— from Leslie Murdock —
The Orcas Medical Foundation (OMF) board of directors wishes to thank Dr. Giefer for all that he has done for the Orcas Medical Center and our community over the past twelve years, and, while we are disappointed to see him leave, we do appreciate all of his wonderful years of service.
There have been some questions from the community that we feel rightfully deserve to be answered and are hoping that we might be able to help by providing some clarification.
Island Hospital’s contract to manage Orcas Medical Center and to employ all the staff at the clinic was set to expire as of December 31, 2016, just as we were beginning our negotiations with UW Medicine. Island Hospital agreed to enter into a six-month extension agreement through June 30, 2017, in order to keep the clinic open until UW Medicine was in place. However, the transition has taken a bit longer than originally hoped, and an additional extension agreement was needed. OMF recently entered into this second extension agreement, which provided for Island Hospital to continue managing the clinic and employing all the staff there for an additional 3-month period from July 1 through September 30, 2017. Each employee of the clinic had the opportunity to either sign or not sign his or her extension agreement. Dr. Giefer chose not to sign his extension employment agreement and decided, instead, to retire as of June 30, 2017, when his current contract is due to expire.
The OMF board was hopeful that Dr. Giefer would continue on in his role as Orcas Medical Center’s physician until the UW transition was complete; unfortunately, that is not to be. While Dr. Giefer will no longer be on staff, we would like you to know that Island Hospital is currently assembling a patient care team that will enable the clinic to remain open during the summer and until UW Medicine is in place – currently scheduled for early September. We anticipate a number of familiar faces filling in to provide care for the Orcas community during our busy summer season. The staffing schedule should be available shortly.
OMF always understood that UW Medicine had complete authority to select and hire all the staff at the clinic, but were surprised and saddened to learn that Dr. Giefer’s last day will be June 30, 2017. Please know that we wish him the very best, including some much deserved time off and much more time to spend with his family and, especially, with his grandchildren.
One of the best responses provided to the previous article about Dr. Giefer’s termination was stated as follows:
“Dr. Giefer chose not to sign his extension employment agreement and decided, instead, to retire as of 6/30/17, when his current contract is due to expire.” (Leslie)
Vs.
“I just learned last week that I was not offered a position with the new UW Medicine clinic and my current contract with Island Hospital will be ending at the end of this month.” (Dr. Giefer)
Hhhmmmmmmm…. one of these things is not like the other…..
As you can see, OMF has its version to provide the public that avoids the real question. Dr. Giefer was informed OVER THE PHONE in a 3 minute conversation that he would not be hired by UW. Yes, he could have signed on for three more months until UW officially takes over, but this again avoids the issue that UW was not going to retain his services. Dr. Giefer would like to have continued part time for a few more years, but UW did not give him that option. I feel badly for all of those who trustingly contributed to the fund that was necessary to entice UW to operate here if this is the way their administration will be treating people on Orcas.
It is strange to think that the hiring practices of any employer (large or small) is anyone’s business beyond the employer and the applicant. The University of Washington did not earn national recognition by doing anything other than what they dedicate themselves to provide in the best interest of those they serve. UW’s Mission, Vision and Values are what made them the extraordinary institution for which they have earned such prestigious recognition. Orcas should rejoice in the fact that this fine community has enlisted the knowledge and resources of this institution. Change is not necessarily bad. For the first time in the history of this island, you will be privy to the finest in medicine, technology and compassion. UW believes in putting patients and their families first…they will not walk away and leave you stranded.
The UW is amazing and knows exactly how to make the healthiest decisions when it comes to deciding whom should be hired.
This is bittersweet for Dr. Tony and Mrs. Geifer, for sure. It is hard to leave people and a profession that one is so passionate about.
Newer medical information/treatments are all good and well but you will NOT find a more compassionate and caring doctor than Tony Geifer! And I will bet not a more gifted diagnostician, either.
This is a great loss and very sad time for Orcas.
Thank you Dr. Tony and Mary Ann for giving all you have to all the people you have encountered. That is enough for God so it has to be enough for you too!
Much love and respect and a huge hug!
Ron and Maggie
THANK YOU DR. GIEFER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!