Auburn Community Hospital is bracing for a major shift in its operating rooms as nearly its entire anesthesiology team prepares to walk away. Nine anesthesiologists, including physicians and certified registered nurse anesthetists, have submitted resignations, according to a Syracuse.com article.
This wave of mass resignations follows the hospital’s decision to fire its department head, Dr. Xi Yang, earlier this fall. No official reason was given for Yang’s termination, according to the Auburn Citizen.
In response, Yang filed a wrongful termination and whistleblower lawsuit last week, alleging he was dismissed after raising concerns about patient safety and surgical practices. His legal complaint centers on allegations made involving orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dan Alexander — one of the hospital’s top administrators.
According to the lawsuit, Yang repeatedly raised alarms after reports that Alexander would leave the operating area while patients remained under anesthesia to attend to other appointments elsewhere on campus. Yang claimed the practice not only posed safety risks, but also opened the door to improper or duplicate billing.
Yang said he alerted senior leadership mid-August and believed an investigation would follow. Instead, he alleges the hospital retaliated with anonymous flyers criticizing him appearing in the operating room space. Alexander filed a complaint against Yang soon after, according to the lawsuit.
Since Yang’s dismissal, the anesthesiology staff has described the work environment as “hostile,” “unsafe,” and “toxic,” according to statements referenced in the lawsuit. All but one member of the practice submitted their resignations, which will take effect in late fall and early winter due to contractual notice periods. Most are expected to depart by the start of 2026.
Auburn Community Hospital declined to address the allegations or Yang’s lawsuit directly. In a statement provided to FLX Local Media, the hospital said:
“Our surgical teams are fully staffed, and all procedures are continuing as scheduled with no impact on patient care. As a hospital that values privacy and professionalism for both patients and staff, we do not disclose details related to individual employment or litigation matters. Our decisions are guided by what’s best for our patients and our continued commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care close to home.”
The hospital has not announced how it plans to replace the departing anesthesiology staff. Alexander did not respond to attempts for comment.
Yang’s lawsuit, filed in Cayuga County Supreme Court, seeks monetary damages but does not request reinstatement.
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