"Attempting to intimidate or silence emergency medicine specialists who engage in public debate is an unacceptable practice that will only hinder the overall goal of better patient care," Dr Bonning said.
Dunedin emergency department specialist Dr John Chambers has been issued a formal first warning for speaking to the Otago Daily Times about the board not appointing a new departmental clinical leader, or making discernible progress towards doing so.
He also criticised reported comments chief executive Carole Heatly made about the department.
His union, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, earlier this week condemned the proposed disciplinary action.
Yesterday, the college's New Zealand faculty called on the board to withdraw the disciplinary action.
Speaking from Taupo, Dr Bonning said Dr Chambers was right to point to the lack of a clinical leader - a post still not filled more than five months after Dr Tim Kerruish stepped down in protest over staffing levels.
It was highly unusual for a sizeable hospital department of any type to operate for months without a clinical leader, Dr Bonning said. A clinical leader managed large numbers of staff, dealt with complaints, liaised with other departments, handled logistical matters, and provided clinical leadership.
Dr Chambers had a duty to contribute to public debate, Dr Bonning said.
"The faculty notes that Dr Chambers spoke in his capacity as a senior member of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, not as a Dunedin Hospital employee.
"Contributing to an ongoing public debate is not only well within Dr Chambers' rights as a member of the ASMS, but also part of his duty as a medical professional whose chief concern is the wellbeing of the Otago public."
When contacted, Southern DHB chief medical officer Dr David Tulloch said the board was "not challenging the clinical competence of Dr Chambers".
He reiterated the board's position that it would not discuss an employment issue in the media.
Asked about the clinical leader vacancy, Dr Tulloch said it would be addressed when rostering matters were resolved.
