Somebody didn't do their due diligence or has terrible negotiating skills. There is absolutely no reason to accept terms like that in today's environment.

Earthmuse, because of stories like these have been circulating for years, particularly non compete clauses I read every word of the document and then review it with an attorney. That has saved me thousands and many headaches over the years. The last one I was able to have removed 'damages' for leaving, the noncompete from one year to 6 months and the radius from 60 miles to 10. They knew I had other options so agreed.
The point of the article was about doctors and midlevels.
Even with enforcing the contract it is going to cost them a lot more to recruit another provider rather than systemically address the problems and make them happy.