Many states have abolished restrictive covenants such as this. It would be to the advantage of the community and the patients to keep appropriately trained physicians in the area and not to be forced to hire outside physicians. Ltd. Trying to decide whether to join a local group of physicians who staff one hospital or a larger multi-facility group is sometimes an overwhelming decision. Although the decision is not permanent, making the wrong choice can often delay rewards such as partnership and carry with it the burden of relocating. The ultimate employment decision process must involve comparing apples with apples.
Some physicians saddle large CMGs with a great deal of negative baggage.
Though some CMGs deserve a little criticism, it is inappropriate to categorize all EM groups similarly. With an extremely wide variety of possible group situations, each group must be evaluated individually to provide a true assessment. Group size should not form the sole basis of a career decision. Some of the advantages of good multi-site groups include economy of scale and reproducing successful ideas at multiple sites. Some negatives come into play when quality is compromised for the sake of the almighty dollar.