Michael Johnson, founder of Michael Johnson Legal, shares essential insights about physician employment contracts and reveals why these agreements are typically more aggressive than those in other industries.

• Understanding physician contracts is critical for career autonomy and financial well-being
• The majority of clients are physicians entering their first employment agreement after training
• Best practice is to start job search 9-18 months before completing training
• Get educated on compensation structures before interviews - most physicians are paid on volume, not just base salary
• Typical compensation ranges from 40-45% of net collections or varying work RVU rates depending on specialty and location
• Non-compete clauses remain enforceable in most states and can force physician relocation
• The "non-negotiable contract" myth: most employers will make reasonable adjustments when approached professionally
• Legal representation typically costs $1,000-$2,000 - a small fraction of the contract's value
• Two most concerning contract terms: inability to terminate without cause and restrictive non-compete clauses
• Educational resources available at michaeljohnsonlegal.com and through the Instagram account @physiciancontracts

Check out our educational course - nine hours of CME-eligible content at physiciancontracts.com that can help you prepare for this important career transition.