Бывшие врачи неонатологов из Медфорда создали группу защиты качества педиатрической помощи

Former Asante physicians start neonatal care advocacy group MEDFORD, Ore. – Nine neonatologists who were terminated from Asante’s Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford have founded a group to advocate for safe, high-quality neonatal care throughout the region. The team of physicians, who have collectively provided decades of neonatal experience and care to patients and families, reported that in January they were told their employment with Asante would end on July 1. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is now staffed by Locum tenens, or temporary physicians, alongside neonatal nurse practitioners. In August, the terminated physicians started the Facebook page ‘Babies First: Advocating for Exceptional Neonatal Care,’ where they expressed concerns about the NICU’s staffing transition. Dr. Katie Townes McMann, one of the group’s founding members, says the response they received from the public inspired them to keep going. “There was actually a really huge outpour and outcry from the community, and from that it became obvious that there needed to be more awareness, and more communication and collaboration,” she said. A press release from the group states that, approximately two years prior to their departure, the neonatologists raised concerns about patient safety, staffing reductions, and decisions affecting clinical care made without meaningful input from the physicians providing that care. Now banded together, the women are hoping to raise awareness and advocate for exceptional neonatal care in the community. They aim to educate the public about neonatal care, create a space for families and clinicians to share their stories, and speak with legislators about ensuring stable neonatal care in the region, now and in the long-term. Another member of the group, Dr. Shelly Haug Monti, says high-quality neonatal care means having a large, experienced team to be there for parents and infants in need. “It’s knowing that, when the worst day of their life happens, and they’re stuck in the hospital with their most vulnerable baby, that the right team is already there,” she said. “It means more than having a bed and a physician covering the shift.” She also emphasized that their efforts aren’t an “employment campaign,” motivated by disgruntlement with Asante. “This is our community…. and ultimately, we really just want to be a voice to advocate for the needs of our most vulnerable patients and their families.” When asked for comment, Asante directed NBC5 to an FAQ page on their website, which says Asante made changes to the NICU to expand access and keep more neonates in the region. The website says this includes extending neonatology specialist coverage to the Three Rivers Medical Center in Grants Pass. It also says that they are actively recruiting new staff for the unit. © 2026 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated. About the Author Ripley Pierotti Ripley Pierotti is a Reporter for NBC5 News. Born and raised in San Francisco, California, Ripley graduated from Southern Oregon University with a degree in Communications and a certificate in Documentary Film. In her time at SOU, she acted as Community Manager for Communications, Media, and Cinema. She worked on several short films that were featured at the SOU Film Festival. In her spare time, Ripley loves reading, watching movies, and listening to her vinyl record collection. Her other interests include fashion design and musical theater. She also enjoys spending time with her partner and their cat, Peach.