Episode 137: Contracts and Negotiation with Steve Kaufman

Physician contract negotiation is explored with Steve Kaufman, a lawyer specializing in advising doctors. Two major mistakes doctors make are thinking they can handle contracts themselves and assuming contract terms are non-negotiable "standard" language. Doctors should always seek expert advice due to the complexity of legal language and the inherent bias in self-representation. Kaufman stresses that almost everything in a contract is negotiable, regardless of experience level. He advises listeners to learn reflective listening and to not underestimate the power of silence during negotiation. Non-compete clauses are generally enforceable, varying by state, and should be carefully scrutinized, especially for specialties like anesthesiology where they may not be justifiable.