Physician Recruitment Process and Compensation Overview
A Comprehensive Package That Values Your Expertise
Temple University recognizes that recruiting and retaining exceptional cardiac anesthesiologists requires more than a competitive salary—it demands a comprehensive benefits package that provides financial security, supports family wellbeing, and acknowledges the demanding nature of high-acuity cardiac practice. Your total compensation reflects both the market value of your subspecialty expertise and Temple’s long-term commitment to physician satisfaction and retention.
Base Compensation Structure
- Base salary: ~$475,000 annually
- Flat academic salary—no wRVU or productivity bonuses
- 90% clinical / 10% academic distribution
- Relocation assistance: $7,500
- Sign-on bonus: negotiable based on experience and rank
Temple’s salary structure prioritizes predictability and fairness over volume-driven compensation—rewarding high-quality patient care, education, and teamwork over chasing metrics.
Time Off and Professional Development
- 10 weeks PTO annually—substantially above academic averages
- Protected post-call days after weekend call
- Separate sick leave allocation
- CME allowance for education, dues, licenses, and certifications
- Scheduling flexibility for family needs
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Coverage begins on your first day of employment and includes multiple plan options:
- Choice of PPO, HMO, or High Deductible Plan
- Temple pays 73–77% of premiums
- Coverage includes spouse, children under 26, and domestic partners
- Vision care via Temple Ophthalmology—free to employees
- Temple provider copays waived for employees and dependents
- Dental coverage via Delta Dental (23% employee contribution)
Total Wellness Rewards Program
- Earn up to $500 annually in wellness incentives
- $200 in e-gift cards for wellness activities
- $25/month premium discount (up to $300/year)
- Access to telemedicine, health coaching, nutrition counseling
- Fitness resources and challenges throughout the year
Life Insurance and Disability Protection
- Employer-paid life insurance: $10,000
- Optional supplemental life insurance: Up to 3x salary (max $490,000)
- Employer-paid long-term disability: 60% salary, up to $10,000/month
- Health benefits continue during disability leave
- Accidental death & dismemberment and survivor income benefits available
Retirement Planning and Security
- Employer contributions: 8.5% (up to $176,100); 13% (above $176,100)
- Employee contributions: 4.5% / 5% tiers
- Three-year vesting schedule
- Invested through TIAA with lifecycle and custom fund options
- Voluntary 403(b) pre-tax or Roth contributions
- One-on-one retirement planning resources available
Tuition Benefits for Your Family
- Employees: 100% remission (up to 8 credits/semester)
- Spouse/Domestic Partner: 50% remission
- Children: 50% (year 1), 75% (year 2), 100% (after 3 years of service)
- Covers up to 10 semesters of undergraduate education
- Includes Temple Abroad programs and summer sessions
- Excludes: Law, Medicine, Dentistry, Podiatry
Additional Benefits and Support
- Employee Assistance Program (LifeWorks): 24/7 confidential support
- Healthcare and Dependent Care FSAs ($3,300 / $5,000 limits)
- Commuter benefits for pre-tax parking and transit
- Interest-free computer loan up to $2,500
- Support for professional development and Grand Rounds
- Non-solicitation agreement limited to anesthesia services, 1-year duration
The Financial Reality: Value Beyond Salary
When you factor in Temple’s retirement contributions (~$50,000+), tuition remission, premium health benefits, 10 weeks PTO, and additional incentives, your true total compensation far exceeds the stated base salary. More importantly, Temple offers a model where sustainable practice and physician wellbeing are built into your compensation, not afterthoughts.
While private practices may offer higher base salaries, they often sacrifice time off, increase call demands, and tie compensation to relentless productivity. Temple provides a balanced, rewarding academic career—where your financial future is secure, your time is respected, and your expertise is valued.