Dr. Danny Jacobs, the former president of Oregon Health & Science University who resigned abruptly in October after a rocky tenure, remains a “special adviser” to interim president Steve Stadum, according to an internal email obtained by WW.
Jacobs’ role seemed to come as a surprise to at least one staffer on Pill Hill.
“A leader shared they saw Danny Jacobs listed as a special adviser to the president and wondered if this was correct,” the Jan. 30 email, headed “Leader Essentials,” says. “In this capacity, Dr. Jacobs is supporting both Mr. Stadum and the executive leadership team to maintain momentum and ensure continuity on top institutional OHSU priorities such as the OHSU and Legacy Health combination.”
OHSU is seeking approval from regulators for the purchase of Legacy Health.
Morale cratered at OHSU under Jacobs’ watch, according to employee surveys.
In late 2023, Jacobs handed out $15 million in bonuses, regardless of performance, to nonunion workers.
Last year, he demoted the dean of the medical school, Dr. David Jacoby, saying he had mishandled the investigation of a doctor who allegedly took upskirt photos of women in class.
Jacoby sued OHSU for $6.2 million in October, alleging he was scapegoated.
Dr. Jeff Jensen, vice chair at the medical school and Jacobs’ loudest critic, says keeping him around is a mistake.
“No one I know would think that having Danny Jacobs as a special adviser is a very good look considering how much work remains to repair OHSU from the results of his tenure as president,” Jensen said in a text message.