MSU reinstates radiology chair after finding no evidence he obstructed Larry Nassar investigation

Michigan State University (MSU) suspended its chair of radiology, Suresh Mukherji, MD, MBA, in February in the wake of the scandal surrounding former MSU and USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. Now, after a university review concluded Mukherji did not attempt to obstruct the Nassar investigation or violate any school policy, he has been fully reinstated.

Andrea Amalfitano, DO, PhD, interim dean of MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, wrote a letter to Mukherji informing him he was reinstated. In the letter, which is available on MSU’s website, Amalfitano added that “an environment of anxiety and distrust exists for some personnel within your department.”

“I have asked Academic Human Resources to work with the College of Osteopathic Medicine to identify a method to assess and perhaps improve the climate within the department,” Amalfitano wrote. “I have also agreed with the Office of the Provost to commence your review as department chair.”

Mukherji released a statement to address the situation. “We all recognize the seriousness and gravity of the situation that the University is confronting, so I understand that the actions initially taken reflect what University leaders believed were prudent,” he said, as quoted by the Lansing State Journal. “I'm pleased that following an investigation, my actions as department chair were found to be entirely and always proper and in total compliance with processes and protocols, as I have always maintained was the case.”