NEW YORK, NY — A federal judge has allowed key discrimination and retaliation claims to move forward against Mount Sinai Hospital, while dismissing others in a lawsuit filed by a former resident physician who alleges racially hostile treatment during her training.
U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken issued a mixed ruling, granting in part and denying in part the hospital’s motion to dismiss claims brought by Dr. Theophania Ashleigh, a Black Canadian neurologist who resigned from the program in 2021.
Allegations Detail Racial Bias and Retaliation
Ashleigh, who represented herself in the case, claims she was the only visibly Black resident during her second year at Mount Sinai and was subjected to repeated discriminatory treatment by supervisors and colleagues.
According to the complaint, she was assigned an earlier start date than her visa allowed, criticized as “not a team player” when she objected, and threatened with delayed graduation—while a non-Black resident with a similar visa issue was treated differently.
She also alleges racially charged comments by program leadership, including remarks about her background and stereotypes about Black patients, along with workplace behavior such as eye-rolling, dismissiveness, and exclusion from support typically given to other residents.
Claims of Unequal Treatment and Escalating Pressure
The lawsuit describes multiple instances of unequal workload, including being required to continue working after long shifts while others were relieved, and being discouraged from seeking help overnight.
Ashleigh also alleges her visa paperwork was mishandled in a way that limited her training opportunities, forcing her to correct the issue herself.
After she raised concerns, she claims her workload increased and negative evaluations followed—some of which she says were inaccurate but never corrected despite acknowledgment from her supervisor.
Resignation Followed Alleged “Intolerable” Conditions
Ashleigh ultimately resigned in July 2021, alleging the work environment had become untenable. She also claims the hospital later failed to provide key training certificates needed for her career.
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Key Points
• Judge allows parts of discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against Mount Sinai to proceed
• Former resident alleges racial bias, unequal treatment, and hostile work environment
• Some claims dismissed, but core allegations remain active in federal court
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Court Splits Decision on Legal Claims
Judge Oetken’s ruling does not resolve the case but determines which claims can proceed. While some allegations were dismissed at this stage, others were found sufficiently supported to move forward into further litigation.
Current Status
The case will continue in federal court with surviving claims related to discrimination, retaliation, and workplace conditions. Further proceedings will determine whether Mount Sinai is liable for the alleged conduct.