Latino physician responds to firing

Prominent Latino physician responds to firing
MD Daily Record, September 11, 2009

Serrano case deserves close attention
If the facts submitted as evidence in this case are reflective of what actually took place (“Fired doctor seeks $24M,” Aug. 26), the integrity tenets of the entire surgical training program at [Johns Hopkins Hospital] have been violated.

Although these cases are rare, they must not be ignored because the outcome will determine policies, processes and systems that will impact surgical training programs across the country.
As details become flushed out, is what Dr. [Oscar K.] Serrano did of such an egregious nature that he should be summarily fired? If this is his first offense, it certainly seems very heavy-handed and over-reacting. Was he given a chance to cure his performance deficiencies?

The apparent outstanding background of Dr. Serrano reflects the over-achieving traits that are found in most Latino medical students and physicians.

Workforce diversity studies and the under supply of Latino physicians in the United States further support the need for Latino post-graduate training residents to be valued and supported since the need is so great and the supply is so [limited].

This case needs to be brought to the attention of all key stakeholders in the field of post-graduate physician training who are impacted by decisions to terminate physician residents.

Robert A. Beltran, M.D., M.B.A.
President, Latino Med Policy Institute
Los Alamitos, Calif.