Dr. Louis Zabaneh’s abrupt departure from Galen

Louis Zabaneh

On Thursday, we reported on Dr. Louis Zabaneh’s abrupt departure as president of Galen University.  His demission from office followed a surreptitious decision taken by majority shareholders to move the privately owned institution in a different academic direction.  While Galen will expand to become a school of veterinary medicine, Zabaneh is being succeeded by Professor Andreas Charalambous.  Charalambous, a native of Cyprus, is founding president of Galen University.  He is currently the Dean of the Medical School of the University of Nicosia and also an executive board member of the European Oncology Nursing Society.  This morning, News Five caught up with Zabaneh who spoke candidly about his departure.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Former President of Galen University

“On Thursday morning, the majority owners of Galen University decided on a different direction and so I am cooperating with them in implementing that new direction that they have which is more global and I think it will be something good, building upon what we have already built at Galen University.”

Isani Cayetano

“My understanding is that the decision taken was one that was surreptitious, so to speak.  It was done unbeknownst to you and other members of the board.  Can you provide some clarity as it pertains to that?”

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

“Yes, well we didn’t expect the decision so early.  We knew that there were discussions on a different direction and so yes it came in as a little bit of a surprise yes.”

Reporter

“Can you clarify though what’s your position or initially what was your position in terms of the shares and ownership and what’s the position now?”

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

“That has not changed.  The share ownership has not changed so what has changed really is the management of the institution.  They have brought in new persons to lead the institution and asked me for my cooperation and I have offered it to them.”

Isani Cayetano

“Has a new president been named in so far as your replacement?”

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

“There is an interim president and his name is Dr. Andreas Charalambous who is a founding member of Galen.  He’s presently the Dean of the Medical School at the University of Nicosia.  They are also a shareholder in Galen and he has a lot of experience and I am sure he will do well for Galen as well.”

Dr. Zabaneh took over as president of Galen University in December 2009.