Portland Hospital CEO Terminated After Raising Equity and Safety Concerns
The chief executive of a major university hospital system in Portland has been abruptly fired just four months into his $1.4 million role, following allegations that he questioned whether leadership was fulfilling commitments to equity and inclusion. Tarek Salaway was dismissed as CEO of Oregon Health & Science University's hospital network last Friday, with the termination taking immediate effect.
Sudden Dismissal After Brief Tenure
OHSU Health President Dr. Shereef Elnahal announced Salaway's ouster in an email to employees obtained by Willamette Week. The communication failed to provide any explanation for the sudden termination, merely stating that Elnahal understood staff turnover could be disruptive and that he was committed to minimizing any impact on healthcare operations.
Salaway had been absent from work for several days prior to the announcement, with any attempts to contact him via email receiving automated responses indicating he was out of the office for an urgent matter. The CEO had been hired in December following a nearly two-year search to lead OHSU's clinics and two hospitals, filling a position that had seen considerable instability in recent years.
Concerns About Leadership and Resources
According to Salaway's attorney, Jackie Ford, the former CEO had raised significant concerns about patient safety, financial management, and workplace culture prior to his dismissal. Salaway had specifically questioned whether leaders from underrepresented backgrounds were receiving adequate support within the organization.
"We are disappointed in the decision of OHSU to terminate Mr. Salaway's employment after failing to take his concerns about bias and resource waste seriously," Ford stated to Willamette Week. "Mr. Salaway is an accomplished executive and seasoned leader who addresses these matters with the utmost importance."
Ford declined to share details involving confidential internal communications and personnel matters but indicated they would pursue legal action to ensure these issues receive proper attention moving forward.
CEO's Ethical Obligations
Salaway confirmed to reporters that he had been on personal leave while negotiating a separation agreement with OHSU, making Friday's termination notice particularly unexpected. While not elaborating on the specific reasons for his dismissal, Salaway emphasized his professional responsibilities.
"As CEO, I have an ethical obligation to raise concerns when I believe there are issues that could affect the long-term integrity, safety, or sustainability of the institution," Salaway said. "My actions were guided by that duty."
Leadership Instability at Major Health System
The health system has experienced considerable leadership turbulence since Dr. John Hunter stepped down as CEO in June 2024. Following Hunter's departure, interim leadership included Chief Operating Officer Joe Ness, followed briefly by retired Minnesota health executive Ann Madden Rice, who resigned after just five weeks for undisclosed reasons.
Tim Goldfarb, who previously led OHSU's clinics from 1987 to 2001, then served as interim CEO until Salaway's appointment in December. Salaway brought nearly three decades of healthcare leadership experience to the role, having previously served as a senior vice president with Kaiser Permanente in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Significant Responsibilities and Patient Impact
The CEO position at OHSU carries substantial responsibilities, with oversight of operations at OHSU Hospital, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, outpatient clinics throughout the Portland metropolitan area, and affiliated partners including Hillsboro Medical Center and Adventist Health Portland. The comprehensive health system serves approximately 360,000 patients annually.
Dr. Renee Edwards, the university's chief medical officer, has been appointed as acting CEO while the organization searches for an interim leader. The university has not provided any additional information regarding Salaway's dismissal or the specific concerns he raised about equity, inclusion, and resource management within the healthcare system.
