Don’t get burned. These are the real deal-breakers hiding in plain sight.
You just got a job offer. Salary looks good. Maybe there’s a sign-on bonus. You’re excited.
But before you sign that contract?
Slow down.
Because if salary is the only thing you’re looking at, you might be walking into a trap.
We’ve reviewed thousands of contracts at White Coat Partners—and here’s what we’ve seen providers miss (and regret later):
1. Benefits that look generous, but aren’t.
Sure, there’s “health insurance,” but what’s the monthly premium?
Are you getting CME reimbursement? Malpractice tail coverage? Retirement match? These are real dollars. We’ve seen benefit differences worth $10K+ per year.
2. Non-Compete Clauses That Lock You In
That paragraph you skimmed? It could block you from working within 25 miles of your own home for 1–2 years.
Non-competes vary by state, and in many cases—they’re negotiable or even unenforceable. But you have to know what to ask for.
3. Call Schedule & Workload Details
“Some weekends” can mean every weekend.
“Reasonable productivity” can mean double-booked patients or impossible quotas.
Always ask: What does a typical week look like? How is call split? How are extra hours compensated?
4. Bonus Structures That Sound Great, But Pay Nothing
Ever heard of an RVU bonus that never actually hits?
Or a “performance incentive” with vague criteria?
We break down bonus plans line-by-line to make sure you’re not chasing smoke.
5. Exit Terms (a.k.a. The Breakup Clause)
How do you get out of the contract?
Who pays for tail coverage?
Do you lose your bonus if you leave early?
Leaving should never feel like financial punishment. But many providers don’t find this out until it’s too late.
✅ Here’s What You Should Do Instead
Before you sign anything, have your contract reviewed by someone who knows healthcare employment inside and out.
At White Coat Partners, we review every clause—not just the salary line—and tell you what’s standard, what’s negotiable, and what’s a red flag.
📩 Ready for us to take a look?
