When Non-Competes Hurt Patients

Sharisse Stephenson
Nov 10, 2025
2 min read

⚕️ Portsmouth Still Needs Care

Portsmouth continues to face a severe shortage of neurological care. Every week, patients are waiting—

some in pain, some at risk of permanent disability—because there simply aren’t enough neurologists left in Hampton Roads.

Part of me feels called to return. I want to help rebuild what’s been lost, to restore access for the people this system abandoned.

But doing that would mean standing up once again to a billion-dollar health system that terminated me while I was on unpaid ADA leave.

⚖️ The Latest Roadblock

Now, Bon Secours Mercy Health is attempting to enforce a non-compete clause—one that would prevent me from providing neurological care in the very community that needs it most.

Their own leadership confirmed it in an email:

“The non-compete you executed on July 8, 2024 is valid and legally enforceable. Bon Secours is prepared to enforce its rights through all legally available means.”

So even after removing one of the only practicing neurologists in the region, they’re threatening legal action to stop me from returning to serve patients.

💔 Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should

There’s no surplus of neurologists in Hampton Roads.

Every patient turned away is another person left waiting for relief.

Limiting access to care helps no one—not patients, not providers, and not the communities we serve.

Corporate control of healthcare has gone too far when compassion and continuity of care are replaced by contracts and control.

🧩 Who Sends Emails Like This?

This latest message came from Donna Lohr, MBA, FACMPE | Director of Operations, Specialty Services, one of many communications I’ve received since this ordeal began.

According to Google AI, FACMPE (Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives) is the highest professional designation awarded by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)—a credential meant to represent ethical, effective leadership in medical practice management.

If only that standard were upheld where it matters most: in protecting patients and physicians alike.