Salard: ‘I have been vindicated’

After more than a year of legal and administrative actions regarding Dr. Greg Salard’s credentialing at Wrangell Medical Center, the Wrangell Medical Center Board of Trustees has granted the physician unrestricted privileges at the hospital for the next two years.

The notification came, Salard said, in the form of a letter signed by the board and delivered to him on Tuesday,

Feb. 26.

A group of former board members, most of whom were recalled last year, acted as a “fair hearing committee” and made the decision to deny Salard privileges on Friday, March 2, 2012. Former WMC Board President Mark Robinson notified Salard of that decision in the form of a letter as well.

A few days after the committee made its decision, Salard and his attorney Lee Holen said they would appeal the matter in court. That court action was resolved last week when Judge Kevin Miller dismissed the physician’s administrative appeal.

Salard said he feels like a weight has been lifted – and that he is ready to get back to work.

“I feel I have been vindicated,” Salard said. “I am really looking forward to getting back into the hospital and seeing my patients there. And I want to thank the new hospital board and the citizens of Wrangell who have supported me through this long, arduous process.”

Longtime Salard supporter Bill Knecht said he was glad to see the man he calls “his doctor” back to work at the hospital.

“It’s about friggin’ time and I’m very happy about this,” Knecht said. “It’s been a long time coming and I think this ridiculous witch-hunt was something that was very unnecessary in the first place.”

According to Tideline Clinic manager Carly Allen, Salard will now be worked back into the ER rotation schedule and will be allowed to admit patients and perform procedures covered under his credentials.