Code Red: NYU Langone EMS Scandal Deepens!

Corruption at the Top? Mitch Powell's Leadership Faces Crucial Test Today

NYU Langone Medical Center EMS Director Mitchell Powell

By Frankie Pressman with Richard Luthmann

In March, an escalating scandal within NYU Langone Health Center's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department came to light under the leadership of Senior Director Mitchell Powell. Allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and labor mistreatment surfaced, casting a shadow over the institution's integrity.

With a crucial leadership meeting scheduled for today, little progress appears to have been made in addressing these serious concerns.

The situation at the Manhattan TISCH Campus exemplifies the ongoing issues; the crew room remains under-equipped and inadequate despite the addition of 22 staff members. This neglect extends to necessities such as lockers and an eyewash station, which are simple yet critical needs that continue to be ignored.

Favoritism within the EMS school further undermines trust in the department's leadership. Inexperienced EMTs, some with less than two years of experience, have been appointed as instructors, raising questions about the criteria and integrity of the educational program.

Vehicle procurement has also been controversial. The Long Island division receives its emergency vehicles from Proliner, a supplier Powell seems to favor personally. This relationship is under scrutiny primarily as Powell allegedly benefits from transactions with the company, adding another layer of complexity to the scandal.

Powell's administration has treated staff particularly harshly. Richard Miller, an EMT, was fired after being attacked by a non-hospital employee over a parking spot. Despite being the victim, Miller's termination was justified as workplace violence, a decision that seems to stem from a personal vendetta Powell holds against him. A female EMT who shared a similar animus towards Powell was also terminated following an emergency, a decision that highlights the severe disciplinary measures the EMS Director employs against his non-sycophants.

Financial misconduct has been rampant. A significant incident involves “Minor Escobar” allegedly using hospital vehicle gas cards for personal purchases, including cigarettes; the employee racked up over $60,000 in unauthorized charges. The misuse of resources extends to the suspicious appearance of additional ambulances from North Eastern, suggesting undisclosed dealings that further the corruption narrative.

Human resources practices have also come under fire, with employees facing retaliation for social media activity. This suppresses free speech and violates employees' rights to express concerns about their work environment. Walter Adler's suspension for advocating better pay through social media and flyers accentuates this repressive atmosphere.

Discrimination against pregnant employees is another severe issue. These women report being denied light duties and are forced to take leave without pay and benefits unless they are within Powell's inner circle and receive preferential treatment. This discriminatory practice was highlighted when a qualified female candidate for a supervisory position was passed over in favor of a less experienced individual who later faced the same issues regarding pregnancy accommodations.

The scandal extends to questionable transactions with Zoll for equipment purchases and EZ Pass abuses, suggesting a pattern of kickbacks and improper benefits. Moreover, Powell's misleading statements to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand about replacing diesel vehicles only to refurbish and redeploy them within the system raise concerns about honesty and accountability.

As NYU Langone's leadership convenes today, these myriad issues form a daunting agenda that requires urgent attention—the institution's response wiltestifynt to its commitment to ethical leadership and employee welfare. Failure to act decisively could irreparably harm NYU Langone's reputation and the trust it has built within the community it serves. The time for transparency and reform is now, as the institution's integrity hangs in the balance.

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