UVA investigating health system CEO K. Craig Kent

The University of Virginia is investigating allegations made against its health system CEO and school of medicine dean in an anonymous letter from UVA Health faculty.

Faculty employed by the University of Virginia Physicians Group, part of UVA Health, sent a no-confidence letter Thursday to the university's board of visitors, calling for the removal of health system CEO Dr. K. Craig Kent and Dr. Melina Kibbe, dean of the school of medicine. The letter was signed by 128 employees whose names that were kept anonymous to prevent retaliation, according to the letter.

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The letter alleged that Kent and Kibbe made decisions that compromised patient safety, including hiring physicians without proper credentials and spending money to increase executive pay instead of hiring more employees to combat staffing shortages. Employees also alleged the two retaliated against staff members who raised operational and safety concerns by withholding promotions and raises. 

In a letter to medical school faculty Saturday, university President Jim Ryan said the institution would investigate the allegations and already was working with faculty to address concerns. He said he was disappointed that faculty had chosen to submit the letter and showed support for Kent and Kibbe as leaders.

"I will reserve final judgment in this instance until we have done a thorough review," Ryan wrote. "Despite the unusual and unfortunate way in which they have been presented, we take these allegations seriously...We will investigate them, and we will take the appropriate steps in response."

Ryan added that introducing new leaders would not solve the issues.

UVA Physicians Group did not respond to a request for comment. In a joint statement, Kent and Kibbe acknowledged staff concerns and said they are open to feedback. 

"Healthy organizations thrive on constructive feedback, and we are committed to doing the work to better understand the concerns expressed by some faculty members," Kent and Kibbe said in a statement Monday. "As we chart a path forward together, we do so dedicated to our mission of transforming healthcare and inspiring hope for patients and communities across Virginia and beyond."

Kent joined UVA Health in 2020. In December, his contract was extended through January 2030. Kibbe began her role at the health system in 2021.

UVA Health is comprised of UVA Health University Medical Center, UVA School of Nursing, UVA School of Medicine and UVA Physicians Group, all in in Charlottesville, Virginia, as well as UVA Health community medical centers in Culpeper, Haymarket and Manassas, also in Virginia.