Kalamazoo, Michigan – One doctor made a statement after claiming he was “illegally fired” to Bronson Healthcare on Jan. 29.
“I was surprised, I kept trying to push. Why is this happening and I can't get the answer,” said Dr. Justin Bunka, a former pediatrician at Bronson Rumble Road pediatrics. “We should go separate ways so we don't think we'll fit together anymore.”
Bunka, who worked at Bronson Rambling Road Pediatrics for almost eight years, believes things didn't go well when he spoke about changes in the clinic.
Over the past few months, Bronson Healthcare has increased the number of available booking slots.
According to Bunka, the change has led to more patients on an already busy schedule, making it difficult for doctors to spend plenty of time with patients.
Bronson Healthcare denied her claim. News Channel 3 requested an on-camera interview with Bronson, but instead provided us with a video and a written statement.
“This improvement process is extremely collaborative with providers to use their discretion to determine the time required for each patient.
In an interview with News Channel 3, Bunka confirmed that the second doctor was let go on January 29th. her colleague, Randy Dyk.
“He is the man we trust in our son's life,” said Miranda Spencer, whose son was treated by Dik.
Dyke took care of Spencer's three-year-old son Nathan in the pediatrics at Bronson Rumble Road since his birth.
“Without the right care team, I'm really leaning on Dr. Dyke, which scares me,” Spencer said.
In the email, a Bronson spokesperson confirmed that the pediatrician is no longer employed, but will not elaborate on why.
“The accusations caused by the fire raising concerns about patient care are not true,” a Bronson spokesperson said in a statement.
“If that's not the reason I was fired, it might be true, but they're not giving me any other reasons,” Bunka said.
Bunka provided a letter of dismissal to News Channel 3. This includes: “It has been confirmed that recent conversations do not support many of the central policies/tactics of operations.”
Bronson wanted to reach a separation agreement with Bunka. However, Bunka refuses to sign the documents.
“I want to get my work back,” Bunka said. “I knew this ending was wrong and I needed to be there for the patients. I'm just going to pay close attention to my family and that's what I want to keep doing.”
Patients are showing support in return for both physicians by signing the petition. As of Thursday, the petition has over 3,000 signatures.
According to Bronson Healthcare, the majority of affected families are also connected to another provider of Bronson Rumble Road Pediatrics.
Patients and healthcare professionals who demand justice from both Burka and Dyk are scheduled to hold a rally on Saturday.
News Channel 3 contacted Dr. Dyk, but he had no comment.
