Washington Isle News

The Washington State Medical Association has said that it is extremely concerned by the recent apparent resignation from the Spokane Regional Health District of Dr. Bob Lutz.

Though Administrative Officer Amelia Clark confirmed Lutz’s departure with KWLY, she did not specify whether he was terminated or rather resigned. 

However, the health district had asked for Lutz’s resignation, and had stated it was due to “performance in his role as the health officer” related to a personnel matter, according to coverage by KXLY.

With an assertion that Lutz’s departure – like that of health officers in other regions and states – was politically motivated rather than related to his capacity to fulfill his responsibilities, the association issued a statement saying it is “severely troubled” by his resignation during an ongoing health crisis, according to kxly.

“Public county health officers around the country have been on the front lines of the worst pandemic in recent history, and have come under intense political and sometimes personal pressure and attacks,” KXLY quoted from the association’s statement.