A doctor with Washington University's School of Medicine is suing the university after she was allegedly instructed to devote most of her time to clinical work rather than academic and research pursuits.
Amber Cooper, M.D. filed a lawsuit on July 9 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against the University of Washington School of Medicine in St. Louis, citing negligence.
According to the complaint, Cooper accepted a position to serve as an assistant professor at Washington University on January 12, 2009, under terms she would be able to utilize 60 percent of her time to academic and research pursuits with the help of assistants and the offering of appropriate space and equipment.
However, Cooper ended her employment with the university after she was allegedly asked to dedicate 60 percent of her time to clinical work in addition to a complicating competition clause in the agreement – which forbids her to practice or provide medical services within a 15-mile radius.
Cooper is seeking damages in excess of $75,000 for the actual and consequential harm caused to her profession, family and overall livelihood the claim states.
She is represented by Keefe & Keefe, P.C. in Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-393.