Your compensation package reflects Sheridan Memorial Hospital's understanding that attracting excellent oncologists requires both competitive financial terms and comprehensive benefits that support your professional development, personal health, and family security. The $600,000 base salary positions you well above the national median for hematology/oncology physicians, particularly when considered alongside Wyoming's favorable tax environment and the substantially lower cost of living compared to metropolitan areas where most oncologists practice.
This is a straight salary model without the productivity pressures that drive many oncologists to see excessive patient volumes or rush through complex treatment discussions. You will not face regular wRVU targets that force you to choose between thorough patient care and financial security. Instead, you receive guaranteed compensation that allows you to practice medicine the way it should be practiced, with adequate time for each patient, thoughtful treatment planning, and the kind of physician-patient relationships that make oncology meaningful rather than simply lucrative.
The $50,000 signing bonus provides immediate financial support for your transition to Sheridan, with additional funds potentially available if circumstances warrant. More significantly, the hospital offers up to 12 months of temporary housing, eliminating one of the most stressful aspects of physician relocation. Rather than rushing to purchase a home in an unfamiliar market or settling for whatever rental property happens to be available, you can take a full year to understand Sheridan's neighborhoods, explore housing options thoughtfully, and make an informed decision about where you want to establish your family. This benefit alone represents substantial financial value and reduces the anxiety that often accompanies major career transitions.
Six weeks of paid time off annually provides the breathing room that prevents burnout in a demanding specialty like oncology. This is substantially more generous than the typical three to four weeks offered by many practices, acknowledging that comprehensive cancer care requires physicians who can step away from clinical responsibilities long enough to genuinely rest and recharge. You can take a meaningful family vacation, visit relatives across the country, or simply enjoy extended weekends in Wyoming's remarkable outdoor environment without constantly calculating whether you have sufficient PTO remaining.
One week of dedicated CME time, separate from your vacation allowance, ensures you can maintain board certification, stay current with rapidly evolving oncology treatments, and attend the national conferences where you network with colleagues and learn about emerging therapies. The hospital covers your CME expenses, recognizing that continuing education benefits both you and your patients. You will not need to choose between attending ASCO or using vacation days with your family.
Your malpractice coverage follows an occurrence-based policy rather than claims-made, a distinction that matters enormously for long-term financial security. If you eventually leave this position or retire, you will not face the anxiety and expense of purchasing tail coverage to protect yourself from claims filed after your departure. Occurrence-based coverage protects you for all care provided during your employment, regardless of when a claim is filed, eliminating the six-figure tail insurance costs that trap many physicians in jobs they would otherwise leave.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance covers both you and your family, with the hospital contributing substantially to premium costs. Long-term and short-term disability insurance protects your income if illness or injury prevents you from practicing, providing financial security that allows you to focus on recovery rather than worrying about mortgage payments and family expenses during a medical crisis.
The retirement package includes both employee contribution options and employer matching, building long-term wealth through tax-advantaged accounts. The 457(b) plan allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars up to annual IRS limits, reducing your current tax burden while building retirement savings. The 401(a) plan provides employer matching contributions, representing additional compensation beyond your base salary that grows tax-deferred until retirement.
Together, these retirement vehicles allow aggressive savings for physicians who want to build wealth quickly, modest contributions for those focused on current lifestyle, or anything in between. You control your contribution levels based on your financial goals and family needs, while the employer match ensures you benefit from institutional contributions regardless of your personal savings rate.
This compensation package represents a total value well exceeding $700,000 annually when temporary housing, relocation, retirement contributions, malpractice coverage, and comprehensive benefits are factored alongside base salary. More importantly, it represents a commitment to physician well-being, professional development, and the kind of work-life balance that allows you to build a sustainable, satisfying oncology career rather than sprinting toward burnout in pursuit of compensation alone.