Physician Recruitment Process and Compensation Overview
A Package That Values Your Leadership and Expertise
The University of Rochester Medical Center understands that attracting exceptional leadership requires exceptional compensation. Your total rewards package reflects both the significance of this leadership role and Rochester's commitment to making this opportunity financially compelling compared to other academic centers. The compensation structure balances guaranteed base salary with meaningful incentive opportunities, ensuring financial security while rewarding the growth and excellence you'll bring to the program. Most importantly, when combined with Rochester's favorable cost of living, your compensation provides purchasing power that would require significantly higher nominal salaries in major metropolitan markets.
The institution demonstrates flexibility in structuring compensation packages, recognizing that each candidate brings unique value and may have different priorities regarding base salary, incentives, and academic support. This isn't a rigid, take-it-or-leave-it offer but rather the beginning of a conversation about how to create a package that meets your professional and personal goals. The medical center's leadership, including a Dean who is himself an oncologist, understands the market dynamics for recruiting breast oncology leaders and has authorized a competitive package that reflects current market conditions.
Financial Package Components
- Base salary commensurate with experience and academic rank, competitive with top-tier academic medical centers
- Comprehensive incentive structure based on clinical productivity, research achievements, and program development milestones
- Sign-on bonus to facilitate transition and recognize the opportunity cost of leaving your current position
- Robust relocation assistance to ensure a smooth move for you and your family
- Potential for retention bonuses and long-term incentive arrangements for sustained performance
- Academic enrichment fund for conference attendance, professional memberships, and leadership development
- Protected time allocation with appropriate salary support for research and administrative responsibilities
Insurance and Protection
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options to fit your family's needs
- Fully paid medical malpractice insurance with tail coverage, eliminating personal liability concerns
- Life insurance and disability coverage protecting your family's financial security
- Legal liability coverage for administrative and leadership responsibilities
- Professional liability coverage for clinical trials and research activities
Retirement and Financial Planning
- Generous retirement contribution with employer match that vests immediately
- Access to both 403(b) and 457(b) retirement savings plans with diverse investment options
- Financial planning services to optimize your compensation and tax strategy
- Estate planning resources to protect and transfer wealth
- Optional deferred compensation arrangements for tax-efficient savings
Professional Development Support
- Annual CME allowance supporting conference attendance and educational pursuits
- Coverage for medical licensure, DEA registration, and board certification maintenance
- Professional society membership dues for relevant organizations
- Support for leadership training and executive development programs
- Funding for research-related activities including grant preparation and preliminary studies
Time Off and Flexibility
- Generous paid time off allocation recognizing the demands of leadership
- Separate sick leave ensuring vacation time remains protected
- Sabbatical eligibility for sustained research or educational pursuits
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate research, administrative, and clinical responsibilities
- Academic calendar benefits including reduced summer clinical obligations
Additional Benefits and Perks
- Comprehensive wellness programs including on-site fitness facilities
- Tuition benefits for family members at the University of Rochester
- Concierge services to assist with personal and professional needs
- Priority parking at clinical and research facilities
- Technology allowances for home office and mobile connectivity
Recruitment and Relocation Support
The medical center provides white-glove relocation assistance, working with preferred realtors who understand the Rochester market and can help identify communities that match your lifestyle preferences. Whether you prefer urban living near the medical center, suburban comfort in Pittsford or Brighton, or rural beauty in the Finger Lakes region, the relocation team ensures you find the perfect home. Spousal career assistance is available through the university's extensive network, recognizing that successful recruitment often depends on opportunities for the entire family.
The institution's commitment extends beyond just getting you here—they invest in keeping you here through competitive retention packages, regular market adjustments, and recognition of exceptional performance. Unlike institutions where compensation stagnates after recruitment, Rochester maintains competitiveness throughout your tenure, understanding that retaining exceptional leaders costs far less than replacing them.
Your compensation discussion will be led by experienced administrators who understand academic medical center dynamics and have successfully recruited numerous subspecialty leaders. They approach negotiations as partners seeking mutual success rather than adversaries minimizing costs, recognizing that your success directly contributes to institutional excellence and patient care quality.