Cardiologist files $15M defamation lawsuit against VCU colleagues and physician group

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) cardiologist Tiziano Scarabelli, MD, filed a $15 million defamation lawsuit against four colleagues and the VCU Health System’s physician group. His attorneys claim he suffered retaliation after raising concerns over patients receiving insufficient heart care during and after chemotherapy treatments, according to reporting from the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

The suit highlighted emails between colleagues, describing Scarabelli as being “unnecessarily argumentative about issues.” There were also allegations of misconduct by Scarabelli, for which he was suspended from his job and placed on administrative leave. Upon a Title IX investigation, administrators found there were no evidence of misconduct.

Still, the suit alleges, Scarabelli was notified that his contract would end with the MCV Associated Physicians and the VCU School of Medicine. Scarabelli and his attorneys believe his termination “has had the effect of reaffirming false allegations and damaging his reputation.”

To read the story, click the link below.

""

As a senior news writer for TriMed, Subrata covers cardiology, clinical innovation and healthcare business. She has a master’s degree in communication management and 12 years of experience in journalism and public relations.

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."