Every doctor and dentist hopes that their first job lasts a good long while, but it doesn’t always pan out that way. That’s not a bad thing. New doctors and dentists tend to job hop the first few years of their career more than other professionals; looking for better pay, better working conditions, or an office that’s closer to home. As you make that exit on to greener pastures, there are at least 5 things to consider.
- At will employment: the default in California employment law is that you’re an at will employee. That means you can quit, and your company can fire you, for any reason whatsoever. (So long as the termination isn’t retaliatory or discriminatory, more on that in another post.) Here’s the catch for providers, credentialing with payors and hospitals often takes long enough that practices put in notice provisions in provider contracts; 90-day notice provisions aren’t uncommon. Soooo, while you can leave, on to number 2.
- Notice Provisions: Before you go, make sure that you review your employment agreement or employment handbook. You’re looking for the termination section or any section that spells out how much notice you agreed to give. If you’re . If not, you’re good to go to step 3.
- Generally speaking, don’t notify patients or staff that you’re leaving. If a patient asks, answer that you’ve accepted another position at another practice and leave it at that. The idea here is to not rock the boat, you want a clean and easy break. This area can get sticky real quick, so keep a low profile and head on out.
- If you sign a separation agreement, make sure that the covenants not to sue are mutual. Meaning that everyone gives up the right to sue everyone. To be frank, there are a few issues to look out for in separation agreements though, so the best advice here is to call a lawyer and have him/her review it.
- Staffing issues, some of your support staff might want to move with you. If you have an employment agreement, chances are that it has a provision prohibiting you from soliciting staff. If a staff member wants to move with you, just tell them that if there are any openings at the new office they are welcome to apply at the new office’s website or to call.
Moving from your first job can be scary, it doesn’t have to be. Most new doctors and dentists I work with have a high degree of anxiety moving from their job. Following the steps above will help, and if you feel like you want more, reach out to us, we’re happy to help.
