Head of University of Massachusetts Liver Program Says He Was Forced Out

The surgeon who founded the liver transplant program at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center says he was forced from his job because he stood up for the rights of patients.

Dr. Eliezer Katz, who last year successfully fought a consultant's recommendation to end the program, told the Worcester Telegram & Gazette he was forced out last week by hospital administrators.

"I was forced to leave because I stood up for principles of care of patients, insisting that patients shouldn't have any additional risk, insisting that things in the hospital be conducted in an honest and direct way," he said.

A hospital spokesman declined comment.