University of Michigan officials issued the following statement today (July 16):

“On Tuesday,

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“In a letter sent to President Bollinger, Medical School Interim Dean Lorris Betz stated: ‘The conclusion I have reached is that Dr. Oesterling’s conduct is so egregious and inconsistent with standards expected of faculty of the University of Michigan that termination proceedings must be implemented against him.’ That letter, which also was sent to the Chair of the Faculty Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs, was required to start the final stage of the process that could lead to dismissal of Oesterling as a faculty member.

“In his letter, Dean Betz identified charges against Oesterling in four areas: (1) unapproved and excessive, outside employment in violation of written University and Medical School requirements; (2) undisclosed conflicts of interest resulting from dealings with pharmaceutical companies and other non-University entities; (3) personal profits derived from University resources or efforts; and (4) multiple billing of expenses and falsification of related records.

“Lisa Baker, Associate Vice President for University Relations, stated that the Medical School has cooperated with the Department of Public Safety’s criminal investigation. ‘The criminal proceedings appear to be nearing a conclusion, and the University must now act. The evidence uncovered to date strongly indicates that Dr. Oesterling has engaged in a pattern of misconduct that the University simply will not tolerate,’ Baker stated. The University also is considering separate legal action to recover amounts it believes is owed to it by Dr. Oesterling.

“Dr. Lazar J. Greenfield, Professor of Surgery and Chair of the University’s Department of Surgery, provided assurance that the Section of Urology will continue to provide the very highest level of care to its patients. Dr. Greenfield stated that the investigation of Dr. Oesterling’s conduct had not revealed that patient care had been compromised. Dr. James E. Montie, Professor of Surgery, continues as Interim Head of the Department’s Section of Urology.

“As requested, the University has forwarded copies of its investigation materials to the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services, which has responsibility for considering disciplinary action with respect to Dr. Oesterling’s medical license.”

E-mail: wonol@umich.edu