Lauren Pinter-Brown, MD, a former oncologist at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center was awarded $14 million in a gender discrimination lawsuit verdict, the Daily Bruin reported May 12.
Dr. Pinter-Brown sued the UC Board of Regents in 2016 for alleged discrimination by male colleagues for receiving an average of $200,000 less annually. She alleged she faced gender discrimination, gender harassment and retaliation for complaints of discrimination, among other allegations, from 2006 to 2015 when she left her position.
Dr. Pinter-Brown was awarded $13 million in 2018 for the suit, but the decision was overturned in 2020 as the original judge was deemed by the California Court of Appeals to be prejudiced against UCLA. The court originally sided with Dr. Pinter-Brown, but the appeals court overturned the case. The retrial resulted in her being awarded $14 million.
"We appreciate the jury’s hard work and service, but we are disappointed with the jury’s verdict in this matter," a UCLA spokersperson shared with Becker's. "We are carefully reviewing the decision and considering all available options. UCLA Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA are deeply committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination, intimidation, retaliation or harassment of any kind. Ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment is a core value essential to our mission of excellence in research, medical education and patient care."