Since PeaceHealth announced in early February that it would end its longstanding contract with Eugene Emergency Physicians — the doctor and physician assistant group that staffs its emergency department — the decision has prompted rapid developments and forceful messaging from all sides.
The Atlanta-based contractor ApolloMD is scheduled to take over July 1. Providers with Eugene Emergency Physicians, also known as EEP, have said they will not work for ApolloMD for at least 90 days, citing concerns about patient care and physician treatment.
Lookout Eugene-Springfield compiled this timeline to track the still-unfolding events. All audio recordings and documents obtained by Lookout have been authenticated.
Feb. 3
PeaceHealth Oregon Chief Hospital Executive Jim McGovern emails staff that the hospital will end its 35-year contract with Eugene Emergency Physicians and select ApolloMD as the new emergency department provider.
Feb. 4
PeaceHealth Oregon Chief Medical Officer Kim Ruscher confirms the contract switch to Lookout Eugene-Springfield. With EEP’s agreement set to expire in summer 2026, PeaceHealth issued a request for proposals and awarded the contract to ApolloMD. Ruscher says ApolloMD intends to retain many, if not all, current EEP clinicians.
Feb. 10
All 41 EEP clinicians — 32 physicians and nine physician assistants — sign a pledge not to work for ApolloMD for at least 90 days…