Your compensation package at Innercare represents a thoughtfully structured approach that recognizes the demands of high-volume obstetrics while building genuine long-term wealth, rather than offering flashy signing bonuses that vanish after year one.
With physicians currently earning an average total compensation of $500,000 annually (based on 2023 productivity), this places you in the 75th+ percentile MGMA range while practicing in a region where your cost of living is 38% lower than San Diego.
The model is designed for sustainability, with a base salary between $375,000 to $400,000, substantial call pay, guaranteed quality bonuses, and Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) malpractice protection that builds long-term financial strength.
The call compensation structure transforms on-call work into an income accelerator. As Dr. Wu outlines, 24-hour call pays $1,500 at Pioneers Memorial, totaling $90,000 to $126,000 annually. A $500 backup call option at El Centro Regional adds $15,000–$20,000 more per year with minimal active management.
Dr. Wu calls FTCA coverage "the best malpractice insurance in the world." As a FQHC-employed physician, you’ll have no tail or nose insurance to worry about — savings of $100,000+ when leaving private practice.
The FTCA turns lawsuits into "United States government versus plaintiff," giving you peace of mind and powerful legal backing. This rare benefit protects your personal assets and reduces legal stress significantly.
Private OB/GYNs often see malpractice premiums rise from $40,000 to over $150,000 after introductory rates. At Innercare, this expense is eliminated.
When you add $100,000 in malpractice savings to base earnings, your effective compensation exceeds $600,000. With housing costs up to 70% less than San Diego, your purchasing power equals that of $800,000–$900,000 salaries in urban markets.
Innercare’s benefits package supports professional growth and family security, including:
Beyond clinical income, growth opportunities include:
As a FQHC, Innercare offers funding stability from grants, enhanced Medicaid, and 340B pharmacy programs — protecting your income from economic shifts.
These are actual 2023 earnings from current Innercare OB/GYNs:
These totals reflect individual call choices and document the sustainability of this model — not sign-on hype.
With a 38% lower cost of living vs. Carlsbad or 45% vs. San Francisco, your compensation here has the purchasing power of $700,000–$900,000 in those cities.
Dr. Wu emphasizes that this is not grind culture: "balance by providing support and administrative time to be able to do work."
With 2–3 clinic days, 5–7 calls/month, and built-in admin time, this is high compensation without burnout. Documentation gets done during the day — not at home or on weekends.
This model offers financial security, long-term wealth, and work-life balance. FTCA coverage removes your biggest liability risk. Bonuses reward quality, not volume. Administrative time is protected. Call is well-compensated.
As Dr. Wu says, this lets you "save money and also not have to pay for malpractice insurance," all while holding "the best malpractice insurance in the world."
At Innercare, your income builds generational wealth without sacrificing your personal life. The transparent, predictable, and rewarding structure lets you thrive both professionally and financially — now and into the future.