Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Peterson withdraws nomination as Director of Public Health
Culver to continue search for Director of Public Health; Dr. Hansen to serve as Interim Director
(Des Moines) Today, Doctor Greg Peterson officially withdrew his name from consideration as Director of Public Health, saying, "I have been deluged with calls from my patients concerned about my leaving the private practice. … Now, on reconsideration, I am asking Governor Culver to withdraw my name from nomination and apologize to him for any hardship or embarrassment I may have caused him."
"Governor-elect Culver accepts Dr. Peterson's decision to withdraw his name from consideration for Director of Public Health," said Brad Anderson, communications director for Governor-elect Culver. "He is well aware of the importance of this position and is immediately undergoing a search for a new director."
Dr. Mary Mincer Hansen will continue to serve as interim Director until the search is completed.
FULL TEXT OF DR. PETERSON'S LETTER:
January 9, 2007
To: Governor Chet Culver
From: Gregory Peterson, DO
Since the press release, I have been deluged with calls from my patients concerned about my leaving the private practice.
When first offered the position of Director of Public health by the Governor, I viewed it as an opportunity to perform valuable public service in an area in which I am deeply committed. However, I seriously underestimated the impact that the appointment and my retirement from practice would have on the lives of my patients. Unfortunately, I put my desire to serve the public ahead of my patients' interests.
Now, on reconsideration, I am asking Governor Culver to withdraw my name from nomination and apologize to him for any hardship or embarrassment I may have caused him.