FIRST DO NO HARM

Michigan Rehires Top Doctor Who Stands Accused in Flint Water Crisis

New position—overseeing public health—has more civil-service protections.

Michigan’s chief medical executive who oversaw the Flint water crisis has been hired to another position within the state’s health department. The new position’s additional benefits and job-protection measures may appear enticing: Dr. Eden Wells is facing criminal charges—including involuntary manslaughter, obstruction of justice, and lying to a peace officer—for her actions during the deadly 2014 Legionnaires disease outbreak that was caused by contaminated water from the Flint River. Wells’ new classified position as “advisory physician” starts at an annual salary of $179,672. Wells was the only candidate to apply for the position, which was posted for less than one week in November, according to state records. Wells remained in her previous position while facing the charges, and was even honored with the highest individual award given by local health departments in Michigan. Wells said through her attorneys that she “is excited for this opportunity to continue her life’s work in public health for the people of Michigan.”