To the editor:

I and current, former and retired members of the Southcoast medical community, are writing to implore the Southcoast Board of Trustees to remove Keith Hovan from the role of CEO and President of Southcoast Hospitals.

Hovan's actions at his residence on November 6, 2021 demonstrate that he is unfit to lead a major healthcare system.

As healthcare practitioners, we took an oath to take care of our patients and ensure the overall well-being of our community. Mr. Hovan's domestic abuse, coupled with his illegal firearm violations, prove him to be a detriment to our community.

Those Trustees who follow Lou Cabral, the Chair of the Board of Trustees, who supports Keith Hovan, thus trivializing his conduct, should realize they are actually condoning his actions.

Our healthcare community must have ZERO TOLERANCE for abuse of any kind. Mr. Hovan's admitted violent physical engagement with a family member is unacceptable.

We dedicate our lives to the safety and well-being of our patients and we need a leader who exemplifies a desire to end violence against women and children.

We, hereby, call for the resignation of Keith Hovan as he is a poor representative of all that Southcoast represents. We hope that you will respect and honor our livelihoods in your decision to terminate Keith Hovan and find an inspiring leader to accomplish the mission of the Southcoast tradition.

Sincerely,
Andrew J. Dadagian, MD