Contract & Benefits

Physician Recruitment Process and Compensation Overview

Financial Security with Performance Upside

Dignity Health Medical Foundation offers a compensation package designed to provide financial stability during your practice ramp-up while rewarding clinical productivity as your patient panel grows. Both the clinical OB/GYN and Program Director positions receive identical compensation and benefits—the dual academic role doesn’t reduce your earning potential, it simply allocates your time differently between clinical care and educational leadership.

Base Salary and Guarantee Structure

Your compensation begins with a two-year salary guarantee that removes financial anxiety while you establish your practice. For outpatient-only practitioners focusing on gynecology without deliveries or call, the base salary ranges from $350,000 to $375,000 annually, with higher compensation available for experienced candidates who bring established skills and reputation to the role.

If you choose full-scope OB/GYN practice with deliveries, your base salary increases to $375,000 to $425,000 annually. Again, experienced physicians can negotiate higher compensation based on their training, expertise, and track record.

  • Two-year salary guarantee providing financial stability during practice establishment
  • Outpatient-only base: $350,000–$375,000 annually (higher for experienced candidates)
  • Full-scope OB/GYN base: $375,000–$425,000 annually (higher for experienced candidates)
  • Program Director compensation: Identical to clinical position despite 50% academic time allocation
  • Experience-based negotiation available for qualified candidates

Productivity-Based Compensation Model

After your two-year guarantee period, compensation transitions to a work relative value unit (wRVU) model that rewards clinical productivity while maintaining a sustainable practice pace.

For example, a $375,000 salary corresponds to a conversion factor of approximately $47.80 per wRVU, requiring 7,845 wRVUs annually to maintain that level. This model ensures transparency and alignment between effort and earnings.

  • wRVU-based compensation after two-year guarantee period
  • Transparent conversion factor linking clinical work to earnings
  • Example conversion: $47.80 per wRVU for $375,000 salary (7,845 annual wRVUs)
  • Income growth potential through increased clinical productivity
  • Sustainable practice pace without aggressive quotas or unrealistic targets

Sign-On Bonus and Relocation Assistance

To support your transition, Dignity Health offers a $40,000 sign-on bonus and a $20,000 relocation allowance. These standardized bonuses help offset relocation expenses without the need for extensive negotiation.

  • $40,000 sign-on bonus supporting your transition to the practice
  • $20,000 relocation allowance covering moving and establishment costs
  • Standardized bonus structure consistent across foundation physician recruitment
  • No specialty-based disparities in incentive offerings (except primary care loan repayment)

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Beyond salary and bonuses, you’ll receive a complete benefits package supporting your health, financial security, and career development. While specific plan details may vary, offerings typically include insurance, retirement, malpractice, PTO, and CME support.

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance for physician and family
  • Malpractice insurance coverage including tail coverage
  • Retirement plan participation supporting long-term financial security
  • Paid time off for vacation and continuing medical education
  • Professional development support including CME allowances, licenses, and dues

Leadership and Growth Opportunities

While not guaranteed at the outset, the foundation is open to creating leadership roles such as medical directorships or quality improvement positions. If you are interested in administrative or strategic influence, this could evolve into a formal opportunity as the service line matures.

  • Leadership position potential as service line matures
  • Medical directorship opportunities possible with demonstrated interest
  • Service line growth trajectory creating future advancement possibilities
  • Foundation precedent for creating leadership roles for motivated physicians

Financial Context and Market Positioning

This compensation model is highly competitive for Northern California while reflecting the lower cost of living in Stockton. Your purchasing power is significantly greater than in major metro areas like San Francisco or Sacramento.

For Program Directors, the fact that academic responsibilities do not reduce compensation underscores the value placed on education and innovation within the organization.

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