COLUMBUS – In the wake of complaints about the leadership of OSU’s Wexner Medical Center, Dr. Sheldon Retchin resigned as CEO.
According to a report in the Columbus Dispatch, at least three groups of physicians had either signed letters to top university officials or engaged in discussions since May 1, saying that morale at the medical center had suffered under Retchin, in part because his system of performance expectations was undermining the academic mission of the hospital and the College of Medicine.
In a statement announcing Retchin’s resignation, the university said that “although allegations raised in letters sent to the news media this week were untrue, these letters may have damaged important relationships necessary for continued future success.”
A letter signed by 25 physicians and others said talented physicians and researchers were leaving the university because of a culture of hostility toward faculty, and that word of the conflict was hurting recruitment. allegation Retchin calls “preposterous” and “baseless.”
“In response to recent events, more specifically to letters regarding my leadership here – that have been made public – I must clear my name and address these preposterous allegations by simply and unequivocally stating that they are untrue. I have built my good name and reputation over 40 years in academic medicine as a physician, teacher, researcher and administrative leader. These baseless accusations have damaged me and the University I love. I cannot allow this to continue and so I have decided that it is in the best interest of the institution and me and my family to step aside, effective immediately.” –Dr. Sheldon Retchin
The complaints, mainly coming from the hospital’s oncology division, also said Retchin had damaged the working relationship between the Medical Center and the OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Retchin also stepped down from his post as the university’s executive vice president of health sciences. Following a leave of absence, Retchin said he plans to assume a new role at the OSU to pursue health policy research and teaching.