Statement Attributable to:

Patrice A. Harris M.D., M.A.

President, American Medical Association 

“Today’s settlement is a significant victory for the many hundreds of residents and fellows impacted by the Hahnemann closure, as well as for the patients they serve. Through the bankruptcy settlement, Hahnemann will pay for the long-tail medical liability insurance coverage for more than 1,400 residents, fellows and alumni of the hospital’s training programs.

“The AMA was proud to support these physicians-in-training who were left in professional and financial limbo after Hahnemann closed unexpectedly. With today’s settlement, the displaced residents and fellows are able to move forward without having to worry about a lapse in their tail coverage, focusing instead on completing their training and caring for patients.

“It is critical that physicians-in-training who are forced to find new training programs after their teaching hospital closes, aren’t also responsible for the cost of the medical liability insurance tail coverage guaranteed by the defunct program. The AMA is committed to protecting residents and fellows affected by training program closures and we will continue to work with partners to mitigate the risk of these vulnerabilities for our colleagues in training.”

Since Hahnemann University Hospital closed its doors, the AMA has been partnering with the Pennsylvania Medical Society, Philadelphia County Medical Society, and others, to provide assistance and support to the residents and fellows impacted by the closure. Additionally, the AMA engaged legal counsel to represent the displaced residents and fellows in the Hahnemann bankruptcy proceedings, and in settlement negotiations, and has underwritten the costs of this representation.