Contract Negotiation Tips for Resident Physicians

Contract Negotiation Tips for Resident Physicians

Negotiating your employment agreement as a physician can be a daunting task, especially for those just coming out of residency who might feel self-conscious or timid about raising issues. However, it is important to remember that potential healthcare employers expect you to ask questions and negotiate. This will demonstrate that you have done your homework and will ultimately speak well of you professionally.

Here are a few tips to help you with your negotiations:

Don't be timid: When it comes to negotiating your employment agreement as a physician, it's important to understand that you have equal power in the process. If a prospective employer has gone through the trouble of making you an offer, they value you and want to see you join their team. Therefore, don't be afraid to ask questions and bring up any issues or requests that are important to you. In fact, by doing so, you demonstrate that you have done your research and are taking your professional future seriously. This can only impress the employer and speak well of you as a candidate. It's important to approach the negotiation process with confidence and an understanding of what you want and need in your employment agreement. By doing your research and presenting well-informed requests, you'll show the employer that you are a professional and valuable asset to their organization.

Negotiation is expected: A prospective physician employer will not retract an offer if you try to negotiate. If the prospective employer has gone through the trouble of making you an offer, the employer values you and wants to see you come aboard. And, if an offer is rescinded because you raised some questions about the employment agreement, ask yourself: Would you want to work for that organization anyway?

Willingness to negotiate will vary: While employers expect potential physician hires to negotiate, be aware that some employers will be more flexible than others on what they can negotiate. Large entities may sometimes be less flexible than small independent group practices but do not take it personally.

Policy for standard agreements: Before you start negotiating, it's a good idea to research what standard agreements look like in your field. This will give you a good sense of what is typical and what you can expect. A large healthcare organization may have to manage a large number of employment agreements and to streamline the process, they may use standard agreements that do not deviate significantly. By familiarizing yourself with these standard agreements, you will be able to identify areas that may be open for negotiation and be better prepared for the negotiation process. It's important to understand that using standard agreements does not mean that you cannot negotiate and that the organization may be willing to make some concessions on issues that may be important to you.

Ask for revisiting issues: When negotiating employment terms, it's important to reserve the right to revisit certain issues in the future, once you have gained on-the-ground experience with the employer. One way to do this is by asking for an arrangement where specific terms are revisited after a specified time frame, such as three months. This gives you the opportunity to prove your value as a physician employee and demonstrate your commitment to the role, and the employer may be more open to recognizing your worth and making changes that benefit both parties. By taking this approach, you can ensure a fulfilling and sustainable employment experience.

Negotiating your employment agreement as a physician is an important step in securing a fulfilling and sustainable employment experience. With these tips in mind, you can approach the negotiation process with confidence and secure a job that meets your professional needs and goals.