After spending most of your 20s in college, medical school, and residency, you’re probably eager to start working as a doctor and making a doctor’s salary. After all, medical school didn’t come cheap, and you have the student loans to prove it.
As you can tell, signing bonuses vary greatly. The amount depends on several factors, including your field of medicine and prospective place of employment.
Once you have a figure in mind, clarify your priorities before going into negotiations. Of course, not everyone’s finances will allow them to be selective. But if you have some wiggle room, make sure you know what you’ll accept.
According to Physicians’ Advocates, bringing in a professional is more likely to impress the employer than alienate them. Hiring an attorney or negotiator could send a message that you’re careful about the business aspect of your contract.
Some employers even require doctors to return signing bonuses if they leave before a certain period.