You're done interviewing and have an offer on the table for a new physician job. Congratulations, but, your work isn't over. Physician contract negotiations can get very complex and set the table for your future.
Your compensation, work–life–balance, benefits and general happiness are all on the line. Be prepared to effectively negotiate your next physician contract with these tips from the experts at PracticeMatch.
1. Negotiations start immediately & letters of intent can be binding
The moment you begin speaking to a recruiter, you are negotiating your position. It is best to discuss compensation only after an official offer has been made and after you have evaluated the facilities, support staff and benefits package. Remember that even "standard" contracts that "every physician has signed" can be changed.
2. Prioritize your needs
Every physician has unique needs in their employment. A four–day work week may be the most important factor for a new mother. A resident with large amounts of student loan debt may need to maximize compensation. Only you know what your needs are, and the earlier you determine those, the easier the contract process will be.
3. Know your value/the market
Underestimating your market value can substantially reduce your compensation. It is rare that the first offer made is the best you can receive. Conversely, overestimating your value can lead to an offer being pulled and a relationship with the organization destroyed. Understand your market value by researching comparable physician salaries like the annual PracticeMatch physician salary survey.
4. Keep "Plan B" alive
You should never turn down an offer until you have determined with 100% certainty that you will not be accepting the position. Negotiations can take many weeks and occasionally will turn sour. If this happens, you will need to have another option or two for consideration.
5. Get professional guidance
Any contract (employment or otherwise) that is worth a significant amount of money should be analyzed by a professional. Attorneys specialize in practice areas just like physicians. Find a health care attorney with experience reviewing physician employment agreements.
Resolve takes the guesswork out of finding the best attorney for your employment contract. Our experience reviewing and negotiating physician contracts from every specialty, in every state and with every major health system creates untold value for our doctors - and is why we are #1 rated by physicians.