Becker’s has reported on two current and former physicians who are suing or have sued their former employers over retaliation or defamation since June 13, 2025.
1. A federal jury in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania found Drexel University and Drexel University School of Medicine not liable in a lawsuit brought by Sharon Griswold, MD, an emergency medicine physician and former Drexel faculty member Aug. 8.
Dr. Griswold accused Philadelphia-based Drexel of sex discrimination, retaliation and of maintaining a hostile work environment. Her allegations centered around two staff members whom she said were hostile toward women in the workplace. She claimed that when she tried to talk to her supervisor, he instructed her to confront them directly. A federal judge dismissed the sex discrimination claim before trial but allowed the retaliation and hostile work environment claims to proceed.
2. A former Ohio physician who was fired and later acquitted of murder charges in the deaths of 14 patients lost a defamation lawsuit against Columbus-based Mount Carmel Health System in June. A judge issued a directed verdict against former physician William Husel, MD, dismissing his $18 million defamation claim. Dr. Husel’s attorneys had accused Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Trinity Health and Mount Carmel of leading a coordinated effort to damage his reputation. A directed verdict is generally rendered when a judge determines no reasonable jury would reach a different conclusion.
