Pittsburgh Cardiologist Sues UPMC Over CEO Board Ties

Dr. Hemal Gada alleges he was fired after reporting CEO Leslie C. Davis' paid board seat at Edwards Lifesciences.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:48pm

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A former cardiologist who once led UPMC's Heart and Vascular Institute in central Pennsylvania is taking his former employer to federal court in Pittsburgh, saying he was fired after calling out what he saw as a conflict of interest involving the health system's chief executive. Dr. Hemal Gada alleges in a newly filed complaint that he reported concerns to UPMC's Office of Ethics, Compliance, and Audit Services after learning that CEO Leslie C. Davis had accepted a paid board seat at medical device maker Edwards Lifesciences, and that his report set off a chain of retaliatory actions that led to his termination.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential conflicts of interest that can arise when healthcare executives serve on the boards of other companies, particularly those that do business with their own health systems. It also raises questions about how large healthcare organizations handle whistleblower complaints and allegations of retaliation against employees who report potential wrongdoing.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Gada was a prominent system leader at UPMC before his departure, serving as president of the Heart and Vascular Institute in Central Pennsylvania and an interventional cardiologist practicing across the region. The filing alleges that UPMC launched an investigation into Gada's social media use in late 2024, placed him on a two-week suspension, and then terminated him 10 days after that suspension ended. The lawsuit also claims Gada filed a human resources complaint in April 2025 over racist text messages allegedly sent by two colleagues, and that he later faced retaliation for opposing racial harassment.

  • Gada reported concerns to UPMC's Office of Ethics, Compliance, and Audit Services in late 2024 after learning of CEO Leslie C. Davis' paid board seat at Edwards Lifesciences.
  • UPMC launched an investigation into Gada's social media use in late 2024.
  • Gada was placed on a two-week suspension in late 2024.
  • Gada was terminated 10 days after his suspension ended.
  • Gada filed a human resources complaint in April 2025 over alleged racist text messages sent by two colleagues.

The players

Dr. Hemal Gada

A former cardiologist who once led UPMC's Heart and Vascular Institute in central Pennsylvania and is now suing UPMC, alleging he was fired after reporting concerns about CEO Leslie C. Davis' paid board seat at Edwards Lifesciences.

Leslie C. Davis

The CEO of UPMC who allegedly accepted a paid board seat at medical device maker Edwards Lifesciences, which Gada reported as a potential conflict of interest.

UPMC

The large healthcare system in Pennsylvania that Gada is suing, alleging he was fired in retaliation for reporting the CEO's board seat at Edwards Lifesciences.

Edwards Lifesciences

The medical device company that appointed UPMC CEO Leslie C. Davis to its board of directors, which Gada reported as a potential conflict of interest.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.