Protestors gathered outside Valdosta-based South Georgia Medical Center around 7 a.m. July 25 to protest the hospital's decision to fire two leading cardiothoracic surgeons, WALB10 News reports.
Joe Johnson, MD, and Randall Brown, MD, confirmed to the Valdosta Daily Times they received letters from SGMC CEO C. Ross Berry July 23 indicating their contracts with the hospital had been terminated. The surgeons worked at the SGMC CardioVascular Institute.
Mr. Berry said in a statement to WALB10 News: "While we aren't able to discuss personnel matters regarding these physicians, I can tell you that we are actively recruiting cardiothoracic surgeons and are already thrilled to be able to bring a physician to Valdosta with the experience and expertise of Dr. Randy Metcalf. He is here in Valdosta and is already hard at work."
Protestors gathered outside the hospital July 25 to pressure officials into explaining the physicians' terminations. A billboard in the town also asked residents to attend a board meeting July 25 at the hospital in support of the surgeons, according to WALB10 News.
SGMC issued the following statement to WALB10 News July 26 commenting on the physicians' contracts: "The Hospital Authority of Valdosta and Lowndes County, Georgia met earlier today and made the following decision regarding the separation of [Drs.] Randy Brown and Joe Johnson. The termination without cause is still in effect, but SGMC will allow [Drs.] Brown and Johnson to work out a 90-day notice. During that time, SGMC will try to negotiate a new contract with these doctors.
"If the terms of the new agreement can be agreed upon during the 90-day period, [Drs.] Brown and Johnson will continue to serve patients at SGMC. If the terms cannot be agreed upon after 90 days, the termination will stand. SGMC remains committed to providing the highest level of cardiothoracic care to Valdosta and surrounding communities and will work diligently towards [sic] this end."
To access the full WALB10 News report, click here.
Editor's note: This article was updated at 10:30 a.m. to include additional information from South Georgia Medical Center.