Copyright 2004 The Capital Times
Madison, WI
By Aaron Nathans
September 30, 2004

Patients of a University of Wisconsin researcher will rally today to reopen a lab that deals with a degenerative neurological condition.

The Motor Performance lab studied amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease. It closed late last year after an internal audit found sloppy handling of confidential patient records, poor supervision and inconsistent employee training.

Dr. Benjamin Brooks, the lab's medical director, is a beloved figure among his patients, who claim the closure of his lab is unfair and represents a serious medical setback. Many of his patients, and families of those who have died, were scheduled to rally at noon in front of the Health Sciences Learning Center, located next door to the UW Hospital.

"The loss of his ALS research program is a major loss in the field of ALS research, and a major loss to patients and families in Wisconsin," said Judi Devereux, a 44-year-old ALS patient who has fought to reopen the laboratory and keep Brooks as its director.

"We want ALS research at the UW Hospital to be restored and strengthened," Devereux said. "The closure was not and is not in the interest of these patients here today, or any future or past patients."

A lawsuit alleges the lab was singled out for extra-rigorous review in an attempt to retaliate against its employees. Federal Judge John Shabaz rejected many of Brooks' claims last month, sending the case to state Circuit Court to deal with the remaining matters.

The lab was having financial problems because grant money dried up, says Paul DeLuca, associate dean at the Medical School. In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs contended neurology department officials undermined the grants. They argued that Brooks was targeted because of personal animosity on the part of UW officials.

UW officials rejected that claim, and said there was no conspiracy against Brooks.

"I think what we're dealing with here is a campaign of misinformation, unfortunately," DeLuca said, adding that Brooks could reopen the clinic if he were willing to take the steps necessary to correct the problems. "That's entirely in Dr. Brooks' court."

Brooks remains employed as a professor at the Medical School and a staff doctor at UW Hospital. His attorney, Victor Arellano, could not be reached for comment.