The University of Florida’s health system is reviewing the application of a heart surgeon from Kentucky who came under scrutiny after a CNN investigation into the deaths of babies in his care.
Dr. Mark Plunkett was the chief heart surgeon at Kentucky Children’s Hospital before he resigned to take a position with University of Florida Health.
When CNN contacted an official from the University of Florida last month, he said he was excited to have Plunkett come work there.
“We think he’ll do excellent in our environment,” said Dr. Timothy Flynn, senior associate dean for clinical affairs at the University of Florida College of Medicine. “We had extensive discussions with his colleagues in Kentucky, all of whom thought he performed very, very well.”
But after CNN published its story, UF Health spokeswoman Melanie Ross said his application is still being considered.