Framingham Health Director's Departure Unclear, Documents Show

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham Health Department Director Dr. Sam Wong did not file to take a medical leave from his job, according to internal documents, calling into question whether his departure is temporary or permanent.

City officials announced Dec. 29 that Wong — who has been hailed as one of the best health agents in the state — would take an indefinite medical leave beginning Dec. 31. But forms filed in December by Wong show he had only requested vacation and personal time recently.

The documents, which Patch obtained through a public records request, show that Wong on Dec. 21 asked to take 17 hours of personal time on Jan. 4 and 5. He also requested to take 262.5 hours of vacation time spanning Jan. 6 to Feb. 26. The forms do not indicate whether the time off was approved by Mayor Yvonne Spicer.

Asked to clarify Wong's employment status, city spokesperson Kelly McFalls reiterated Thursday that Wong is on medical leave. McFalls also said she "cannot speculate about his plans following" the end of his vacation time on Feb. 26.

"Dr. Wong told HR he was taking leave for medical reasons," she said via email. "He had the time and put in for it. He did not ask for [Family and Medical Leave Act] even though he qualified for it. He asked the city to say he was taking a leave for medical reasons."

When asked if Wong is still a city employee, McFalls responded, "[H]e has not resigned from the city."

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows some employees to take off up to three months of unpaid time off to care for personal medical or family issues. FMLA requests can be made either in writing or verbally, according to the law.

Wong did not immediately return a request for comment about whether he had resigned.

The city's Dec. 29 news release about Wong's departure contained few details, except that the medical leave would begin on Dec. 31, and that Assistant Health Director Alexandra DePalo would take over.

Two days later, Spicer issued a statement after Wong told the MetroWest Daily News he had become exhausted working almost every day through the coronavirus pandemic. The article did not quote Wong saying he had quit, but did cite Massachusetts Association of Health Boards associate board member Michael Hugo as saying Wong had resigned.

"As I’m sure, many of you have been reading conflicting information about the medical leave of Health Director Dr. Sam Wong. The city released an announcement on Dec. 29 that Dr. Wong would be taking medical leave as of today," Spicer's statement said. "If you read today’s MetroWest Daily News, you see in his own words that he’s exhausted and absolutely needs to take a break."

Wong, previously Hudson's health director, was hired in 2017 by former Town Manager Robert Halpin. Spicer said she recently reappointed Wong, who has been credited as a leader in the state amid the coronavirus pandemic — including pushing state and business leaders to locate free Stop the Spread testing sites here.

"Dr. Sam Wong is a consummate professional, and right now, he needs to put the energy into taking care of himself and his family," Spicer's statement continued. "As an employee of the City of Framingham, he’s entitled to the same rights and privileges as any employee, and personnel matters need to be handled appropriately and respectfully."