Want to fight your employer? Line up ammunition first
In the Courts. By Tanya Albert, amednews staff. June 10, 2002.
Internist Bruce S. Skinner, MD, has had a bumpy ride through the legal system, and he wants others to learn from his experience.
The South Carolina physician has been entangled in a court fight against a former employer since January 2000. He alleges he was fired because he spoke up about problems and that after he was gone, other employees made comments that hurt his reputation.
"It's been a nightmare," he said.
But, along the way, Dr. Skinner discovered there are a few things he could have done to make his fight easier. He can't go back, but he wants other physicians thinking about blowing the whistle on their employers to know the steps they can take to better protect themselves.
"It's a horrible cautionary tale," said Dr. Skinner, who is still looking for a job.
His main message -- and the message from legal experts: Document, document, document. And don't be afraid to seek an attorney's advice.
Both actions likely would have made Dr. Skinner's case a little easier.
In December 1997, Dr. Skinner says he reached a three-year agreement with Trident Medical Center -- run by Columbia HCA Healthcare Corp., now HCA, Inc. -- to establish an outpatient, primary care practice.
He would work in the office of a retired physician for the first three months then move to another office, he said. Dr. Skinner agreed to start on Jan. 5, 1998. The draft employment agreement included some, but not all, of the terms. But he said he was asked to start work while the final version of the contract was prepared.
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