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US Surgeon Accused of Gender Bias to Step Down

by Gopalan on Dec 16 2009 10:10 AM

Dr. Arthur Day, a noted neurosurgeon but accused of gender bias, will step down as chairman of the neurosurgery department, Brigham and Women's Hospital, a teaching affiliate of the Harvard Medical School.

In a note to his department, Day implied that he would no longer remain at the hospital in any capacity. He wrote, “In each of our lives, we reach a crossroad - a time for transition - to pursue other opportunities. After a period of thoughtful reflection with my family, I have reached that moment.’’

Dr. Day had been slapped with a sex discrimination lawsuit by Dr. Sagun Tuli, a female neurosurgeon at the hospital, and the jury awarded her $1.6 million in compensation.

Dr. Day repeatedly made demeaning statements to her while she was operating, telling her during a surgery in May 2007: "You are just a girl. Are you sure you can do that?"

On another occasion, at a hospital dinner in 2004, Tuli said Day asked her whether she would "get up on the table and dance for us to show the female residents how to behave?"

The US District Court jury, made up of seven men and two women, rejected Tuli's contention that the hospital discriminated against her by not promoting her, not supporting her research, and paying her less than her male peers. The jurors decided Tuli was paid fairly by the hospital, but said the overall work environment was hostile. The jury's verdict of a million dollar plus compensation came after a seven-week trial.

On Day’s impending departure, hospital’s president Dr. Gary Gottlieb Gottlieb said Day “is a gifted surgeon and an inspiring mentor to scores of young people; we will miss those talents.’’

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The Brigham would not comment further.



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