FRAMINGHAM, MA – The director of the Framingham Health Department, Dr. Sam Wong, according to internal records, did not request medical leave from work and questioned whether his departure is temporary or permanent.
City officials announced on December 29th that Wong – hailed as one of the state’s top health agents – would be on indefinite medical leave from December 31st. However, the forms filed by Wong in December show that he had only been asking vacation and personal questions recently.
The documents Patch received through a public record request show that on Dec. 21, Wong asked to have 17 hours of personal time on Jan. 4th and 5th. He also asked to take 262.5 hours of vacation time from January 6th to February 6th 26. The forms do not indicate whether Mayor Yvonne Spicer’s exemption has been approved.
City spokeswoman Kelly McFalls was asked to clarify Wong’s employment status and reiterated on Thursday that Wong is on vacation. McFalls also said that after his vacation period ended on February 26, she “cannot speculate” about his plans.
“Dr. Wong told Human Resources that he was taking medical leave,” she said via email. “He had the time and was committed to it. He didn’t ask about it [Family and Medical Leave Act] although he qualified for it. He asked the city to say that he would be saying goodbye on medical grounds. “
When asked if Wong is still a city worker, McFalls replied: “[H]We have not resigned from the city. “
The Federal Law on Family and Sick Leave (FMLA) allows some employees to take up to three months of unpaid time off to attend to personal medical or family issues. FMLA applications can be made either in writing or orally, depending on the law.
Wong did not immediately return a request for comment as to whether he had resigned.
The city’s December 29 press release of Wong’s departure contained few details other than that the medical vacation would begin on December 31 and deputy health director Alexandra DePalo would take over the post.
Two days later, Spicer issued a statement after Wong told MetroWest Daily News that he was exhausted from the coronavirus pandemic almost every day. In the article, Wong was not quoted as quitting, but Michael Hugo, associate board member of the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards, resigned as Wong.
“I’m sure many of you have read conflicting information about the medical leave from Health Director Dr. Sam Wong. The city released an announcement on December 29th that Dr. Wong will be taking medical leave starting today.” Spicer’s statement said. “If you read the MetroWest Daily News today, you will see in his own words that he is exhausted and needs to take a break.”
Wong, previously Hudson’s health director, was hired by former city administrator Robert Halpin in 2017. Spicer said she recently reappointed Wong, who was recognized as head of state in the context of the coronavirus pandemic – including calling for leaders and business leaders to find free stop the spread test locations here.
“Dr. Sam Wong is a accomplished professional and right now he needs to use the energy to take care of himself and his family,” Spicer continued. “As an employee of the City of Framingham, he has the same rights and privileges as any employee, and personnel matters must be treated appropriately and with respect.”
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