Landing Your First Otolaryngology Job

The Value of Experts

Both Drs. Simon and Sinacori strongly recommend using lawyers to go over a first contract. “Physicians always think they know everything, and the bottom line is lawyers know more when it comes to contracts,” Dr. Sinacori said.

He added that in academic practices, contracts often have less “wiggle room,” because the size of an organization means the contracts are relatively standard. In private practice, where group sizes can vary widely, the vagaries of contracts can deal with potential paybacks for production quotas, equipment purchase, or the growing role of accountable care organizations. Those details, depending on wording, can have serious long-term impacts.

Dr. Simon urged young physicians to use a dedicated healthcare lawyer, as well as an accountant, to review the contracts and, if possible, the finances of the practice.

“The right fit is everything,” he said. “As uncomfortable as many doctors are with the business side of things, it is important to be sure that you have an understanding of the contract and how they run their business—and that it is a way of doing things that you like and that you’re comfortable with.”

Dr. Murr said attorneys can look out for a doctor’s best interest but cautions that in small practices or places with a dominant personality, a lawyer reviewing details of an offer can cause friction. “There’s a lawyer culture and [a] doctor culture, and sometimes those two things don’t mix,” he added.

Dr. Sinacori disagreed. “If they look at [a contract], and you don’t agree and they don’t look kindly at your having a lawyer looking it, then there’s something wrong with that practice,” he said. “That’s what I tell my residents.”

Besides, Dr. Simon added, no job is final. “It’s important to realize that it’s not necessarily final and that there are always going to be some options for you.”

Richard Quinn is a freelance medical writer based in New Jersey.