The sudden suspension of Dr. Joseph Oesterling, chief urologist at the University Medical Center, has left several of his patients angry and concerned about their future treatment.
Riverview resident and patient Bill Richardson, 56, said he was disturbed to learn of the reports that the doctor had been suspended.
"I was upset he was suspended," Richardson said. "He is a tremendous person and doctor. On a personal basis, he's the most personable guy I've known in the medical profession."
Richardson, a research environmental engineer for the Environmental Protection Agency, criticized the University, calling its suspension policies inconsistent.
"What comes to mind is the basketball team. They don't suspend (Michigan Basketball Coach Steve) Fisher, and they suspend a doctor who's helping patients," Richardson said. "I'm not saying he didn't do anything wrong. I don't understand why they had to suspend him.
"They're depriving men of their services - it's a really psychological and mental thing to me," he added.
Richardson said he first met Oesterling in September 1996. Oesterling performed prostate cancer surgery on Richardson that November.
Oesterling's suspension was first reported by the Detroit Free Press two weeks ago. An anonymous source told the newspaper that the suspension was made because of alleged financial improprieties. The source added that the urology chief is being investigated for consulting fees he allegedly received from drug and medical companies.
The Department of Public Safety is currently conducting an investigation into the matter, but details of the probe have not been released.
The University has maintained silence on the matter, saying it is against University policy to comment on personnel issues.
"We do not comment on personnel," said Associate Vice President for University Relations Lisa Baker.
Oesterling, who is one of the premier researchers and doctors in urology, also has refused comment to The Michigan Daily.
Another patient of Oesterling's, Gordon Dibler, 59, of Auburn Hills, said he was "astounded" to learn of the suspension.
"What surprised me is why would the University take a doctor out of the hospital for financial problems, especially when he has so many operations to perform," Dibler said.
Dibler said the suspension has left him concerned about Oesterling's patients who are awaiting surgery.
Oesterling's suspension was so abrupt that his scheduled operations for that same afternoon were postponed.
"A man with prostate cancer has a lot of fears," Dibler said. "There are so many operations lined up and he's just trying to help people."
Both patients said they had not been contacted by the Medical Center.
"Our well-being has to take precedence," Richardson said. "If it's a matter of bureaucracy, those things can be resolved."