Emergency Doctors Pledge Not to Work with New Provider at PeaceHealth

41 medical professionals from Eugene Emergency Physicians voice concerns over contract change with Atlanta-based ApolloMD

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Emergency physicians at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center in Springfield, Oregon have publicly voiced their desire to remain with the hospital system, even as a contract change looms. The group, Eugene Emergency Physicians (EEP), has worked with PeaceHealth for 35 years, but will be replaced by Atlanta-based ApolloMD. All 41 medical professionals from EEP have signed a pledge not to work with ApolloMD for at least 90 days, with some indicating they may not return at all.

Why it matters

This situation reflects a growing trend in healthcare of outsourcing specialized services to management companies. While ApolloMD aims to improve patient flow and reduce wait times, the reliance on out-of-state contractors raises concerns about local expertise and community ties. The pledge by EEP physicians highlights potential staffing difficulties and the impact on physician autonomy and personalized patient care.

The details

PeaceHealth announced on February 3rd that it would not renew EEP's contract, citing a need to improve patient flow and reduce wait times. The hospital system believes ApolloMD is the partner to achieve these goals. However, the decision has sparked concern among EEP's 32 doctors and 9 physician assistants, who have all signed a pledge not to work with ApolloMD for at least 90 days, with some indicating they may not return at all.

  • On February 3rd, PeaceHealth announced it would not renew EEP's contract.
  • On February 16th, Dr. Scott Williams, a physician with EEP, released a public letter on behalf of the group.
  • ApolloMD leaders have already begun meeting with hospital staff, including nurses, physicians, and administrators.

The players

Eugene Emergency Physicians (EEP)

A group of 41 medical professionals, including 32 doctors and 9 physician assistants, who have worked with PeaceHealth for 35 years.

ApolloMD

An Atlanta-based physician-owned emergency medicine and hospitalist group that will be replacing EEP at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center.

PeaceHealth

The hospital system that announced it would not renew EEP's contract, citing a need to improve patient flow and reduce wait times.

Dr. Scott Williams

A physician with EEP who released a public letter on behalf of the group expressing their desire to continue serving the community.

Dr. Dave Schwartz

A hospitalist at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center who pointed out that EEP has been a consistent, invested presence for 35 years.

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What they’re saying

“We would wholeheartedly welcome a path forward with PeaceHealth that allows us to continue practicing here under a local banner and staffing all of their Oregon Emergency Departments. We want to stay in the places we call home, in the roles we love, doing meaningful and vitally important work.”

— Dr. Scott Williams, Physician, Eugene Emergency Physicians

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

PeaceHealth spokesperson Joe Waltasti stated the hospital hopes the physicians will choose to remain with the system, noting that contract discussions are between the individual physicians and ApolloMD.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing trend of healthcare outsourcing and the potential impact on local expertise, physician autonomy, and personalized patient care. The pledge by EEP physicians underscores the workforce challenges that can arise from such changes, raising questions about the long-term implications for emergency medicine.