A "Simply Outstanding," "Superb" Hospital CEO Cops a Plea to Two Felonies

In all the discussions of what is wrong with US health care, very rarely is the quality of the leadership of health care organizations questioned.  In fact, no major US health care organization seems to have leadership that is anything short of brilliant.  The amazing brilliance of these leaders serves as a rationale for the ever increasing compensation that they receive.  Yet while subordinates, friendly members of boards of trustees, and hard working public relations flacks may stress their leaders' wondrous qualities, there rarely is an opportunity to compare their proclamations with results.A few small items in the New York media provide us one case study of how these proclamations may not square with reality.BackgroundIn 2005, the CEO of New York's renowned Hospital for Special Surgery announced his retirement.  In a hospital news release, we find these pronouncements about outgoing President and CEO John Reynolds,HSS board Co-Chairman Aldo Papone said, 'John's guidance and devotion to the Hospital for Special Surgery these last two decades have been simply outstanding. Under his watch, the quality of care, fiscal health and scope of treatment for musculoskeletal disease at the hospital have reached the highest level in its history.  While we regret his decision, we can only offer a most grateful expression of thanks...'Also, HSS board Co-Chairman Dean R. O'Hare said,He is a superb leader and we appreciate his thoughtful approach to successi...
Source: Health Care Renewal - Category: Health Medicine and Bioethics Commentators Tags: executive compensation deception kickbacks Hospital for Special Surgery crime Source Type: blogs