If a particular location of a multi-site practice has been promised, make sure that you cannot be moved without your approval. Leaves of absence should also be addressed. Most contracts provide for either two or three weeks of paid vacation plus one week of paid absence for meetings. The contract may also provide for up to 30 days of absence due to illness, disability, or maternity. Another important issue is the term of the contract and the grounds for termination.
Most contracts are for one, two or three-year terms.
Occasionally with a larger group or in a situation when you are relocating a family, the practice will agree to no termination without cause in the first year. In addition, the longer notice period is typically better for you. If the practice is terminating a physician, they will often ask her to leave immediately and pay her salary for the notice period. If you are leaving, you can usually time the notice to coincide with your new position. However, the practice could sue you for breach of contract or a prospective employer may shy away from hiring you over a concern of being sued for interference with a contractual relationship.