Beth Israel rejects Needham doctor’s appeal

Printed from: https://newbostonpost.com/2015/09/15/beth-israel-rejects-needham-doctors-appeal/

BOSTON – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has rejected the appeal of a Needham doctor who was terminated in March for making what the hospital says were anti-gay remarks.

Dr. Paul Church, a 30-year veteran urologist at the hospital, had appealed to a disciplinary board to reinstate his privileges, but the hospital sent him a letter dated Sept. 4 rejecting his appeal, Church told the NewBostonPost. The letter and supporting documents cannot be released under hospital confidentiality policies, Church said.

Although Church can request an additional appeal to the hospital Board of Directors, they must first approve his request, he said. For now, Church says he will continue his private practice.

A spokesman for Beth Israel said that the hospital staff cannot comment on ongoing employee disputes.

Church and hospital staff have clashed for more than a decade over the hospital’s support of the Boston Pride parade, to which Church objects. The conflict came to a head in March after Church posted Bible verses condemning same-sex relations on a public message board.

Contact Kara Bettis at [email protected] or @karabettis