Scott Spear, director of clinical services at University of Wisconsin Health Services, stepped down from his role Monday to become a UHS general practitioner.

According to UHS Executive Director Kathleen Poi, some "communication issues" have lingered within UHS departments since Spear was accused of sexual harassment last year.

Following an internal investigation and a two-month paid leave of absence, Spear was eventually cleared by the university and returned to his position as director of clinical services at UHS.

"When he was cleared — what everybody admitted — was that there were some ongoing issues within the program he was directing," Poi said. "There were just a number of concerns staff had about how they were working together."

Poi would not speculate as to why Spear would step down, but said Spear had been considering "other career opportunities."

"He's been in the role for 11 years, there's a number of things he's worked on … controversies he's been involved in, and he's been very candid [that] he's tired of doing some of these," Poi said. "He thought it wasn't fair to the staff to be looking at other opportunities while he was here."

Poi said a consultant was brought in during the summer and fall to work with Spear and the staff to identify areas that "could be improved on," and that changes were made.

"Scott has been very involved in these, but he's looking at doing something different," Poi said.

According to UW Vice Chancellor for Academic Staff Darrell Bazzell, the university plans to begin a national search for Spear's replacement immediately.

In the interim, Poi said she would take on much of Spear's previous responsibilities, and that other UHS managers and employees who reported to Spear would undertake many of the duties, as well.

Though Spear will be assuming a downgraded position, Bazzell said UW personnel policies would allow Spear to retain his current salary of approximately $167,000 without a pay cut.

"It's the salary he earned and should be able to retain under his current role," Bazzell said, adding that Spear's salary — though the highest among staff physicians — would be only $3,000 more than the next-highest paid doctor.

In his new role as general practitioner, Bazzell said, Spear's primary responsibility will be providing direct care for UW students.

Poi said Spear would also retain some of his previous responsibilities in other programs, such as employee recruitment.

But for most students, the only noticeable short-term effect Spear's decision to step down would have is an increase in the number of UHS appointments available, Poi said.

"We now have our schedule open up to see more patients," Poi said. "But for me and others, it adds to our workload."

Bazzell echoed this sentiment, saying the decision would result in "one more doctor" providing full-time service for students.

With the university just beginning its national search, Poi said she is not worried about finding potential candidates for the director of clinical services position, and added she was confident that UHS would find an excellent person for the job.

"This is a change," Poi said. "But we will recruit a very excellent person to replace [Spear]."

Phone calls to Spear for comment were not returned as of press time.