How to Negotiate Your First Physician Contract Without Losing the Offer
Your first physician contract is more than a job offer—it’s the foundation of your career.
Negotiate well, and you secure fair pay, work-life balance, and long-term career growth.
Negotiate poorly (or not at all), and you risk being undervalued, overworked, and locked into restrictive terms.
Here’s how to negotiate confidently—without scaring off your future employer.
Step 1: Understand What’s Negotiable
Most physicians think their contract is set in stone. It’s not.
Key areas to negotiate:
✅ Salary & signing bonuses
✅ Work hours & call schedule
✅ Non-compete clauses
✅ Malpractice insurance (especially tail coverage)
✅ Benefits (CME, relocation, loan repayment, retirement contributions)
Tip: Employers expect negotiation. If they don’t, that’s a red flag.
Step 2: Research Fair Market Value
Before negotiating, know what you should be earning.
Use resources like:
📌 MGMA Physician Compensation Data
📌 Specialty-specific salary reports
📌 Talking to peers in similar roles
Compare offers based on salary, benefits, and workload—not just the dollar amount.
Step 3: Be Professional & Strategic
Negotiation isn’t a fight—it’s a conversation.
✅ Express enthusiasm first: “I’m excited about this opportunity…”
✅ Be specific with your requests: “Based on market data, I’d like to discuss increasing the base salary by 10%.”
✅ Prioritize what matters most: Pick 2-3 key areas instead of pushing on everything.
Tip: NEVER negotiate over email—set up a call instead.
Step 4: Spot & Fix Red Flags
🚨 Non-compete clauses: Could they restrict your future job options?
🚨 Productivity bonuses: Are they realistic, or impossible to reach?
🚨 Call schedules: Are expectations clearly defined?
🚨 Termination clauses: Can you leave without excessive penalties?
If something seems unfair, ask for clarification and request modifications.
Step 5: Get Everything in Writing
A handshake agreement means nothing.
Before signing, make sure:
✅ All negotiated changes are reflected in writing
✅ There are no vague or missing terms
✅ You have a contract lawyer review it
Tip: Even if you trust your employer, protect yourself with a solid contract.
Final Thoughts
Negotiating your contract isn’t about being difficult—it’s about securing fair pay, work-life balance, and long-term career success.
Take control:
✅ Do your research before accepting an offer.
✅ Identify red flags that could limit your future.
✅ Ask the right questions to ensure transparency.
✅ Work with a lawyer—but come prepared to make the most of your time.
The best contracts go to physicians who know what to negotiate.
Before meeting with your lawyer, get informed and go in prepared. Your future depends on it! 🚀
