Two Pediatricians at University Hospital Dismissed for Sending Unsolicited Texts to Colleagues: What You Need to Know

CLEVELAND — Two pediatricians from University Hospitals, Dr. Valerie Fouts-Fowler and Dr. Lauren Beene, have lost their jobs after sending unsolicited texts to their colleagues. They both had around 18 years of experience at UH.

On June 19, they were put on administrative leave, and just five days later, they were terminated. UH stated that an investigation revealed that personal data for over 4,000 providers was improperly accessed. This followed complaints from physicians about receiving unwanted texts on their personal phones. The inquiry found that some physicians misused a UH care coordination application to access colleagues’ data.

UH emphasized that risking data privacy is unacceptable. They expressed concerns about how this could affect care coordination and patient trust.

Dr. Fouts-Fowler and Dr. Beene admitted to sending the texts but claimed it was part of their effort to unionize for better healthcare conditions. “We wanted to give doctors a voice in key decisions,” Dr. Beene explained. She mentioned they used a digital directory often meant for personal events like fundraisers, believing it was a reasonable way to reach out.

They maintained that they did not access data for 4,000 providers, but only about 2,000. When asked whether any recipients of the texts complained, they said as far as they knew, there were none.

Beene added that organizing their fellow physicians was part of a broader movement happening nationwide to ensure that healthcare workers can express their opinions without fear of retaliation. “Frontline providers often aren’t consulted on critical decisions,” she noted.

The move to fire them has sparked outrage. Over 5,000 people have signed a petition for their reinstatement, and more than 30 Ohio lawmakers have written to UH’s CEO, urging a review of the dismissal.

One patient, Rachel Williamson, voiced her strong support: “Dr. Fouts-Fowler is family to us. This decision is hurting so many patients.”

Both doctors said they would gladly return if offered their jobs back. If not, they are prepared to consider legal action. “We’ve explored our options, but we hope it doesn’t come to that,” Fouts-Fowler mentioned.

As this situation unfolds, it highlights the growing tension in healthcare. Many workers feel their voices are not heard. The need for better communication and respect within the system is becoming increasingly clear.

For more details on the petition to reinstate the doctors, you can visit Concerned UH Physicians.

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