A 2022 survey of physicians found that only 46 percent feel satisfied with their salary. According to the American Medical Association, negotiation is the "key" to job and pay satisfaction.
According to a recent survey of medical residents, the three important factors in preventing burnout are manageable work schedule and call hours, salary satisfaction and schedule flexibility.
The American Medical Association offered four ways for physicians to negotiate employment contracts in a Jan. 6 article on its website.
- Physicians should not be timid or self-conscious about asking questions or seeking clarification. Healthcare employers expect physicians to ask questions and raise issues to give the most accurate information on the role.
- Employers expect candidates to negotiate and typically will not retract an offer in response to negotiation.
- Some employers are more willing to negotiate than others. Larger companies may be less flexible than smaller practices.
- If the employer is not willing to negotiate, physicians should not take it personally and should ask to revisit the subject of their first attempt after establishing themselves at the company.