DULUTH — A local doctor filed suit against her employer, claiming its enforcement of a noncompete agreement hinders her ability to open a private practice — and ultimately widens a gap in accessibility of primary care for underserved patients in the community.

On Oct. 26, Dr. Nyasha Spears filed a civil employment contract case against Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital in Minnesota’s Sixth District Court.

Spears previously informed Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital of intentions to open a direct primary care practice that would offer patients affordable, flat-rate monthly fees under a membership model.

“The hospital will not suffer any lost profits or other damages as a result of my planned actions,” Spears said in a letter to Aspirus St. Luke’s, provided to the court. “The hospital is already so

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