Physician Job Interview Questions: What to Ask Before You Sign

A ValueMD career resource for physicians evaluating a new job offer or practice opportunity.

Recruiters consistently point to the same pattern: physicians who ask detailed, specific questions during the interview process end up with contracts that better match their expectations, and fewer surprises in year one. Below are the questions worth raising before you sign, organized by category, along with why each one matters.

Contract Terms

Before anything else, understand exactly what you’re agreeing to and how it can end.

• How long is the contract term, and what happens automatically at renewal?
• What are the specific conditions under which either party can terminate the contract, and how much notice is required?
• Does the contract include a non-compete clause, and if so, what geographic radius and time period does it cover?

A non-compete that’s too broad can effectively force you to relocate if the job doesn’t work out, so read this clause carefully and, if possible, have an attorney review it before signing.

Compensation, Incentives, and Benefits

Base salary is only part of the picture.

• Are there any production-based incentives or bonuses, and how are they calculated and paid out?
• What benefits are included: retirement plan (401k or similar) and any employer match, profit sharing, health insurance, a provided laptop or cell phone, and other standard perks?
• Are relocation expenses covered, and if so, how much, and are there conditions attached (such as a required minimum length of employment) that would require repaying relocation costs if you leave early?
• Is medical malpractice insurance included, and if so, is it occurrence-based or claims-made?

The malpractice coverage type matters because it affects what happens if you leave the practice: an occurrence policy protects you for incidents during your employment regardless of when a claim is filed later, while a claims-made policy typically requires separate “tail” coverage after departure, which can be a significant unplanned expense if the departing physician is responsible for it.

Time Off and Continuing Education

• How many weeks of paid vacation are included per year, and is that separate from sick leave?
• Is time off provided specifically for Continuing Medical Education (CME)?
• Will CME costs (conferences, courses, materials) be reimbursed, and up to what annual amount?

Call Schedule and Day-to-Day Workload

• How much call is expected, broken down by nights, weekends, and holidays, and how is call shared among the group?
• What are typical working hours for physicians in this practice?
• What percentage of time is realistically spent on documentation and paperwork versus direct patient care?

These questions matter because a base salary that looks attractive on paper can mean something very different depending on the actual hours and call burden behind it.

Practice Logistics and Resources

• What support staff will you have: assigned nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, a dedicated secretary, transcription services?
• How many patient rooms are available for your use?
• What types of procedures does the practice perform, and does that match the scope of practice you’re expecting to have?
• What’s the average number of new patients seen per year?

That last question gives you a sense of both the practice’s patient volume and how quickly you’d be expected to build a full panel.

Practice Performance Reviews and Path to Partnership

• How are physician performance evaluations structured, and how often do they happen?
• Are there options to buy into the practice as a partner down the line, and if so, what’s the typical timeline and buy-in structure?

Financial Health of the Practice

This category is often overlooked, but it directly affects the practice’s ability to pay you reliably and grow.

• What’s the current accounts receivable status: are collections current, or is there a backlog that could signal cash flow problems?
• What’s the average payer mix, meaning the ratio of Medicare/Medicaid patients to those with private insurance?

Payer mix significantly affects reimbursement rates and the practice’s overall revenue picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the single most important question to ask before signing a physician contract? There’s no single most important question, but non-compete clause terms and malpractice insurance type (occurrence vs. claims-made) are two of the most commonly overlooked details that can create serious problems after you’ve already signed, so prioritize understanding both clearly.

Should I have a lawyer review my physician contract before signing? Most experienced recruiters and physicians recommend having an attorney who specializes in physician contracts review any offer before signing, particularly the non-compete clause, termination conditions, and malpractice tail coverage responsibility, since these are the areas most likely to cause problems later and are hardest to renegotiate after the fact.

What does “claims-made” malpractice insurance mean, and why does it matter? A claims-made policy only covers you for claims filed while the policy is active. If you leave the practice and a claim related to your time there is filed afterward, you may need separate “tail” coverage to remain protected, and tail coverage can be expensive. Clarify during the interview whether the practice or the departing physician is responsible for that cost.

How do I evaluate whether a practice’s patient volume is realistic for me? Ask for the average number of new patients seen per year alongside the number of patient rooms and support staff available, and compare that against your own pace and the scope of procedures you’re expected to perform, a high expected patient volume with minimal support staff is a common source of early burnout.

Want to Know More?

Preparing for an upcoming physician job interview, or want to compare notes with others who’ve navigated contract negotiations? Visit our forum to connect with physicians and residents who’ve been through the process and can share what to watch for.