Vermont Controversy

An article appearing in the May 18 issue, “Vermont’s New Hospital: Progress or Step Back?,” contained a quote attributed to me in which I characterize psychiatry faculty criticism of Fletcher Allen Health Care and a plan to move mental health services to a new facility as “insubordinate.” I would like to clarify my position on this matter.

At no time have I made statements, in public or private, concerning retribution for faculty that have opinions that are contrary to Fletcher Allen Health Care or University of Vermont College of Medicine positions. I completely hold to the principle that everyone is entitled to [his or her] own opinion and that a basic tenet of a healthy academic environment is open discourse.

This is an academic medical center. Whenever there is a new proposal or a new project, questions are raised. That’s part of the process in this type of environment. New ideas are probed and questioned, and in the end a stronger, better product emerges. An academic medical center setting thrives on a culture of inquiry and questioning. The notion of a gag order or other such retribution would be an anathema to the academic setting.

The proposed mental health service move is a sensitive issue. However, the inpatient psychiatry faculty and staff and state officials are moving toward solutions to issues that have been raised. In the final analysis, I am confident that we will relocate our inpatient mental health services in a manner that will allow us to offer the very best, high-quality care we can possibly provide to patients in our region.