Career transitions as a doctor come with new contracts. Whether entering your first job after completing your training, making a move after several years at your current job, or transitioning to a new type of practice, you will need to navigate the legalese of an employment contract.

Reviewing a contract may seem simple, but it can be easy for the untrained eye to overlook key aspects that may impact you in the future. Let’s take a look at some of the many reasons professional contract review can support doctors in their career transitions.

The process isn’t as simple as it seems

Many doctors may think that reviewing an employment contract is straightforward and may hesitate to seek help. It’s understandable to believe that someone as intelligent and accomplished as a doctor can handle the process of starting a new job on their own.

However, the task can become daunting when faced with a contract that is difficult to interpret and comes with a tight deadline for making a decision.

Your contract might be a simple three- or four-page letter or a lengthy document exceeding 30 pages, filled with complex language that seems to address every situation—except the ones that matter most to you. Just as every job is unique, so is each contract, making the review process challenging.

There are many moving parts

Contracts don’t always align with our expectations because of the many people involved in the creation of it. Often, the person who sends you the contract isn’t the one who wrote it. Additionally, someone else might manage the clinical setting, and another person could be in charge of other aspects of the job such as creating the call schedule.

While conversations with each of these individuals are valuable and essential parts of the interview and contracting process, the specifics of those discussions don’t always get reflected in the written contract.

You might feel confident about your understanding of the call requirements and overlook that section, only to realize later that what’s in the contract doesn’t match what you expected or what was verbally communicated to you. It’s important to be fully aware of what the contract actually states.

Time is limited

Doctors often work long hours, and having a tight deadline for signing a contract can be stressful and challenging which may lead to a more informal and cursory reading of this important document. A professional review can streamline the process by quickly identifying key issues, saving doctors the time and effort of sifting through complex legal jargon.

This allows you to focus on their patients and personal lives while still making informed decisions about their employment.

Who should review my contract?

Just as a patient should seek a doctor’s expertise, it’s wise to consult experts when reviewing your contract. Having an experienced lawyer read, explain, and offer recommendations on your contract can provide you with peace of mind about what you’re signing.

When choosing who should review your contract, it’s important to find the right mix of education and experience. A lawyer who specializes in contract law can guide you through the finer details of the document.

For example, they can help you fully understand your compensation structure, especially in cases where you might not have been given the complete picture. You may have been told that you have a guaranteed base salary, but the fine print might reveal that after two years, you’ll need to meet specific productivity targets to maintain that salary.

Compensation is often measured against national surveys, and these datasets can be complex and difficult to apply to your contract. Working with someone who is familiar with this data can help you navigate and make the most of the information.

Experienced reviewers can also help you understand what types of bonus structures and recruitment incentives are typically offered for positions like yours.

Benefits of a doctor-specific contract attorney

When working with a contract attorney, it’s beneficial to choose someone with specific experience in doctor contracts. Beyond just spotting potential issues, a lawyer familiar with healthcare contracts can help you find creative solutions. For example, if your employer isn’t willing to offer a relocation allowance, your attorney might suggest alternative ways to enhance your incentive compensation.

Lawyers who have reviewed and negotiated many healthcare employment contracts can provide insights into how to reach a compromise that still addresses your needs.

Contract Review For Doctors

Negotiating your employment contract can be stressful, but working with an experienced contract attorney can help you feel confident in your requests and negotiations. Panacea Legal, a partner of Panacea Financial Holdings, has contract attorneys ready to protect your interests and support your career goals.

Learn more about contract review services here.

Not ready to commit? Schedule a 15-minute consultation with the Panacea Legal team to see how contract review could help you »

The information shared on this website does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.