An oncologist’s perspective on early termination, contractual obligations, and professional labeling at Hayes Locums. Until now, there has been one experience I deliberately chose not to write about. On counsel of my attorney, I remained silent while a contractual dispute unfolded behind the scenes. My preference has always been quiet resolution over public commentary. I believe in professionalism, especially in a small field like oncology where reputations — both institutional and individual — are built over years and travel quickly through professional networks. However, as this matter has now formally escalated, I believe it is appropriate to share my experience factually and transparently.
The Assignment
My first locum assignment was in Montana through Hayes Locums. For the vast majority of the engagement, the experience was positive. The logistics were smooth. Communication was consistent. Opportunities for future placements were actively discussed.
In fact, toward the end of the assignment, Hayes was actively presenting additional opportunities in other states.
There were no concerns raised regarding patient care, clinical competence, or professionalism during my time on site.
The Final Weeks
In the final month of the assignment, a concern was raised by the clinic regarding my professional blog. I have written educational reflections for years, always de-identifying patient stories and altering details to protect privacy. No patient names, identifiers, or protected health information were disclosed.
The concern was framed as discomfort with physician blogging — not as a formal HIPAA violation, and not as a documented professionalism issue. I immediately modified the post further to address the concern.
Shortly thereafter, the assignment was terminated approximately two weeks earlier than I was assigned.
The communication I received from Hayes Locums characterized the separation in a way that implied professional concern. However, in direct conversation with clinic leadership, the discussion was described simply as “discomfort” with the blog site and as a decision to part ways early.
No formal finding of unprofessional conduct was issued by the hospital.
No HIPAA violation was formally declared.
No patient complaint was made.
No clinical care issue was cited.
At the same time, it is important to note that my interactions with Hayes Locums during this period were not aligned with the implication of any professional concern. While the assignment was being brought to an early conclusion, I was simultaneously engaged in ongoing discussions with representatives of Hayes Locums involved in my placement regarding additional opportunities in other states, including active consideration for roles in the eastern United States. These discussions reflected continued interest in placing me in future assignments and were inconsistent with the notion that any substantive professionalism issue had occurred. From my perspective, the focus appeared to be on transitioning me to other roles rather than addressing any clearly defined concern regarding conduct or clinical performance.
The Contractual Question
Under the terms of my agreement, early withdrawal within a defined time window carried specific payment obligations. From my perspective, the early termination triggered those provisions.
From Hayes’ perspective, it did not. What followed were months of attempts to resolve the matter privately. During that time, I did not speak publicly about the issue. I did not mention Hayes by name. I did not criticize the clinic. I respected the process and allowed legal counsel to communicate.
What Made This Difficult
This was not simply about compensation—it was about consistency and professional alignment. There was also a clear opportunity cost. Months earlier, I had requested to conclude the assignment early in order to transition to another confirmed opportunity in West Virginia through a different locum agency. That request was declined by both Hayes Locums and the Montana clinic, and I honored the original commitment—making the subsequent early termination particularly difficult to reconcile.
When a physician relocates across the country for an assignment, schedules family life around it, and declines other opportunities based on a contractual commitment, early termination carries real consequences — logistical, financial, and professional.
What was most difficult to reconcile was this:
- Being encouraged to consider additional placements.
- Being told I was valued as a clinician.
- Yet simultaneously receiving communication that implied professional concern.
Those two realities are hard to square.
If a physician truly poses a professionalism issue, future placements would understandably not be discussed. If no such issue exists, clarity in language matters — especially in an industry where documentation can follow a physician across institutions.
Why This Matters Beyond One Assignment
The locum tenens industry is built on trust.
Hospitals trust agencies.
Agencies trust physicians.
Physicians trust that contractual terms will be applied consistently.
In today’s environment, physicians speak to one another. We compare notes. We discuss experiences — both positive and challenging. Informal networks, specialty forums, and word-of-mouth matter more than ever.
Most locum companies understand this and work hard to maintain transparency and alignment.
When disputes arise, how they are handled often matters more than the dispute itself.
Professional reputation in this space is cumulative. It is shaped not only by successful placements, but by how moments of tension are navigated.
Why I’m Writing This Now
I typically write about everything I experience in locum practice — the good and the challenging.
I initially withheld this story in the hope of a quiet and amicable resolution.
However, as this dispute has formally entered the legal system, transparency feels appropriate.
This is not about retaliation.
It is not about emotion.
It is not about harming anyone.
It is about sharing a real experience so other physicians understand:
- How locum contracts operate
- How early terminations may be characterized
- Why precise language matters
- Why documentation matters
- And why physicians should understand the fine print before relocating across the country
Locum tenens can be a rewarding professional chapter. I continue to work successfully with other agencies and remain optimistic about the flexibility the model offers.
But like any industry, experiences vary.
And when they do, transparency benefits everyone.
Contracts matter.
Communication matters.
Consistency matters.
And in a field as interconnected as ours, reputation — on all sides — matters most.
Dr. Sajeve Thomas is a distinguished medical professional and a compassionate guide in the field of oncology. With over a decade of dedicated experience as a board-certified medical oncologist/internal medicine specialist, Dr. Thomas has become a trusted expert in the treatment of melanoma, sarcoma, and gastrointestinal conditions. He brings a wealth of expertise to the complex and challenging world of oncology.
Disclosures:
Dr. Thomas serves as a speaker for BMS, Merck, Ipsen, Natera, Immunocore, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, SpringWorks. He also receives industry grants in support of numerous clinical trials.
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