Fortunately, University President John J. DeGioia responded last week to the Medical Center faculty petition protesting his decision to appoint current Executive Vice President Sam Wiesel to a new executive position in the Medical Center. Unfortunately, his response offered too many words with not enough substance.
In a publicly released statement, DeGioia credited Wiesel with facilitating the creation of an effective partnership between the Medical Center and MedStar Health, the Maryland-based non-profit organization which now runs the Georgetown Hospital. To his credit, DeGioia did admit that there might be a potential conflict of interest involved in Wiesel’s appointment, which will make him accountable to both the Medical Center and MedStar.
On balance, however, DeGioia’s response doesn’t adequately address the faculty members’ petition. While DeGioia vaguely references Wiesel’s contribution to the MedStar partnership, he doesn’t provide any specific examples of Wiesel’s contributions to the Medical Center. This seems particularly relevant in light of two past “no confidence” votes against Wiesel by the Medical Center faculty. DeGioia also fails to outline the specific responsibilities of the new Senior Vice President post, which Wiesel will assume.
Furthermore, while admitting the existence of a potential conflict of interest in Wiesel’s dual responsibilities for both MedStar and the Medical Center, DeGioia neglected to mention the possibility of having another qualified individual serve in the new post, someone who commands more respect from the Medical Center faculty. DeGioia also mentions that Wiesel will “ensure continuity and stability,” but stability and continuity should not outweigh competence or experience.
While DeGioia’s response did mention specific issues raised in the Medical Center petition, it didn’t address ways of solving them. DeGioia needs to deliver a more comprehensive and forthright response to the Medical Center community and to the larger Georgetown community. He should defend his leadership decisions in a more convincing fashion, not through a bland public relations letter.
