Thread by @WCInvestor

1/8
Finding your first attending position is a milestone, both exhilarating & a little frightening. 

You may be pleasantly surprised by how much they want to pay you. Don’t get caught up in the $$$. 

Here’s 6 things to negotiate outside of salary & benefits 🧵👇

#doctor #wci

2/8
1️⃣ Non-Compete Agreements

These limit your ability to practice within a certain distance from job for a period of time. 

Ask to reduce the distance or duration of your non-compete. Crucial if you are tied to your geographic area for family or other reasons.

#MD #contract

3/8
2️⃣ Restrictions on Other Work

If moonlighting is important, ask for clause to be removed. 

Look for language stating work created while employed (even on own time) is employer property. Explicitly add clause that intellectual property you create is yours.

#contracts #wci

4/8
3️⃣ Sign-On Bonuses & Student Loan Repayment

Don’t get distracted by $$$.

Look for strings attached. “Bonus” might be a loan forgiven over a period of time (2-3 years). If you leave before the full amount is forgiven you will have to repay.
#doctor #contracts #bonuses #wci

5/8
4️⃣ “Tail” Malpractice Coverage

Covers you for malpractice claims brought after you leave your job, for events that happened while you were employed. 

Ask your employer to cover 100% of your tail insurance from day one as it can become quite expensive.

#doctor #malpractice

6/8
5️⃣ On-Call Commitment

Physicians within the same group can take different amounts of call or have different weekend/holiday schedules.

If someone leaves the practice or suddenly can’t take call, your burden may increase. 

Ask for the details. Document your commitment.
#wci

7/8
6️⃣ Termination

Can you be let go without cause? Under what circumstances will you get severance, & how is it calculated? 

If you're paid on productivity, your contract should specify if severance is based on most recent productivity or agreed-upon benchmark.

#contract #wci

8/8
Most #doctors don’t stay in their first job. 

Changing jobs is expensive. Maximize your chances of success. 

With the right contract, your focus is on becoming the attending you always wanted to be.

What tips do you have for physician contract negotiation?
#contract #wci