First few Article Sentences
The First Circuit’s August 29, 2011 decision in Tuli v. Brigham & Women’s Hospital depicts the harsh financial consequences that may arise when a hospital fails to investigate and reign in a disruptive physician. The jury awards against the Hospital of $600,000 for retaliation and $1,000,000 for hostile work environment underscore the need for hospitals to promptly address and respond to complaints of disruptive behavior, including discriminatory or retaliatory conduct.
In 2002, the Hospital hired Dr. Tuli, a female, as an associate surgeon in its neurosurgery department, and Dr. Day, a male, as vice-chairman of the department.
In 2002-2003, Tuli became the departments’ representative to the Hospital’s quality assurance committee and had to investigate some of Day’s cases. She was critical of Day’s care and some of his cases were reported to the state licensing board.