Dr. Ghosh plans to open own practice in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS – Dr. Chirantan Ghosh was inundated with messages when his patients learned the cancer doctor was fired from his job with Physicians' Clinic of Iowa.

“There have been hundreds and hundreds of letters and phone calls,” he said. “I've been humbled and overwhelmed by the response.”

That led to Ghosh's decision, announced Thursday, June 16, that he would continue working in Cedar Rapids.

“I will stay in this town and start a new practice on my own,” he said.

His last day at his office at 855 A Ave. NE is June 30.

Ghosh, 56, said he hopes his patients will have a smooth transition when his new practice begins on July 1, but they will have to request their records from PCI.

As of this week, he had identified two potential sites for his new office in Cedar Rapids.

He has about 1,600 active patients.

Five staff members who work with his practice will continue with him, Ghosh said.

PCI spokeswoman Michelle Luty said PCI has been actively working with the five to find positions within PCI or outside the organization.

“They have not been offered any alternative, so they'll come with me,” Ghosh said.

Ghosh began practicing in Cedar Rapids 21 years ago and founded Iowa Blood & Cancer Care in 2002.

His practice came under PCI's umbrella in January 2009.

Ghosh said PCI terminated his job without cause after a difference of opinion that included his reluctance to financially invest in PCI's new medical mall.

Construction on the mall is beginning at Second Avenue and 10th Street SE.

St. Luke's Hospital announced earlier this month that St. Luke's and local physicians are opening a new Cedar Rapids Community Cancer Center in PCI's new medical mall.

Both St. Luke's and Mercy have said Ghosh would still have hospital privileges, but Ghosh said he was told he is required to have a backup physician or he won't be able to write orders for hospitalized patients.

He said statements by the hospitals and PCI have been misleading to his patients.

“We should all be here to relieve the stress and anxiety of the patients,” he said.

Ghosh said he hopes PCI does not act on the non-compete clause in his contract.

“It's a big financial risk,” he said. “But money's not all and I'm willing to take the risk.”