LAWSUIT: Prove 'prompt' response

As a neurologist who worked with Tami Pilgrim in Coeur d’Alene for seven years, I can personally tell you that she is an outstanding nurse who is respected and loved by patients, physicians and the rest of the staff. Tami was always caring, intelligent, helpful, hardworking and compassionate. I am shocked by the way she was treated by Kootenai Health, but not surprised.

I have heard reports that the new administration does not treat their staff with respect or dignity. An example of this was seen in the handling of an excellent Cancer Center with departures of Dr. Brian Samuels and Dr. Haluk Tuzcan.

I am grappling with an issue that involves Kootenai Health administration: They claim to have dealt with Dr. Gilbert in a “prompt” manner. Anecdotally, Dr. Gilbert was reported to have had a string of relevant problems both in the public/social and professional domain dating back for months if not over a year prior to his release from duties at Kootenai Health. Perhaps we will get a timeline of Kootenai’s “prompt” handling in the pending court case.

JOAV KOFMAN, M.D.

Milwaukee, Wis.