One of the most damaging financial threats to your career as a physician is the possibility of inadequate compensation through complex payment formulas or a contract containing legal pitfalls that undermine future income. Low compensation and contract loopholes are two of the main reasons almost 50% of physicians leave their employers, according to the 2013 Physician Retention Survey by Cejka Search and AMGA. From physicianthrive.com
I’ve written on this subject before and you can find these articles by using the search feature on my physiatry recruitment website. Here are some brief notes as a review of some key features of the PM&R contract process. First, as the term implies, negotiate! Nothing is written in stone. It doesn’t hurt to try to negotiate. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
Second, use a lawyer. The physical medicine and rehabilitation contract terms cover you as you work. But please remember, it also defines the process if and when you should leave. These terms have significant impact to your physiatry professional life and livelihood.
Third but by no means last, identify the responsibilities of the PM&R position. These should be spelled out in the contract. They help determine what you should ask in salary.
Best wishes for a successful negotiation that enables you to secure the best physiatry job on the best terms for you!