Why ‘Standard Contracts’ for Physicians Are Anything But, Ep #25

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March 15, 2025 • 33 mins

Most physicians assume their first contract is a “standard agreement” that everyone signs without question. But as Kyle Claussen, CEO of Resolve, reveals in this episode, there’s no such thing as a truly standard physician contract.

From compensation structures to non-compete clauses and tail coverage, every detail can significantly impact your financial future and career flexibility. Yet, many doctors accept these contracts at face value, unknowingly leaving money on the table or committing to restrictive terms that could hinder them down the road.

By the time a physician realizes a contract term is unfair, it’s often too late. That’s why Kyle emphasizes the importance of negotiation—even for new attendings who feel they have little leverage.

With insights into compensation benchmarks, legal loopholes, and real-life examples of contract pitfalls, this episode equips physicians with the knowledge they need to advocate for themselves. Whether you’re reviewing your first contract or renegotiating your current one, this conversation is a must-listen for any doctor who wants to be treated—and paid—fairly.

Looking for help with Disability Insurance, Physician Banking, Student Loan Refinancing, Physician Mortgages, Contract Reviews, and more? Check out our "Best of the Best" sponsors page to find a list of the professionals Chad & Tyler team up with for their clients.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

(0:00) Why ‘Standard Contracts’ are anything but standard
(2:30) Do residents need an attorney for training contracts?
(4:00) Your first attending contract: Why "standard" is a myth
(7:10) Compensation pitfalls & the long-term impact of a low starting salary
(9:10) The hidden dangers of tail coverage
(16:00) The biggest red flags in physician contracts
(24:50) Side gigs, burnout, and financial freedom

The best of the best list is a paid sponsorship, but these are professionals/companies that Tyler and Chad collaborate with within their own practices or have been vetted to earn a spot on this list. By supporting our sponsors, it allows Chad & Tyler to dedicate more time to you and the Physician Cents community. If you ever have a question (or not a great experience, which we don’t expect!) about a sponsor, please let us know. We call it the “best of the best” for a reason, and we will maintain that standard for our listeners & viewers.