Ex-Beatle's oncologist loses job

NEW YORK, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- George Harrison's oncologist, being sued for unprofessional conduct while treating the Beatle, has been replaced as chairman at a New York hospital.

Dr. Gilbert Lederman, who treated Harrison during his battle with lung cancer and a brain tumor, has lost his position as chairman of the radiation oncology department at Staten Island University Hospital, The New York Times reported Friday.

The job change comes just days after Harrison's family filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Lederman, alleging that he coerced the ailing musician into signing autographs, as well as other unprofessional treatment.

A spokesman for the hospital denied that the change is related to the lawsuit.

"It's becoming more of a residency and a fellowship program as opposed to just being a care facility," Christian Preston said, adding that Lederman would stay on as director of the unit until his contract expired at the end of 2004, and could continue to work at the hospital as an attending physician.

In November, Lederman was fined $5,000 after the New York State Health Department investigated allegations of professional misconduct related to a patient later identified as Harrison.

Harrison, 58, died Nov. 29, 2001.