Your compensation structure reflects both the value you bring to this growing cardiovascular program and the hospital's commitment to recruiting exceptional talent in a competitive market. As you inherit an established patient panel from retiring physicians and help expand services into underserved markets, your financial package ensures you're rewarded appropriately for both clinical excellence and the program-building responsibilities you'll undertake.
The compensation model balances stability with performance incentives, recognizing that building a practice in both Lawton and potentially Duncan requires initial support while rewarding productivity as your patient base grows. Unlike purely RVU-based models that can pressure physicians into over-utilization, this structure encourages quality care while ensuring financial predictability during your ramp-up period.
What sets this opportunity apart financially extends beyond the base compensation package. The lower cost of living in Lawton compared to major metropolitan areas means your income provides substantially greater purchasing power – housing costs are a fraction of those in Dallas or Oklahoma City, allowing you to afford a lifestyle that would require double the income in larger cities. The hospital's financial stability, evidenced by their $5 million cath lab investment and continued recruitment efforts, ensures long-term security rather than the uncertainty found in many healthcare systems.
The succession planning aspect creates unique financial opportunities rarely available to incoming physicians. Rather than spending years building a practice from scratch, you'll inherit established patient relationships and referral patterns, accelerating your path to full productivity. Combined with the growing demand for cardiovascular services in this underserved region, your earning potential extends well beyond the initial guarantee period.
The retirement benefits deserve special attention – the combination of 457(b) and 401(a) plans allows for exceptional tax-deferred savings that, combined with Lawton's low cost of living, can accelerate your path to financial independence by years compared to metropolitan practice. The flexibility to contribute up to $70,000 annually to the 401(a) plan represents a powerful wealth-building tool rarely offered in employed positions.
This compensation package recognizes that you're not just filling a position – you're helping build the premier cardiovascular program in Southwest Oklahoma. The financial rewards reflect both your immediate contributions and the long-term value you'll create as the program expands its reach and capabilities.