employee wanting to start independent niche business

[Guest guest]

Dear PT manager,

I have a PT employee who wants to start an independent bike fitting business

while also remaining a clinical employee treating clients. This employee has

made it clear that they will not provide any functional bicycle assessment for

cyclist clients in the clinic, only with the independent business to which the

employee would like the clinic to refer bike fit clients. As PTs, we look at

biomechanics, seat/stem height, frame length etc. but refer out to certified

bike fitters if more specific pedal adjustments etc. are needed.

This clinician is truly exceptional and is a valuable employee however this

challenges the boundaries between independent projects and the job description

of a PT's functional assessment of biomechanics within clinical care. I would

like to understand how other clinic owners have handled similar situations with

clinicians who want to create their own exclusive niche outside of their

employment. There is no non-compete in place. This individual is highly

skilled and a visionary who may ultimately be happiest being self-employed. I

want to handle this wisely and in a non-inflammatory manner.

Have you run across this before and if this was one of your employees, how would

you handle it?

Thanks for your insights.

Hampton PT, WCS, BCB-PMD