STAT+: American Diabetes Association, facing calls for resignations, asks for patience
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- American Diabetes Association expelled five diabetes experts from its 2026 Scientific Sessions in New Orleans last month, and the fallout has now escalated into a public leadership crisis.
- More than 200 ADA members signed an open letter sent last week to the ADA board of directors demanding the removal of CEO Charles Henderson and chief scientific and medical officer Rita Kalyani.
- The open letter also calls for an independent investigation into the New Orleans incident, a full apology to the five removed colleagues, and restoration of editorial independence at Diabetes Care, an ADA scientific journal.
- The signatories noted it has been more than 45 days since the incident and accused the ADA Board of Directors of taking 'no meaningful action to hold leadership accountable, issue a genuine apology, or restore trust with the membership.'
- The ADA responded Tuesday by expressing appreciation for members' patience while a report on the incident is being prepared.
Why it matters: With more than 200 members publicly demanding the ouster of both the CEO and chief medical officer — and the board having taken no visible action in 45-plus days — the ADA faces an unusually direct membership revolt. The demands extend beyond personnel to the editorial independence of Diabetes Care, putting the organization's scientific publishing and conference credibility on the line.
