On June 1, 2021, Dr. Bernie Ranchero served his final day as the primary care provider for hundreds of hard-to-treat patients of Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System in East Central Illinois. Dr. Ranchero and SBL separated "without cause", but his sudden departure left him and his patients without a transition period for him to establish a practice or arrange for suitable specialized care for many of his patients. Due to standard and broad SBL non-compete clause, Dr. Ranchero is not allowed to practice within 60 miles of his former clinic in Mattoon, Illinois for a period of 2 years.

This has left hundred of patients without their advocate, provider, and friend, many of who are members of the LGBTQ+ community, have chronic health conditions such as obesity and its related conditions, or other hard-to-serve and stigmatized populations.

This petition is to the administration and board of directors of Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System who have the ability to lessen the mileage requirement of the "can't compete clause" and allow Dr. Bernie Ranchero, to serve his patients as only he is willing and able to do.

To keep up-to-date with this petition and other community-based initiatives and actions in support of Dr. Ranchero, please email us at patientsofdrranchero@gmail.com