Aspirus doctor put on leave after attending ‘Open Wisconsin Now’ rally

Metro Wire Staff

An Aspirus physician has been placed on leave after he attended a weekend rally in Mosinee.

Dr. David Murdock, a cardiologist at Aspirus Wausau, was placed on leave Monday after he attended an “Open Wisconsin Now” rally in Mosinee on Sunday. The rally drew an attendance of hundreds who called for an end to Gov. Tony Evers’ Safer at Home order, which was expected to expire April 24 but has been extended to May 26.

Evers’ order is intended to slow the spread of the COVID-10 virus, and effectively shutters businesses across multiple industries, putting tens of thousands temporarily out of work.

Murdock attended the rally despite the hospital’s policy that all staff follows the governor’s order. Murdock appeared to have violated the six-foot social distancing called for under the order, according to a statement from Aspirus on Monday.

“While we respect Dr. Murdock’s constitutional right to free speech and assembly, we do not condone his violation of the governor’s order and Aspirus policies,” the statement reads. “We have referred this matter to Aspirus medical group leadership for investigation, review and appropriate action.”

Murdock will not be seeing patients for the foreseeable future, the statement said.