Parker Fillmore, MD, a trauma surgeon and former trauma medical director at Boise, Idaho-based Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, is suing the hospital for wrongful termination and enforcing a noncompete clause that prevents him from working at other local hospitals, Idaho Statesman reported May 2.
What happened?
- Dr. Fillmore joined Saint Alphonsus in 2016 and became trauma medical director after years of understaffing and burnout. Despite assurances from hospital leadership, staffing and resource support lagged, according to the report.
- During his military deployment in 2023, the hospital lost its trauma verification from the American College of Surgeons. Weeks after returning, Dr. Fillmore was removed from his leadership role and later terminated — a move he claims was retaliation.
- After leaving, Dr. Fillmore began working at West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell, prompting a cease-and-desist letter from Saint Alphonsus over his noncompete agreement. The clause bars him from providing trauma care within 90 miles for 18 months.
- He argues the agreement is harmful, was never meant to be enforced, and serves to maintain Saint Alphonsus’ monopoly on Level II trauma care in the Treasure Valley.
- Dr. Fillmore, who lives in Eagle, says the clause forces doctors to leave the area or abandon their specialty, undermining public access to care.
Becker’s has reached out to Trinity Health, parent company of Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, and will update this story if more information becomes available.
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
