Is the non compete clause enforceable to an independent contractor physician in Arizona

Hi there,

I am an independent contractor (physician) for a group that contracts with a hospital in the Scottsdale AZ area and I provide hospitalist services.

I have been with them for 2 years and I signed an agreement with them with a restrictive covenant that states that (1) I cannot work for an entire year after I leave them, with any group at ANY hospital that they currently contract with and HAVE PREVIOUSLY contract with. (2) I cannot work for an entire year after I terminate my contract with them at any hospital or facility which provides hospitalist services (just like what I am doing now) - basically I cannot work for 1 year. - I CAN'T EVEN BELIEVE I SIGNED THIS

Anyway - I want to move on to another group that is in the same facility mainly because of better compensation and work schedule. As a hospitalist I do not have patients that I own.. I mainly admit and consult patients based on what the ER and what the consultants give me.. I am not stealing any business away I just want a better job in the same roof.

Now.. As an independent contractor physician, would these restrictive covenants be enforceable in court? Are parts of these covenants enforceable in court.. and if parts of them are.. what can be done to get this thrown out?

I would understand an employment contract would have such covenants, but I have heard that AZ is a right to work state and I.C. professionals specifically are not bound by such covenants.