Bradford Regional Medical Center officials have offered a former
oncologist a chance to continue to serve his patients two weeks
after they terminated his employment.

In a press release issued Wednesday, BRMC President and Chief
Executive Officer George E. Leonhardt said the hospital had been
working on options since they terminated their employment agreement
with Dr. Edward Miskiel.

“It was a very difficult personnel decision to make. We gave Dr.
Miskiel numerous opportunities to resolve the issues over a period
of months. Ultimately, the only decision left was to terminate the
employment relationship,” Leonhardt said. The hospital president,
citing confidential personnel issues, declined further comment.

According to the press release, Miskiel has been offered the
opportunity to establish an independent practice in the Bradford
community “so long as he makes a full-time commitment to the
community and completes all outstanding patient records.”

“If he chooses that option, he would be able to see those
patients who have expressed an interest in continuing to receive
their medical oncology services from him,” Leonhardt explained in
the release. “Our options have been outlined to him so it’s really
up to him at this point to decide,” Leonhardt said.

A letter to update patients was also sent on Wednesday.
Officials said they did not know when they would receive a response
to their letter to Miskiel.

When contacted by The Era Wednesday night, Miskiel said neither
he nor his attorney had received the letter outlining his options.
Miskiel, who is represented by attorney Douglas Maloney of Begley,
Carlin & Mandio of Langhorne, said since he has retained an
attorney, he would decline the letter if it’s sent certified.

“As of now I haven’t received the letter,” Miskiel said. “The
only letter I received was the one that terminated me.”

That letter, Miskiel said, was hand-delivered within five
minutes of a call he received notifying him of his firing.

“If it comes certified, I will refuse it,” he said. “It should
go to my lawyer, not to me.”

Miskiel, who came to Bradford in August 2004 and signed a
contract with BRMC that Nov. 1, contended Wednesday that he has
done nothing to warrant his termination.

“My lawyer has already taken the position that my contract has
not been breached,” he said. “I have made efforts to purchase a
residence (in Olean).”

As far as the particulars of the letters and options within,
Miskiel said he is not able to respond until he has it in hand.

The oncologist did say he’s received support from his patients
and colleagues alike. A Mass and reception is scheduled to honor
him today at St. Francis of Assisi Church and G. Carlton Ritchie
Hall, respectively.

“I love my patients and they love me,” he said. “We are
certainly going to try to work it out.”

He said the reception was planned by several of his patients who
“wanted to show support for me as their oncologist.”

He added there have been petitions circulated in the community
as well as among the medical staff at the hospital.

“The doctors here love me. I think the doctors here are happy
with my service, the care I give to patients. I have had no
complaints from physicians. Everyone’s been very supportive.”

As for the reception, Miskiel said, “It will be an honor for me.
I appreciate all the community is trying to do. Let’s hope things
work out.”

Miskiel was terminated Jan. 10; hospital officials announced the
move Jan. 11 with the immediate hiring of Dr. Yahya Abdul-Fadl, an
oncology/hematology specialist who had provided services at BRMC in
the past.

So far, the response to Fadl has been positive.

“Patients who have seen Dr. Fadl over the past two weeks have
expressed to us that they are extremely pleased,” Leonhardt said.
“There is a comfort level with the staff members and the setting
that many of our patients remain committed to.”

BRMC’s Cancer Care & Hematology Services Department opened
in 1996 as an opportunity for local patients to receive
professional care and treatment at a center conveniently located in
their own community. Appointments are made via physician
referral.

For additional information, individuals can call Cancer Care
& Hematology Services at the Medical Center.