To the Editor:

I want to add my voice to those of many other Hilltowns residents about the firing of Hedy Migden by St. Peter’s Health Partners. I hope this situation doesn’t just fade away, although I am doubtful that St. Peter’s will ever disclose the truth behind its actions.

What I want to focus on mirrors comments by others who were lucky enough to have Hedy Migden as their primary care physician.  I’ve been a registered nurse in the Albany area since 1979, and have worked with quite a variety of physicians, some of whom should have clearly sought a different profession, and others who were examples of what a great doctor can and should be: educated, skilled, empathetic, a good listener, and someone who works closely with other physicians in the community.

Dr. Migden falls into that category, and has been our family physician for over 20 years. She couldn’t have taken a more sensitive and kind interest in my father as he faced decline in his last years, and I am so grateful we had Hedy’s knowledge and skill to lean on.

I won’t go on and on, I think my opinion about Hedy is clear, and shared by of hundreds of her other patients.  What I do want to say to St. Peter’s is: We see through this, and are appalled at how low a once-fine institution has fallen.  And I am not referring to the hard-working, caring personnel who work with patients: They are still worthy of our utmost respect and gratitude.

However, the administrators clearly have little regard for the people who live in this community, and probably less for the physicians who are contracted by St. Peter’s Health Partners. It makes you wonder who the administrators actually mean by “Partners.”  Perhaps their bankers and investors.   

Anne Levitt

Berne