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Schenectady

Cardiology Dispute Sparks Schenectady Rally

St. Peter's Health Partners' enforcement of non-compete clauses against 27 cardiologists has drawn protest and proposed state legislation.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Heart Disease

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St. Peter's Health Partners is enforcing non-compete clauses against 27 cardiologists as Ellis Medicine recruits replacements, prompting a Schenectady rally and proposed state legislation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should doctors be barred from being bound by non-compete agreements?

A rally was held in Schenectady over a dispute between St. Peter's Health Partners and Ellis Medicine involving non-compete provisions in cardiology employment contracts. St. Peter's enforcement of these provisions applies to 27 cardiologists.

Why it matters

The dispute affects patients who rely on cardiology care in the Schenectady area during the transition between providers. Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara has proposed legislation that would ban non-compete agreements in the medical field.

Of the 27 cardiologists subject to St. Peter's non-compete enforcement, 22 have signed employment agreements with Ellis Medicine, while the remaining five are not identified in the source. Ellis Medicine's dedicated appointment line, 518-382-CARD (2273), is available for patients scheduling 2027 visits.

The players

St. Peter's Health Partners

A regional health system in the Capital Region of New York that employs physicians across multiple specialties.

Ellis Medicine

A Schenectady-based health system that has recruited physicians to maintain cardiology services for patients.

Angelo Santabarbara

A New York State Assemblymember who has proposed legislation to ban non-compete agreements in the medical field.

The details

St. Peter's Health Partners included non-compete provisions in cardiology employment contracts and has enforced them against 27 physicians. Ellis Medicine has recruited additional cardiologists from outside the area and says continuity of care will remain in place into 2027, while St. Peter's has said it will help patients who transition their care elsewhere.

Timeline

  1. November 8, 2026: Rally held in Schenectady over the non-compete dispute.

  2. 2027: Ellis Medicine expects cardiology continuity of care to remain in place.

Heart Disease Care Landscape

The proposed Central Health Care Act would make medical non-compete agreements unenforceable in New York regardless of how they were formed. The Schenectady dispute shows how such clauses can disrupt access to specialized cardiology care for existing patients.

Patients of Ellis Medicine cardiologists can schedule 2027 appointments through a dedicated phone line or the Ellis Medicine website. Patients transitioning their care can request assistance from St. Peter's Health Partners.

The takeaway

Patients with an established cardiologist should confirm their provider's status and future appointment availability as the dispute develops. Scheduling ahead through Ellis Medicine's dedicated line can help secure continuity of care.

Further reading

For more on cardiac treatment and access, see Heart Disease coverage.

Live Poll

Should doctors be barred from being bound by non-compete agreements?