dawkins20
02-06-2009, 11:42 AM
I started working as an internal medicine doctor in Baltimore in the fall of 2000. Like other physicians in the practice, I signed a contract that contained writing that contained the following words (exactly from the contract):
"Each signatory to this agreement hereby convenants and agrees that upon her/his departure from the group practice, s/he shall not, for a period of five years, at any location in the United States, treat any patient that the signatory has treated while a member of the group."
The thing is, I want to leave the group in Baltimore to work with another group of doctors some forty miles away in Washington DC to be with some of my friends from med school and so I can work part-time rather than what I have now, which is full-time hours. I've not had any problems with my Baltimore employer and have never been disciplined or anything. I simply want to work in Washington DC right away.
I'm wondering whether this clause can be enforced against me if I leave for the new practice in Washington. Is this type of clause even valid in Maryland? Isn't there some exception to the fact that I'm a doctor and that some of my current patients would be willing to make the 40-mile drive to see me in DC?
Any help would be very welcome!
"Each signatory to this agreement hereby convenants and agrees that upon her/his departure from the group practice, s/he shall not, for a period of five years, at any location in the United States, treat any patient that the signatory has treated while a member of the group."
The thing is, I want to leave the group in Baltimore to work with another group of doctors some forty miles away in Washington DC to be with some of my friends from med school and so I can work part-time rather than what I have now, which is full-time hours. I've not had any problems with my Baltimore employer and have never been disciplined or anything. I simply want to work in Washington DC right away.
I'm wondering whether this clause can be enforced against me if I leave for the new practice in Washington. Is this type of clause even valid in Maryland? Isn't there some exception to the fact that I'm a doctor and that some of my current patients would be willing to make the 40-mile drive to see me in DC?
Any help would be very welcome!
