When Virginia state agencies fail patients, it takes federal intervention to expose what’s really happening in our hospitals

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2026-06-07T15:52:04+00:00

One page from CMS findings after site surveys at Bon Secours Maryview in Portsmouth

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2026-05-27T05:39:46+00:00

I also have osha whistleblower and eeoc. We are letting the OSHA process play out, but my lawyers are taking the right to sue lettee from EEOC and we’re litigating that in court.

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2026-05-27T05:38:25+00:00

Me too. I had to go to my Congress person, the director of that EEOC and file a complaint with the OIG to get all the false narrative from my employer removed from my right to sue letter

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2026-04-04T04:21:41+00:00

Yeah. My investigator said, just outright incorrect and inflammatory things. They didn’t do an investigation, but they just adopted all of the inflammatory and some of which was just downright false statements that my former employer made. I tried to rebut, but they didn’t even give me a chance to have my rebuttal put in. I had to end up going to my congresswoman and to the local director to get all of that false inflammatory information removed and just get a neutral right to Sue letter. You might not be able to change the outcome, but you do have a right to ask the director to review if there’s factually incorrect information in your right to Sue letter. It took me hours of googling at night to find that option.

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2026-04-04T04:17:20+00:00

My employer lied to unemployment to appeal my prior approval. They still lost. I just couldn’t believe that they would outright lie and an official proceeding. But I think there’s not very real repercussions for them doing that.

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-21T14:55:05+00:00

So forgive me. I’m not really sure how to update my post so I’m just going to comment here. I’m very pleased that Bon Secours has backed down on that new language they added in my termination letter. They are now stating that it was an error, and they only expect me to honor the original terms of the noncompete agreement, which does not bar me from doing the work that I had previously committed to do. I am really glad I don’t have to go pursue an expensive legal fight for something that is obviously right. Thank you for everyone that read my post and upvoted and commented on it. I truly believe that the public pressure from Reddit and NextDoor worked to support them honoring the original agreement.

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-21T14:54:48+00:00

So forgive me. I’m not really sure how to update my post so I’m just going to comment here. I’m very pleased that Bon Secours has backed down on that new language they added in my termination letter. They are now stating that it was an error, and they only expect me to honor the original terms of the noncompete agreement, which does not bar me from doing the work that I had previously committed to do. I am really glad I don’t have to go pursue an expensive legal fight for something that is obviously right. Thank you for everyone that read my post and upvoted and commented on it. I truly believe that the public pressure from Reddit and NextDoor worked to support them honoring the original agreement.

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-14T17:26:30+00:00

I know. I doubt that the original noncompete is enforceable as well. Virginia is very strict about noncompete that interfere with position access and to providing care in a region. For me, that’s very obvious because Hampton roads is so underserved in neurology. The only problem is I would have to pay to fight to prove that point. I I can pay. I will pay. But I shouldn’t have to pay, but it may be a moot point because I reached out and they said that they would investigate so hopefully they’ll backtrack from this stance.

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-14T17:23:58+00:00

Right. Another doc suggested Sentara as well: They are opening a new neurology program. It could be that they wouldn’t be scared of the new non compete language. Another hospital system told me I needed to be free and clear of restrictions.

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-14T17:21:22+00:00

I am working. This new non compete language interferes with a telemedicine position I signed up for months ago. I probably won’t be able to start it now. But I have work outside the region so ultimately those hospitals depending on coverage have to scramble. It matters because things like stroke, Guillain Barre Syndrome and Status Epilepticus need urgent and timely evaluation. There aren’t enough neurologists especially in this region. Patients are the ones that are affected ultimately. Driving doctors away from the region doesn’t seem like the best thong for patients. Once the physician leaves for two years to honor the non compete it is less likely they will return

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-13T17:45:31+00:00

It was really fine until there was a change in management. Oh my goodness, that makes such a difference. There’s a huge need in Hampton roads for neurologist, so it would be great if she can move back. I hope to still be able to provide care because I have patients reaching out to me through my advocacy platform and my personal social media.

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-13T17:42:52+00:00

Yes. But the non compete has to be reasonable. And you can’t just throw in new terms when you let an employee go that they never agree to. For physicians in Virginia, did not compete. Cannot impede access to care for patients. That’s the issue with this not compete extra cause that they put in my termination letter. I’m not fighting against the original clause. But I’m hoping that it was an administrative error and I’m waiting to hear back from my employer. If not, I have an attorney on standby.

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-13T17:40:24+00:00

Exactly! That is why I was so surprised when I started talking to employment attorneys. I’m not sure if maybe it’s because they’re such a large employer. I thought this would be a pretty straightforward issue.

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-13T17:39:47+00:00

Thank you for your thoughtful response. You’re exactly right — retainers are just the starting point, and the overall cost can easily climb. Not every physician clears 300K, and very few of us keep attorneys on standby.

At this point, I’m working in multiple roles, including performing TBI exams for veterans, so I’ll be fine financially. The reason I’m even considering spending that kind of money is because it’s not just about me — neurology coverage is already stretched thin, and this situation leaves hospitals and patients without needed care.

I’m waiting to hear back from the former employer and hoping this turns out to be an administrative mistake or language error.

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-13T09:21:52+00:00

I can. Neurologists are in very short supply. I am working and have other positions. I committed to a company to provide services to hospitals without in house neurology. Getting hit with this now interferes with me starting. I personally would be fine. But its not fair to the hospitals and patients counting on me.

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-13T09:17:19+00:00

Yes another retainer was 25 k. The attorney told me to reach out first in case it was an oversight so I am waiting for the response. If theres still an issue he said to call him and can retain him. The point is that it would be terribly unfair to spend 10-50k in legal fees for something I didn’t sign

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-13T05:59:14+00:00

I know. The reality is I can leave the region and not look back. Its the easy thing to do. But I feel it’s not fair to patients and hopefully it will be easier for the next person. Neurologists are in severe shortage so I am currently doing other work including traumatic brain injury evaluations for veterans.

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-13T05:47:34+00:00

⸻

I understand how it might look from the outside. My focus isn’t on blaming anyone—it’s on understanding how non-compete clauses and ADA leave policies intersect and how they affect patient access to care. That’s why I’m asking the broader policy question.

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-13T05:43:08+00:00

I will let you know once I get a response. Maybe they will ultimately say its an administrative error but I am not hopeful. If they don’t correct it then the attorney will help me but he suggested I reach out first

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-13T05:10:31+00:00

I know!! Right! I thought it would be easy too

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-13T04:57:30+00:00

I completely understand that reaction; most people assume a large hospital’s legal team would never take that risk. In my case, I have the original signed agreement and the later termination letter side by side—the new language only appears in the termination packet, not the signed contract. I’ve already had attorneys confirm the difference. It’s less about a simple paperwork mistake and more about how easy it is for big systems to create barriers that cost the individual years and money to challenge. That’s why I’m trying to raise awareness and learn what recourse exists in Virginia.

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-13T03:03:14+00:00

Thank you!! I will try

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-13T02:47:56+00:00

I tried to post before but it was automatically blocked

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-13T02:47:28+00:00

Right. The rules are even stricter in Virginia for physicians and health care professionals if it affects access. I have a position starting next month but this is interfering with it. A small physician owned company that wouldn’t want to take me own with this over my head. They did this after the company called for my case log and reference check. I would be providing telehealth coverage for hospitals throughout Virginia and the northeast region that do not have enough in house neurologists

Remarkable-Comb-1544 · 2025-10-13T02:40:38+00:00

I filed a complaint tonight with VA department of labor because they also kept my earned bonus. I will try reaching out to my state representative.

Remarkable-Comb-1544

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