Non compete's or restrictive covenants will be part of nearly all employment contracts for an orthopedist. Some may not be held up in court, but the costs involved in trying to fight one can be quite large.
Usually, there are several parts that include:
Time: how long the non-compete is valid (ours is two years)
Distance: how far the non-compete can reach is dependent upon your geographical area. If you are in a huge city, then the mileage may not be that large since there is a huge population to deal with versus a rural area where the group may draw patients for 100 miles. (ours is 50 miles)
Damages: Usually, there is a number listed for damages if you breach the contract or a statement that the business will seek an injuction and seek satisfaction of damages, etc...
Usually, there is a half a page or more of lawyer jargon.
Here is a pdf I found on the subject which sums it up nicely.
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www.saul.com/publications/dermlink/2007/2007_02_competition.pdf
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