I wonder what you did to draw this wrath on you ? (rhetorical question, please don't answer, read below)
The non-compete is void. It violates the public interest to have a non-compete restrict a physician from practicing in a federally designated shortage area. He will posture to sue you, but if he actually did, his suit would be laughed out of court at the first prelimnary hearing.
Ok, now here some advice:
- don't discuss this matter with anyone, and please don't post any further details on this internet bulletin board
- retain an attorney familiar with physician contract law in your state (your state medical society can give you a referral) and discuss the case with him AND ONLY HIM. EVERYTHING YOU POST HERE ABOUT THE CASE CAN POTENTIALLY COME BACK TO BITE YOU IF YOU INDEED END UP IN COURT ON THIS MATTER. EVERYTHING YOU DISCUSS WITH YOUR ATTORNEY IS PRIVILEDGED COMMUNICATION, ANYTHING YOU POST HERE OR DISCUSS WITH A 'FRIEND' IS DISCOVERABLE IN A LAWSUIT (sorry to yell, but I had to put some emphasis here).
- After you have retained an attorney, document, document, document. Write down a memory protocol of everything that transpired between you and the employer. Note the names of potential witnesses but DON'T CONTACT THEM.
- find a new job ASAP, preferably at the same practice location (don't worry about the non-compete). Talk to your hospital CEO, he might be willing to hire you and set you up with office space. Talk to other physician groups in the area. In case of a job in the same location, all you have to do is a H1b transfer and a letter to the state health department informing them of your new employer.