I just read an interesting article about a doctor in Montana who may be prevented from moving her medical practice from one hospital to a local Veterans Administration Hospital. It appears Dr. Elain Samuel had previously entered into a “recruitment contract” with St. Peter’s Hospital which prevented her from “competing” with St. Peter’s by moving to another local hospital.
The CEO of St. Peter’s Hospital says his hospital should not have to “eat” monies advanced to a new doctor if the doctor should chose to move her/his practice to another hospital. I agree but they way to accomplish that goal is to require the doctor to sign a contract agreeing to reimburse the hospital for reasonable expenditures….but not to require the doctor to sign a non-compete which only hurts the patients.
The legal case is awaiting a decision from Judge Kathy Seeley of Helena, Montana.