Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedic Institute filed a countersuit against former CEO Christopher Olivia, MD, saying the practice doesn't owe him severance, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Nov. 6.
The lawsuit filed Nov. 3 in Philadelphia's Court of Common Pleas said Rothman continued to pay Dr. Olivia after he was fired in March but later found he allegedly kept confidential information about the practice's business in violation of his employment agreement.
In October, Dr. Olivia sued Rothman, alleging he was wrongfully terminated after blowing the whistle on internal financial mismanagement. He claims the practice's leadership deceived young physicians into investing millions into the practice to further enrich senior shareholders.
Rothman's lawsuit is asking for Dr. Olivia to return "stolen information" and a declaration that the practice doesn't have to pay severance. The lawsuit is also asking Dr. Olivia to pay expenses related to the dispute.
A spokesperson for Rothman told Becker's the practice doesn't comment on pending litigation. Dr. Olivia's attorney declined to comment on the countersuit to The Philadelphia Inquirer.