Dr. Sharada Chaitra will no longer be the Hilo Medical Center contracted cardiologist. ADVERTISING Dr. Sharada Chaitra will no longer be the Hilo Medical Center contracted cardiologist. “Under the terms of Dr. Sharada Chaitra’s contract with Hilo Medical Center, either
Dr. Sharada Chaitra will no longer be the Hilo Medical Center contracted cardiologist.
“Under the terms of Dr. Sharada Chaitra’s contract with Hilo Medical Center, either party has the option to renew,” says a statement from the hospital released Thursday through the office of spokeswoman Elena Cabatu. “Dr. Chaitra’s contract has not been renewed, and she continues to provide care at the hospital.”
The hospital did not disclose if the decision was mutual, Chaitra’s or the medical center’s.
“Details of employment contracts are personnel issues that we do not provide comment on,” the hospital noted. But Cabatu said by telephone that the hospital will continue its ongoing search for two cardiologists and, with Chaitra, “we’re just going to maintain our professional relationship with her.”
Cardiology care is an essential specialty for the region, as evidenced by the 4,000 patients who visit the HMC Cardiology Clinic each year. Board-certified cardiologists provide care to the community and the emergency room, according to HMC.
It’s unclear how much longer Chaitra’s contract lasts.
“Because it’s getting into a personnel issue, it’s hard for us to give any other comment than what’s in our statement,” Cabatu said.
When Chaitra “leaves, she will continue to be in good standing,” the hospital emphasized.
HMC maintains locum tenens cardiologists who fill in short-term, in addition to a primary contracted cardiologist.
The medical center focused on it’s commitment to excellent care to the community.
“Our services really are going to be maintained,” Cabatu said.
Attempts to reach Chaitra were unsuccessful.
Email Jeff Hansel at jhansel@hawaiitribune-herald.com
