports made to hospital officials and therefore is prohibited under state whistle-blower provisions.

While the lawsuit does not cite a specific amount for damages, Dr. Lemonick is seeking restitution for lost wages and other benefits, as well as compensation for other damages, including emotional distress.

"The reason I believe I was fired was I was causing trouble for management by insisting upon patient safety," Dr. Lemonick said. "Rather than fairly addressing my well-intended suggested improvements, they chose to address my concerns by firing me."

Tom Chakurda, a spokesman for West Penn Allegheny Health System, said Dr. Lemonick's concerns were "promptly and thoroughly reviewed" by both hospital officials and an external physician review panel, which "clearly determined patient safety wasn't at risk." Chakurda said Dr. Lemonick was fired for disruptive behavior.

"This was not a matter of quality of care," Chakurda said. "This was a matter of Dr. Lemonick's inability to work professionally with colleagues."