Employment Contracting

A majority of family physicians practice as employees of a hospital, health system, or physician group―so chances are, you’re one of them. To ensure your career success and well-being as an employed physician, it is important for you to understand the terms of your contract and to know how to negotiate to protect your best interests.

We have created resources to assist you in this process, but those resources cannot take the place of qualified and trusted advisors. A health care attorney experienced with physician contracts in your region can help you review your employment agreement in detail to make sure it is fair and appropriate. A financial advisor can advise you on the tax implications of the compensation plan outlined in your employment agreement. Your attorney can also help you as you prepare to negotiate a new or renewing contract with your employer.

Learn more about ways to optimize your employment contracting experience and set yourself up for success by using the Academy resources shown below.  

Negotiate Your Employment Agreement with Confidence

Employment Contracting Resources

The following resources are available exclusively to AAFP members. Click to log in and access them:

1. Career Issue of FPM

FPM journal's career issue shares advice from family physicians and experts on how to navigate the employment contracting process, practical tips to prepare for employment and/or transition to practice, perspectives on leadership and the workplace, and more.

2. Navigating Physician Employment Contracts

This FPM supplement provides information about physician employment contracts by defining common terms, offering advice about specific provisions, and providing key steps to follow before signing a contract. If you are new to employment contracts this is a great place to start.

3. A Family Physician Guide to Employment Contracts

Download this in-depth guide to better understand the provisions and elements of contracts and the employment contract process. For these contract provisions and elements you’ll find red flags and potential pitfalls to watch for, expert advice, and questions to ask for each of the following:

• Starting Employment/Pre-Employment Conditions
• Signing Bonuses and Loans
• Termination Before Employment Agreement Starts
• Duties of Employment
• Physician Compensation
• Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• Maternity or Family Leave
• Malpractice Insurance
• Future Equity
• Exit Strategy: Term and Termination Provisions
• Assignability
• Restrictive Covenants
• Non-Solicitation Provisions
• Non-Disparagement
• Outside Documents

4. 2021 Employed Physician Compensation Letter Template

Use this letter template should you decide to advocate with your employers for fair compensation.

5. MACRA for Employed Physicians Guide

Download this guide to make sense of MACRA and learn everything you need to know about MIPS participation

Resident Employment Preparation

Transitioning from residency to a practice is an exciting process, but it can be overwhelming at times. Use this checklist as a guide to successfully navigate that process.