More than 45 members attended an Audubon County Memorial Hospital board meeting March 27 to voice their dissent or support of the Audubon, Iowa-based hospital's decision to fire one of its physicians in January, according to the Atlantic News Telegraph.
The hospital fired Christopher Stubbs, MD, Jan. 23, for failing to be credentialed with Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and for a lack of productivity and absences from work, according to the report.
WBCBS reportedly denied Dr. Stubbs' membership with the insurer in 2016, citing his failure to complete his residency training, according to the report. Last November, the Iowa Board of Medicine announced charges and a settlement against Dr. Stubbs, claiming he had engaged in unethical or unprofessional behavior by failing to disclose information about his medical training. The board issued him a warning and a $5,000 civil penalty, and suspended his medical license for 10 days.
Dr. Stubbs is, and will remain, on probation with the medical board for three years.
Hospital Board President Paul Schultz said during the March 27 meeting the board stands by its decision to fire Dr. Stubbs.
"Each and every decision we make is based on what is best for our patients and our community," he said.
To access the full report, click here.