Topol's demotion raises issues

The Wall Street Journal examines the Cleveland Clinic's decision to strip top cardiologist Dr. Eric Topol of his post at the hospital's medical school. A clash between Topol and Cleveland Clinic CEO Delos "Toby" Cosgrove is believed to have been a contributing factor. Topol has drawn considerable attention over the last year for his criticisms of the FDA and his participation in hearings over the safety of Merck's fallen Cox-2 inhibitor Vioxx. According to the cardiologist, former Merck CEO Raymond Gilmartin called a Cleveland Clinic trustee to personally complain about him.

- see this article from The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.)

ALSO: The fracas at the clinic is believed to involve the AtriCure system, a procedure developed by Cosgrove for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Article (Wall Street Journal sub. req.)