Jon Pryor, MD, announced his decision Feb. 5 to retire from his position as CEO of Minneapolis-based Hennepin Healthcare this week, according to the Star-Tribune.
Dr. Pryor confirmed his resignation to the the publication, but deferred to the hospital board to provide an explanation.
"We are grateful to Dr. Pryor for leading us through this period of growth," Sheila Riggs, DDS, board chair of Hennepin Healthcare System, said in a Feb. 5 news release. "He is an innovator who helped the organization reconnect with the community, and Hennepin Healthcare System is stronger today because of his leadership."
In an internal email to staff obtained by the publication, Dr. Pryor said: "This is the right time for me to make a transition to the next chapter of my life. Hennepin Healthcare is on the right path, but there is work still to be done. I regret that I won't be part of it, but I am confident that the right people and plans are in place. Later this week you will hear more about the next steps."
The board is scheduled to meet Feb. 6 to consider John Cumming, MD, to lead the system on an interim basis.
Dr. Pryor has served as CEO of Hennepin Healthcare since 2013. His departure comes months after community and state officials voiced concerns about the health system's research practices relating to studies about the sedative ketamine. A Star-Tribune investigation found that paramedics involved in the study may have used the sedative on patients without prior consent.
In January, the health system released the results of several internal investigations into its research processes related to sedation studies and recommended changes to research protocol. The probes found that the paramedics and researchers involved in the ketamine studies followed protocols in line with national standards, according to the report.
It is unclear if the research controversy played a role in Dr. Pryor's resignation, the report states.
To access the full report, click here.