Maui Medical Group to lose third doctor; clinics feel strain

WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) - Maui Medical Group is scrambling to fill positions in its obstetrics and gynecology department in response to the loss of yet another doctor.

The Maui News reports that officials with the organization said last week that their third physician is scheduled to leave by July 31. That means the organization must find a temporary replacement if services are to continue in August.

President and CEO Dr. William Mitchell says the search could take one to three weeks and finding a permanent hire could take up to a year.

Doctors at local clinics who have been in with patients referred by Maui Medical Group have expressed concerns about how the group has handled its staffing shortage.

Mitchell says the group didn't find out about the doctors' departure plans until May.

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