Rumors fly after Pittinger's sudden departure

Wilbur "Bud" Pittinger's sudden departure from the University's Medical Center has caused a flurry of rumors to spread throughout the University. Pittinger, former executive director of the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania and senior vice president for Health Services, left the University after five years of service last month. Medical Center spokesperson Rebecca Harmon said Pittinger left because he could not agree on a new contract. "The parties involved were not able to come to terms," Harmon said in January. "Bud's going to pursue some other professional interests." But others say this is not the case. One source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, claimed that Pittinger's quick departure is connected to an embezzlement scandal. Both Pittinger and medical officials deny this accusation, and Pittinger has responded to the rumors which have spread amongst medical students and throughout the administration. Pittinger said rumors of "misappropriation, embezzlement, malfeasance," are completely untrue. He added that he is very proud of his accomplishments while at HUP because HUP is one of the national success stories in the "turnaround" of teaching hospitals. "It's important to get the facts correct and they stand for themselves," Pittinger said Friday. "There has been no wrongdoing on my part. I'm glad to have been able to serve the University." When Pittinger came to the University in 1989, HUP had lost $28 million, but in the last fiscal year HUP had $96 million in its operating budget, according to Pittinger. Pittinger said he is proud of his record of employee recruitment and employee morale. He added, though, that he is uncertain of his future professional plans. Medical Center spokesperson Lori Doyle said Pittinger was escorted out of his office by security guards. But she added that this is a common security practice. Harmon said she "assumes" Pittinger was able to take his personal possessions with him upon his departure. Pittinger would not respond to inquires into why rumors have been spreading concerning his departure. HUP Deputy Director Donald Snell was appointed as interim director of HUP, Medical Center Chief Executive Officer and Medical School Dean William Kelley announced last week. Harmon said the Medical Center will be recruiting a new senior vice president for Health Systems. She added that Pittinger's job will be split into two separate offices. Harmon also said the University made a strong effort to explain Pittinger's sudden leave through a Medical Center statement and a presentation given by Kelley to top Medical Center officials last month. Prior to joining the University, Pittinger spent ten years at the University of Michigan Medical Center as chief operating officer of the department of internal medicine.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.