Vanderbilt University Medical Center is denying it suspended an Asian American resident because of his political views.
In a story first reported by AsAmNews in November, Eugene Gu was placed on probation after his series of tweets about being bullied in the workplace.
The Duke Chronicle then reported this month that Gu was also given a two week suspension that same month. The Medical Center has since released the following statement which was updated just yesterday.
Any actions relating to Dr. Gu’s progress as a surgery resident have been and will continue to be based on his performance and adherence to VUMC’s policies. Specifics of performance are not discussed in public forums.
His assertion that he had been disciplined for expressing political or social views on social media is untrue.
Dr. Gu is not presently on a leave of any kind.
All of VUMC’s actions concerning Dr. Gu have been consistent with the institution’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. This includes thoroughly investigating every concern Dr. Gu has raised about his treatment and experience in the VUMC surgery residency program. The results of those investigations have been shared with him on numerous occasions.
Further, he has never been told that he must change his political views or the substantive content related to his personal participation on social media platforms. He has been advised of the need to adhere to VUMC’s social media policy, which requires that persons who are identified as representatives of VUMC clearly state that their views are their own. Dr. Gu has also been advised that resident physicians should be professional and respectful in their interactions and communications.
All actions have been carried out consistent with the requirements of VUMC’s House Staff Manual, which establishes the process for evaluating performance and progress of all residents, and also includes a robust appeal and review protocol which is available to all residents.
Gu told AsAmNews after we first published the November article that he has been extremely cautious about what he is posting on social media, saying his every tweet and Facebook post is being thoroughly scrutinized by the University. After the medical center released its statement, he responded on Twitter.
Even Vanderbilt University is distancing itself from Vanderbilt University Medical Center. #TimesUp https://t.co/akNS4Ed3wA
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) January 17, 2018
I’ve never tweeted the names of any resident or attending who bullied, discriminated against, or assaulted me. Yet behind the faceless Vanderbilt University Medical Center twitter account, they incessantly pin tweets and statements about me. Unacceptable. https://t.co/jz6gOyThJ2
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) January 16, 2018
The latest controversy drew a swift response on social media.
NOT acceptable! Shame on you @VanderbiltU Medical Center! Dr. Eugene is an amazing physician because he is an awesome MAN and person FIRST! Of all the mess going on in this world, appreciate whose on your team! Apologize now! @eugenegu ????????⚕️??⚕️ #teamEugene
— RhondaK (@BossDivaRhondaK) January 16, 2018
My friend, @eugenegu, is being harassed by his employer Vanderbilt University Medical Center (@VUMChealth) as well as other physicians because of his political views, on and off of social media.
Read the whole article for details.
Shameful.#TuesdayMotivation https://t.co/d11oWkHEG2— Holly Figueroa O’Reilly (@AynRandPaulRyan) January 16, 2018
This is the truth. Physician training in this country is frankly abusive on its best day. Add in race and politics and it’s 10 x worse. pic.twitter.com/AIJpK4vZs3
— rural elite (@bookofruthless) January 16, 2018
VUMC social media policy sounds outdated, at best. Obviously Gu’s views are his own! Maybe it should be up to institutions to affirm that individuals don’t speak for them instead of the other way around. https://t.co/Aj2TBsiFuo
— Aaron Huertas (@aaronhuertas) January 16, 2018
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