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Dr. Michael Crane, chief of staff at The Memorial Hospital, ended his self-imposed three-and-a-half day fast Friday after he visited with prosecutors and police investigating his claim that another doctor allegedly assaulted him.

"I'm encouraged by the fact that there is progress and I hope we're getting there," Crane said Monday morning.

The doctor said he visited with Deputy District Attorney Michael Stern on Thursday and police investigators the following day about the alleged assault, which he says occurred March 3 at the hospital.

Although charges have not yet been filed against the doctor who supposedly assaulted Crane, he said he came away from the meetings satisfied enough to break his fast with a homemade meal.

"I trust (the legal system) will do what it's supposed to do," Crane said.

Stern said the police department is continuing its probe into the alleged incident and that officers are following up by interviewing additional witnesses. The prosecutor said Crane's fast had nothing to do with the investigation proceeding.

"We're in a position where we always want as much information as possible before making a filing decision," Stern said.

Stern said there is no timetable on when a decision would be made about whether to file charges in the case.

Crane said fasting for days at a time is part of his religious practice with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He fasts once a month, typically for a weekend.

This time around, the fast had a specific intent -- a protest to prompt prosecutors to file charges -- and was a few days early. The fast began March 21.

"Fasting without a purpose is called starvation," Crane said.

The doctor also was on vacation at the time. Crane said he did not tend to patients while fasting.

"You cannot operate and be available for patients if you're not in tip-top shape," said Crane, adding that he considers "tip-top shape" to include not drinking, smoking or drinking caffeinated beverages. "I believe in that wholeheartedly."

Had he not met the input from prosecutors and police last week with agreement, there's a "good chance" Crane's fast would still be going, he said.

"That would be speculating, but yes, probably so," he said.

Crane said he has returned to regular duty at the hospital.