Red Flags in Physician Job Offers – What to Watch Out For
Physicians on the job hunt often scour job boards, network with colleagues, and speak with recruiters to find the right fit. However, not all job offers are created equal.
Some contain red flags that can indicate potential problems down the road—issues that could impact your job satisfaction, career growth, and even financial stability.
7 Red Flags and How to Protect Yourself
Here’s a look at common warning signs to watch for when evaluating a job offer.
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Vague or Unclear Job Duties
A solid job offer should outline clear expectations, including clinical responsibilities, patient load, administrative duties, and call schedules. If the contract is vague or the employer is evasive about specifics, you may be entering a chaotic or understaffed environment.
Example: A hospital offers a position in internal medicine but does not specify whether you will be working in an outpatient, inpatient, or urgent care setting. If you accept without clarification, you may find yourself juggling multiple roles you were not prepared for.
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Excessively Restrictive Non-Compete Clauses
Many physician contracts include non-compete clauses that prevent you from practicing within a certain geographic range for a set period after leaving the job. While these are common, excessively restrictive clauses can severely limit your future job prospects.
Tip: If the non-compete agreement covers an unreasonably large area or extends for multiple years, negotiate for more favorable terms or consult an attorney before signing.
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Unrealistic Patient Volume Expectations
A position that requires you to see an exceptionally high number of patients per day—without sufficient support or resources—can lead to burnout and potential liability issues.
Example: A primary care job that expects 35-40 patients per day with no mid-level support may be a sign of a high-stress, high-turnover practice.
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Compensation That Seems Too Good to Be True
While competitive pay is attractive, an offer that far exceeds market standards should raise questions. In some cases, an employer may use high salaries to mask high turnover, unsafe working conditions, or hidden workload expectations.
Tip: Use job boards like PhysEmp to compare salaries in your specialty and region. If an offer seems too generous, dig deeper into the practice environment and ask current employees about their experiences.
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High Physician Turnover
A high turnover rate is a major red flag. If multiple physicians have left the position within a short time, there may be underlying issues with management, work-life balance, or financial stability.
Tip: Ask how long previous physicians stayed in the role. If turnover is frequent, request to speak with former employees to understand their reasons for leaving.
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Limited or No Malpractice Coverage
Adequate malpractice insurance is a must. Some employers offer occurrence-based coverage (which protects you indefinitely), while others offer claims-made policies (which require you to purchase “tail coverage” upon leaving).
Example: A job that offers claims-made malpractice insurance but does not cover the cost of tail coverage could leave you with a hefty expense when you move on.
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No Clear Path for Career Growth
Whether you’re early in your career or an experienced physician, a job should offer opportunities for growth. If an employer cannot articulate how you can advance—through leadership roles, research opportunities, or education support—it may not be the right fit long-term.
Example: A hospital offers a guaranteed salary but no pathway for partnership, promotion, or CME reimbursement, limiting your professional development.
Finding the Right Job
Navigating offers can be complex, but keeping vigilant for red flags can help you make a smart decision.
Healthcare industry-specific job boards like PhysEmp.com provide up-to-date listings for physician jobs across specialties and locations.
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