The former, short-lived CEO of the Oregon Health & Science University hospital and clinics was fired over “professionalism and communications issues, not serious misconduct,” OHSU said in court documents this week, the clearest public statements it has made on an ugly matter that rocked the institution several months ago.
The statement came as part of a lawsuit filed by the medical center to block the release of records tied to the firing. After WW reported on the matter, Oregon Public Broadcasting sought additional records on the case, and now OHSU is saying those investigative files should remain confidential.
The matter at hand became public April 3, when OHSU President Shereef Elnahal announced that Tarek Salaway no longer worked at OHSU effective immediately. Elnahal at the time gave no public rationale. But as WW later reported, notable staff left OHSU in the weeks leading up to Salaway’s termination. And documents obtained through a public records request show staff told investigators of concerning, unprofessional behavior from Salaway, and also described him as arrogant-seeming and a poor listener…