WINNEMUCCA — Calling it a bad position to be in, Commissioner Jim French raised the possibility the hospital may have to hire a new surgeon depending on the outcome of November’s election.  French’s comments came during the regular meeting of the Humboldt General Hospital Board of Trustees on Tuesday (March 27).

His comments were in reference to Board Trustee Dr. Soon Kim, who does double-duty as the hospital’s general surgeon and sits on the board of trustees. Dr. Kim filed for reelection earlier this month – despite new hospital policy that prevents employees from sitting on the governing board.

Dr. Kim was, of course, free to seek reelection, but acting in opposition of the hospital’s policies could potentially jeopardize her employment.

The policy update reflected decisions made by the Nevada Commission on Ethics, which has determined employees of a public organization cannot sit on its governing board due to the conflict of interest. Many organizations have updated their policies similarly, including the Humboldt County School District.

French asked that hospital administrator, Jim Parrish, and legal counsel, Kent Maher, review Dr. Kim’s contract and report back to the board at their April meeting.

French said the board may be put into the difficult position of enforcing policy, with the possible end result of having to recruit a new surgeon.

Recruiting physicians to rural hospitals can be something of a challenge. For example, during the meeting Parrish reported a potential new physician recently visited Winnemucca and toured HGH - -then pulled his name from further consideration.

Because the recruitment process could be a lengthy one, French explained it was better for the board to be prepared.

Dr. Kim, who was called out of the meeting, was not present for French’s comments.

French was appointed to represent the commission on the hospital board.