New Grad Physical Med/Rehab Offer

[wjm7]

I am a new graduate and I have received and offer for a job in physical medicine and rehab in the southeast.  The clinic does a lot of work with acute conditions, sports medicine, and tries to avoid the chronic narcotic management as much as possible.  That being said, they do a decent bit of pain management and part of the job would be narcotic management.  But my position would overall be more oriented toward evaluations, performing numerous procedures (for which I will receive thorough training), and follow-ups, etc.  I was very hesitant about the possibility of working in a clinic that does a decent bit of pain management, but I am fairly reassured after thorough discussions with the physicians.  They have strict policies regarding narcotic usage, and they discharge patients readily for drug seeking behavior.

 

Overall, the physicians seem very reasonable, bright, and pleasant.  The work environment seems like it would be positive and enjoyable.

 

Details are as follows:

 

Base salary              $83,500/1st yr

Vacation                  15 days

CME                        5 days

Sick                         5 days

Education Stipend     $1,500

Gas Expenses          collect receipts/mo

Moving Expenses     $1,500

 

No call (with very rare exceptions).  No weekends.  Lots of training and educational opportunities.

 

In terms of salary growth, I was told that in the second year I would receive a "much higher base with significant productivity bonuses."  And I can be expected to be compensated "more like a physician partner."

 

No specific details about health insurance, 401k, etc.  I will ask for details.  Previous discussions mentioned a "comprehensive benefits package."

 

I will very much appreciate any comments/suggestions.  Thank you in advance for your help!

[wilso2ar]

Depending on average starting salary for new grad in your area and as long as full health benefits for you and your family I think that looks pretty good.  I have been working in a similar type clinic for the past 7 years.  My job satisfaction is great due to hours worked , minimal call, good compensation and surprising enough the patients.  The ability to learn procedures will not only increase your job satisfaction, but also increase your collections.  Narcotic management is not as bad as most think as long as set guidelines are in place, dosage limits are respected and you have no problem telling people no or discharging them for violations.  I never thought I would be working in a interventional pain clinic, but I'm still here and as long as things stay the same, will probably retire from this job. It's a little easy to get jaded in this line of work.  Just remember not every patient is a lazy drug seeker with poor coping skills that wants disability so they can smoke medical cannabis all day.

[wjm7]

Thank you very much for your response.  I think it's going to be an exciting place to learn.  They seem to be pretty committed to me learning a great deal.  Procedures, imaging interpretation, treatment plans, etc.  There will be a dramatic learning curve, but I think it will be interesting.

 

An update on the offer:

 

• Base salary: increased to $85,000 per my request.  This is a pretty solid starting salary in my area with a low cost of living.  Renegotiation in 6 months could put me closer to 90k.

 

• Base salary in year 2 will be between $90,000 and $95,000, with a productivity bonus that is 25% of collections above my base salary.  The percentage of collections will increase in each subsequent year of employment. 

 

• Retirement plan: no employer contributions in year 1.  Beginning year 2 there will be 3% matching in an employer IRA.

 

• Health insurance: Employer provides a stipend of up to $3,500 for me to buy my own health insurance.

 

• Malpractice: Covered under employer's policy

 

 

Overall, it looks pretty decent to me.  I would really appreciate any other critiques, suggestions, etc.  Thank!

[JohnnyM2]

That seems pretty good really. Just be aware that the Healthcare stipend that may seem adequate now will fall woefully short as you get older, and add family members. But, by then, you can renegotiate or look for employment elsewhere. Good luck.