OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Dr. Richard Azizkhan, current President and CEO of Children's Hospital, announced Monday he plans to retire and leave his position August 16.
A lawsuit was filed in early January against the hospital, Dr. Azizkhan and neurosurgeon Dr. Adam Conley, alleging Dr. Conley was not competent to perform surgery.
Doctors Puccioni and Miller wrote letters to Children's Hospital administrators suggesting Conley was unfit to operate at the institution, and days later, both doctors had their privileges suspended at the hospital.
The suit also alleged Children's Hospital engaged in deceptive practices to drive away Miller's patients, and that Doctors Azizkhan and Conley intentionally tried to destroy the reputations of Doctors Miller and Puccioni, including misleading patients into thinking the doctors had retired or moved away.
Children's Hospital says former Children's Board of Directors Chair Rodrigo Lopez will serve as Interim President and CEO, working with Dr. Azizkhan to ensure a smooth transfer of leadership.
The Board of Directors is searching nationwide for a new president and CEO, which is expected to be complete in the next several months.
Dr. Azizkhan has served in his role for nearly four years.
