Peter Emanuel, MD, director of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at Little Rock-based University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, resigned, according to an Arkansas Online report.
Here are six notes:
1. Dr. Emanuel's resignation letter obtained by Arkansas Online notes he will depart from the role July 31.
2. The letter did not mention the reason behind his decision to step down, but it did state Dr. Emanuel will ensure his patients' "medical care [will] be transitioned to appropriate physicians" before he leaves.
3. UAMS recently faced numerous financial difficulties, laying off 260 employees in an attempt to recover from a $72.3 million deficit.
4. However, Dr. Emanuel told Arkansas Online that while there were difficulties, "I'm not going to say if they were financial or otherwise."
5. Dr. Emanuel assumed the director role at the institute 2007. During his tenure, he oversaw the addition of a 12-story research and treatment tower.
6. An email to staff from Stephanie Gardner, UAMS' interim chancellor, stated Dr. Emanuel is "a valued leader and colleague."