The Doctor, the Patient, and Everything in Between

Establishing Tryon

Establishing Tryon Medical Partners was a monumental task for Dale Owen and his colleagues. They faced the challenge of setting up new offices without any of the resources from their previous hospital system, including the name, equipment, or office space. The doctors took on roles beyond their medical expertise, from painting walls to installing basic amenities, demonstrating their commitment to this new venture 1.

We had physicians putting in paper towels and toilet paper rolls.

--- Dale Owen

Despite these hurdles, Tryon officially opened on September 5, 2018, with an overwhelming response from patients, indicating a successful start to their independent practice.

   

Legal Challenges

The transition to independence was fraught with legal challenges, particularly concerning non-compete clauses in the doctors' contracts with Atrium Health. Dale Owen and his team had to navigate these restrictive covenants, which initially seemed insurmountable. They eventually decided to sue Atrium, arguing that the non-compete clauses were invalid and accusing the health system of monopolistic practices 2.

We had significant restrictive covenants in our contracts that prevented us from going out and competing.

--- Dale Owen

After months of negotiation and legal battles, Atrium agreed to release the physicians, allowing them to establish Tryon Medical Partners.

   

Physician Conviction

The conviction of the physicians to pursue independence was driven by a desire to prioritize patient care over bureaucratic constraints. Dale Owen spent months recruiting colleagues and strategizing their departure from Atrium Health, emphasizing the importance of acting in the patients' best interests 2. The decision to become independent was met with skepticism from the hospital system, but the doctors remained resolute in their vision.

Well, they looked at us like they were incredulous, you know, like not a how dare you? But it was so foreign to them.

--- Dale Owen

Their unified front and shared purpose were crucial in overcoming the challenges they faced, ultimately leading to the successful establishment of Tryon Medical Partners.