Renowned Neurosurgeon Suddenly Leaves After 30 Years! Veteran Doctor 'Loses Job' in Taiwan — All Outpatient Clinics and Surgeries Halted; Hospital Issues Statement

A major personnel shock has hit the medical community along Taichung’s coastal region! Dr. Li Wei-Yu, a leading neurosurgeon who served for 30 years at Dajia Li General Hospital in Taichung, has suddenly had all outpatient appointments and surgical schedules canceled after failing to reach a consensus with the hospital on a new contract renewal. The incident has sparked heated discussions locally and on social media platforms, leaving many long-term patients and their families shocked and distressed.

Dr. Li Cheng-Ying, a neurosurgeon and son of Dr. Li Wei-Yu, revealed the situation on Facebook on the 3rd, stating that his father had spent his entire career—from youth to old age—at the same hospital, with some families having three generations treated by him. Expressing helplessness and heartache over his father’s sudden unemployment, Dr. Li Cheng-Ying emphasized that his father remains deeply concerned about patient access to care, particularly worrying that elderly patients with scheduled surgeries or requiring regular follow-ups might feel anxious and lost.

What exactly happened during the contract renewal process? What are the positions of the physician and the hospital?

Regarding the contract dispute, Dr. Li Wei-Yu issued a statement apologizing to his trusting patients and their families, while clarifying the negotiation timeline. He stated that both parties had already reached a consensus on the new contract terms by mid-July, but the hospital delayed the formal signing process. When further communication occurred in early August, the hospital proposed changes to the agreement, ultimately leading to a breakdown in negotiations. Following this, the hospital immediately canceled all his outpatient clinics and surgeries.

In response, Dajia Li General Hospital released a statement clarifying that it had always engaged in multiple sincere communications before the current contract expired, denying any intentional delay in signing. The hospital stated that both sides invested considerable time discussing employment conditions and collaboration models, but unfortunately failed to align on certain terms, resulting in the non-renewal of the contract. It expressed regret over the outcome and respect for mutual decisions.

How significant is the impact of this sudden suspension of services? How will affected patients’ rights be protected?

Dr. Li has long been rooted in the Taichung coastal area, cultivating a large patient base. Some netizens pointed out that Taiwan has only around 800 neurosurgeons nationwide, meaning this incident has significantly impacted local medical resources. With clinics and surgeries suddenly canceled, many patients now face the distressing reality of having nowhere to go for consultations or operations.

To minimize disruption, Dajia Li General Hospital stated it has immediately activated a medical continuity mechanism, prioritizing patient welfare above all else, and will fully assist affected outpatient, surgical, and hospitalized patients with follow-up care arrangements. Dr. Li Wei-Yu also emphasized that, staying true to his calling as a physician, he will continue to properly manage the ongoing rights and care needs of every patient.