Buechler to physician colleagues: Decision to leave Mission Hospitals caused ‘pain and sense of loss’

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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In the ongoing discussion about relations between Mission Hospitals and local doctors, one incident has been pointed up as emblematic of the problems: the resignation of Dr. Michael Buechler, who has been credited with building the reputation of Mission’s trauma unit.

I don’t know the details of Buechler’s resignation; just that it’s been cited as a culmination of some of the issues between the hospital and local doctors. See the posts here and here for more details about that.

Here is the doctor’s letter to friends and co-workers:

My Colleagues and Friends,

As you may have heard or will hear, I have resigned as an employee of
Mission Hospitals giving my three month notice required by HR Policy
4.18 on Wednesday, July 8th.

I cannot even begin to express to you the pain and sense of loss this
has caused me. I have been struggling with this decision for sometime
now. As I still have an employment relationship with Mission, further
comment as to what forced this decision would not be appropriate.

It has been my distinct honor and privilege to have worked with you,
learned from you and to have built with you the best Trauma
Center/Trauma System in the state and one of the best in the country.
You should always be proud of what you have accomplished and will
accomplish in the future. I will never forget you or what we have
achieved together.

Mike