Dean Halperin discusses controversy involving neurosurgeons, trauma center
March 19th, 2009
Medical School Dean Edward Halperin
During a news conference Thursday at the University of Louisville’s Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine Dean Edward Halperin explained how the loss of eight faculty members could compromise the operation of University Hospital.
The former faculty members—all neurosurgeons—effectively resigned from UofL to work for Norton Healthcare. Possible fallout from that decision includes jeopardizing the university’s Level One Trauma Center and physician residency program.
Kelly McMasters, UofL chief of surgery, told the audience of faculty, staff and media representatives, “A Level One Trauma Center requires 24/7 neurosurgical coverage to take care of patients; my number one goal is to preserve the trauma service.”
UofL administrators are working to ensure continuation of the trauma center. During the news conference, Halperin expressed hope that UofL and the neurosurgeons could come to an agreement to extend trauma coverage beyond a March 31 deadline set by the neurosurgeons.
The university has since learned that the neurosurgeons have agreed to extend the deadline to May 12.
Watch news conference (Windows Media)
Trauma Center Coverage Map
Shows number of patients treated from indicated counties during 2008
