An Open Letter to Charles "Chuck" Zorumski, MD, Chairperson of Washington University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry

"A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members." ~ Mahatma Ghandi

Dr. Zorumski:

Good morning.

I remember clearly when I interviewed here in December 2007; you and Dr. Cloninger particularly stood out amongst my interviewers.

I was bedazzled by Dr. Cloninger's keen insight and intuition and use of a thermodynamic construct to explain psychiatric principles, which displayed a phenomenal ability to abstract from infinitely complex principles across seemingly disparate domains. I was mightily impressed and amazed by your simplicity, depth of knowledge, and approachability. My interactions with both of you, was the main reason why I highly ranked Wash U.

Since becoming a resident here, my initial impressions have been confirmed many times over. Furthermore, our interactions, exchange of ideas, and your gentle tutelage during your Thursday's lecture series, further solidified your image in my mind and I felt quite comfortable with you.

All these were what informed my decision to run to you at the first sign of trouble on February 18, 2011 at 3pm. That was the Friday of the Monday I met with Drs. Farber and Harbit, during which they first informed me of a possible pending dismissal from the residency program.

During our meeting on that fateful day, I informed you of my historical difficulties and perceived unfair handedness in my interactions with Dr. Farber since joining the program. I also told you that, in the entirety of my experience in the Psych Department, there seems to be a gnawing absence of empathy.

I further informed you, that at the very beginning of my third year, I had pressing family issues and some personal existential questions in regards to the depth and intensity of the psychosocial stressors and psychiatric needs of the patient population the Wohl Psychiatry Clinic. I also informed you that I had resolved these issues and have become a better clinician in light of these personal experiences.

At the same meeting, I informed you that my primary goal is to complete the psychiatry residency training program, and that I was willing to work with faculty and staff to ensure my completion of the residency training. I even informed you that I have some ideas that could potentially enhance the overall training experience in the program (and I sent you an email to that effect the following day.)

Throughout our meeting, you were kind, reassuring, and thoughtful. You informed that you were aware that a letter was to be sent out to me and of the possibility of an unfavorable action towards me. You stated that your "role" was to look for ways for me to complete the residency but that "I cannot guarantee anything." You nevertheless enjoined and encouraged me not to worry but to enjoy my weekend as things will work out fine.

Overall, my experience at Wash U and BJH has neither been fair nor pleasant. Nevertheless, the most striking observation is the relative quietness of faculty members, fellow residents, and staff about my ongoing plight. All I have been canvassing for (and I'm still requesting) is a full and fair investigation into the issues I have raised.

Sir, you are a student of history. Looking back at Nazi Germany, the atrocities Hitler perpetuated against fellow flesh and blood and uniquely human lives will not have been possible without the implicit and tactic silence of the German citizenry.

Ultimately, the decisions, actions, and inactions of the Drs. Farber and Harbit reflect the integrity of the Psychiatry Department. It logically follows that the reflection of the Psychiatry Department, reflects the integrity of its leadership.

We all have a role to play in creating a fair, equitable, and nurturing environment. Institutions do not spontaneously derive a life of their own, they represent the overall traits, characters, and fears of its comprising individuals.

Thank You.

Alade, Oladimeji