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We, the undersigned, call for the immediate reinstatement of Dr. Lauren Beene and Dr. Valerie Fouts-Fowler.
On June 19, 2025, two respected pediatricians, Dr. Lauren Beene and Dr. Valerie Fouts-Fowler, were abruptly removed from patient care by University Hospitals. Both physicians were connecting with colleagues in an effort to organize around improving patient care at UH. There was no breach of patient data, no harm, and no clear violation of policy.
Dr. Beene and Dr. Fouts-Fowler have long been champions for children and for better care. Dr. Beene is a nationally recognized physician leader who has dedicated her career to improving healthcare for patients and communities across Ohio. She serves on the Ohio State Medical Association Board, the Committee to Protect Health Care Education Board, and is Vice Chair of the Cuyahoga County Women’s Health Commission. Notably, she founded Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights and its grassroots coalition, Protect Choice Ohio, which spearheaded the successful 2023 statewide ballot initiative protecting reproductive freedom for Ohio patients.
Dr. Fouts-Fowler is widely recognized in Cleveland for her exceptional clinical care, her deep commitment to helping marginalized patients and families, and her work with complex pediatric cases. She has consistently demonstrated a strong dedication to improving patient care at University Hospitals. Her excellence has been acknowledged by the institution itself, which recently named her one of its “Top Ranking Providers,” a distinction based on outstanding patient satisfaction scores. This recognition reflects the deep trust and appreciation she has earned from the families she serves.
Additionally, both Dr. Lauren Beene and Dr. Fouts-Fowler are named to the Cleveland Magazine Best Doctors list, an honor determined by votes from fellow physicians in the region.
These women are not being punished for wrongdoing, but for speaking up.
They are beloved physicians, trusted by families, admired by colleagues, and committed to making healthcare better for everyone. Their removal harms families, silences physician advocacy, and undermines the very values UH claims to uphold.
We stand with Drs. Beene and Fouts-Fowler. We call on University Hospitals to:
Reinstate them immediately
Respect the right of physicians to organize and advocate
Uphold transparency, patient-centered values, and a respectful speak up culture
Let them return to their work. Let them continue to lead. Let this be the moment we say: punishing physicians for speaking up is not just wrong, it’s dangerous.
Signed,
