A longtime obstetrics and gynecology doctor at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle has had his OB privileges suspended.
Dr. James Holzhauer, a Columbus-based OBGYN, has lost obstetric privileges at Baptist, a hospital spokesperson confirmed Monday. The hospital has not yet released a reason for the privilege suspension. The spokesperson initially told The Dispatch more information would be released via Facebook Monday afternoon but later reneged and said the hospital would not release more information.
Holzhauer declined to comment to The Dispatch except to say he has appealed the decision with Baptist.
However, Holzhauer wrote a letter to his patients, multiple copies of which have been posted to Facebook, confirming his suspension.
“In a grave injustice, the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus has removed my privileges to deliver babies, permanently,” the letter says. “This is profoundly saddening to me and shows no respect for me or my patients.”
The letter goes on to say he will continue to help with gynecological problems, including excessive bleeding, infertility and pelvic pain among other medical issues.
Holzhauer has practiced medicine since 1987 and is a member of the Medical Association Board Of Obstetrics and Gynecology, according to his website. He has worked for Baptist since June 1990.
An online petition has been set up on thepetitionsite.com titled “Dr. Holzhauer back at Baptist Memorial Hospital.” As this morning, it had just more than 450 supporters online.
BMH Chief of Staff Dr. John King released a statement to The Dispatch saying only that physicians make the decisions regarding which doctors practice medicine at the hospital.
“Patient safety is always our first priority and any decision regarding a physician’s privileges are made with that core value in mind,” he added.
The statement did not mention Holzhauer by name.
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