Former Freeman medical chief sues hospital, alleges discrimination and retaliation

Freeman Health System's former chief medical officer claims she was fired for speaking out about problems inside the hospital.

Dr. Amanda Harrell filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Jasper County Circuit Court, accusing the hospital of sex discrimination, retaliation and violating Missouri's whistleblower protection laws.

Harrell, claims Freeman CEO Matthew Fry fired her in July 2025, just three months after taking over the hospital's top leadership position.

According to the lawsuit, Fry initially praised Harrell as the "epitome of a servant leader" before abruptly telling her she was "not the CMO he needed."

Harrell alleges she never received a formal disciplinary warning or documented criticism of her performance.

The lawsuit claims Harrell repeatedly raised concerns about gender-based salary disparities, physician credentialing, radiology staffing and regulatory compliance.

She alleges hospital leadership resisted addressing those problems and retaliated against her for speaking up.

Harrell also claims at least two other women in executive or administrative positions were fired around the same time.

She alleges she was replaced by a less-experienced male physician.

The petition describes a rapid and contentious dismissal.

Harrell claims Fry offered her an undefined, part-time leadership position without specifying a title or salary. When she requested more time to consider the offer, she says Fry demanded an answer within 30 minutes.

Freeman announced her departure from the chief medical officer position July 21.

Two days later, Harrell says she was fired and escorted from the building.

Harrell joined Freeman in 2016 and became chief medical officer in December 2024.

The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $25,000 on each of three counts, along with lost wages, attorney fees, reinstatement and an order barring future discrimination.

The allegations from Harrell have not been proven in court.