A Victory for Physician-Led Emergency Medicine in Oregon
When PeaceHealth announced plans to replace Eugene Emergency Physicians (EEP) in Eugene, OR, a physician-owned emergency medicine group that had served the community for decades, with a corporate staffing arrangement involving ApolloMD, AAEM recognized the dispute as one of the most significant tests of physician autonomy and corporate practice of medicine (CPOM) protections in the country.
The controversy emerged shortly after Oregon enacted strengthened CPOM protections intended to preserve physician control over medical decision-making. EEP challenged the proposed arrangement, arguing that the transition raised serious concerns regarding compliance with Oregon law and threatened physician-led emergency medicine.
AAEM believed the issues at stake extended far beyond a single contract.
The Oregon dispute raised fundamental questions about who controls the practice of medicine, whether physicians can maintain independent clinical judgment free from corporate influence, and whether physician-owned groups can continue serving their communities in an increasingly consolidated healthcare environment.
AAEM publicly supported EEP throughout the dispute, and the AAEM Foundation provided financial support to help defend physician-led emergency medicine in Oregon. Together, AAEM and the Foundation helped elevate awareness of the issue nationally and highlighted the case as a critical test of the principles AAEM has defended for decades: physician autonomy, independent medical judgment, and the protection of the physician-patient relationship.
Major Update
In May 2026, PeaceHealth reached an agreement with Eugene Emergency Physicians to continue staffing emergency departments at Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend and Cottage Grove Community Medical Center.
As part of the resolution:
- Eugene Emergency Physicians retained its role providing emergency care to the Eugene community
- The planned ApolloMD transition did not occur
- The litigation was resolved
- Physician-led emergency medicine was preserved
AAEM and the AAEM Foundation were proud to stand alongside Eugene Emergency Physicians throughout this effort, providing advocacy, awareness, and financial support in defense of physician-led emergency medicine.
This outcome represents a significant victory for physician autonomy, independent medical practice, and the principles underlying Oregon’s CPOM protections.
Key Outcomes
- Physician-led emergency medicine remained in place in Eugene
- A physician-owned emergency medicine group successfully defended its role serving the community
- Oregon’s CPOM protections were tested in a high-profile dispute.
- Concerns regarding corporate influence over medical practice received statewide and national attention
- Physicians, policymakers, and the public gained greater awareness of the importance of preserving independent medical judgment
- AAEM’s advocacy and the AAEM Foundation’s support helped elevate the issue and support physicians fighting to protect physician-led care
A Heartfelt Thank You
AAEM extends its sincere gratitude to the physicians of Eugene Emergency Physicians for their leadership, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to their patients and community.
We also thank the emergency physicians, community members, policymakers, advocates, and supporters who raised awareness and stood in support of physician-led emergency medicine throughout this fight.
Finally, AAEM thanks the donors who support the AAEM Foundation. Their generosity made it possible for the Foundation to provide meaningful financial support during this effort and to stand alongside physicians working to preserve physician autonomy and independent medical practice.
This outcome demonstrates what can happen when physicians, professional organizations, advocates, and supporters work together to defend the physician-patient relationship and the independent practice of medicine.
2025
Oregon strengthens its CPOM protections through SB 951, reinforcing safeguards designed to preserve physician control over medical decision-making.
Early 2026
PeaceHealth announces plans to transition emergency department staffing from Eugene Emergency Physicians to ApolloMD.
February 2026
EEP files legal action challenging the proposed arrangement and raising concerns regarding compliance with Oregon’s CPOM protections.
Spring 2026
AAEM publicly supports EEP, while the AAEM Foundation provides financial support to assist efforts defending physician-led emergency medicine in Oregon. The dispute gains national attention as one of the first major tests of Oregon’s strengthened CPOM protections.
May 2026
PeaceHealth and EEP reach an agreement allowing EEP to continue staffing emergency departments in Eugene.
May 2026
The litigation is resolved, the proposed ApolloMD transition is abandoned, and physician-led emergency medicine remains in place.
While the Oregon dispute has been resolved, the broader challenges facing physician autonomy remain.
Across the country, corporate entities continue to pursue arrangements that may influence physician practices, staffing decisions, and the delivery of patient care. AAEM remains committed to advocating for physician-led emergency medicine, defending independent medical judgment, and supporting policies that protect the physician-patient relationship.
The Oregon outcome serves as an important reminder that physician advocacy matters. When physicians, professional organizations, and communities work together, they can protect the principles that place patients first.
AAEM will continue this work wherever physician autonomy and physician-led care are threatened.
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