Miller Out as Head of Mount Sinai Transplant Program

In the wake of additional sanctions imposed on Mount Sinai's liver transplant program for dozens of serious violations, the chief of the program has resigned and the program will be restructured, according to hospital officials.

Dr. Charles Miller, 50, stepped down as director of liver transplantation and physician-in-chief of all organ transplant programs at the hospital a week after the the New York Health Department announced that the living-donor liver transplant program would remain suspended indefinitely (see Transplant Week story).

Dr. Miller, who performed the first liver transplant in New York 14 years ago, will remain at Mount Sinai and continue to perform liver transplants, according to Dr. Gary Rosenberg, the hospital's executive vice president.

Dr. Kenneth Berns, the hospital's CEO, said the restructuring of the program "is one phase in Mount Sinai's ongoing efforts to ensure the highest quality of care for its patients."

Miller also will spend three months touring other transplant centers as part of an education and research role, according to the hospital officials.

Miller, who declined comment through a hospital spokesperson, was replaced as physician-in-chief of all organ transplant programs by Dr. Jonathan Bromberg, 46, chief of the Mount Sinai kidney/pancreas program.

Hospital officials said Miller's stepping down should not be viewed as a condition of the New York state sanctions and Mount Sinai's effort to resume living-donor liver transplants.

"It's a decision made solely by the hospital," added state Health Department spokesman Rob Kenny.

Other sources: New York State Health Department, Albany Times Union, Newsday, New York Times