Although Vanderbilt University Medical Center customarily declines comment on

internal personnel matters, VUMC wishes to emphasize a number of points in light of

the recent Duke Chronicle article about Dr. Eugene Gu, a Duke graduate who is a
VUMC surgery resident.

First and foremost is that VUMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values its
commitment to diversity and inclusion. We welcome those who are interested in
ongoing career development in a caring, professional and culturally sensitive
atmosphere. Discrimination and harassment, in any form, are not tolerated in our
workplace, nor is retaliation for raising such concerns.

Second, all of VUMC’s actions concerning Dr. Gu have been consistent with this
important institutional commitment. This includes thoroughly investigating every
concern Dr. Gu has raised about his treatment and experience in the VUMC surgery
residency program. The results of those investigations have been shared with him on
numerous occasions.

Third, all of VUMC’s actions relating to Dr. Gu’s progress as a surgery resident have
been and will continue to be based on his performance and his adherence to VUMC
policies. Those actions have been carried out consistent with the requirements of the
VUMC House Staff Manual, which establishes the process for evaluating the
performance and progress of all residents at VUMC. That process also includes a
robust appeal and review protocol for each resident who disagrees with actions taken
by VUMC relative to his or her progress. Dr. Gu has been fully advised of his rights in
that process and the steps he may take to have these actions reviewed.

Finally, Dr. Gu has never been told that he must change his political views or the
substantive content of his personal participation on social media platforms. He has
been advised of the need to adhere to VUMC’s social media policy, which requires that
persons who are identified as representatives of VUMC clearly state that their views are
their own. He has also been advised that resident physicians should be professional
and respectful in their interactions and communications with and about one another.