USA: Rapid City's Heart Doctors deny age discrimination

. SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota / Associate Press / August 2, 2009 The Rapid City physician group known as the Heart Doctors denies the allegations from a 71-year-old doctor who brought an age discrimination lawsuit against it and Rapid City Regional Hospital. Dr. James Oury (OW'-ree) filed the complaint in federal court in Rapid City seeking back pay and other financial damages of at least $75,000 and reinstatement to his position as director of cardiac surgery at the hospital. According to the lawsuit, Oury was fired without explanation and replaced by a younger doctor with less experience and denied the chance to be rehired because of his age. In its answer to the complaint, Cardiology Associates denies the allegations made against it and asks a judge to dismiss the case. The hospital has not filed its answer.[rc] Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press Seniors World Chronicle adds: About Dr. Oury James H. Oury, MD, FACC, FACS Dr. Oury is a world recognized authority on valve repair and the use of natural tissues for valve replacement including bioprosthesis, human valve substitutes and autographs (The Ross Procedure). He is a published author of over 60 articles dealing with these subjects. Dr. James Oury, M.D. specializes in the Ross Procedure, a form of aortic valve replacement. Rapid City is one of a few cities worldwide where the Ross Procedure is available. © 2009 Regional Medical Clinic