Contract & Benefits

Physician Recruitment Process and Compensation Overview

Financial Security with Rural Cost-of-Living Advantages

Physicians earn between $300,000 and $450,000 annually in Heppner, Oregon. The position is based in a rural community with a very low cost of living, allowing physicians not only to live comfortably but to enjoy an excellent quality of life.

The district has structured compensation to reward dedication without creating unhealthy productivity pressure. Your base salary provides security without chasing RVUs, with potential monthly bonuses of $1,000 for maintaining reasonable patient volumes (16-18 patients daily). Additionally there is an option to pick up Emergency Med Shifts in the low volume ER equaling 3,480 a day.

The comprehensive benefits package rivals or exceeds what major health systems offer, including full coverage of your malpractice insurance, health benefits, and generous PTO that actually gets approved when you request it. Unlike corporate systems where physicians compete for limited CME funds, here you receive $2,000 annually that's yours to use, plus dedicated CME time away from clinic.

• Base Compensation: Aggressive Base Salary that doesn’t go away
• Productivity Incentive: Optional $1,000 monthly bonus for maintaining standard patient volumes (16-18 daily) – achievable without rushing through appointments
• Malpractice Coverage: Fully paid professional liability insurance with appropriate limits for rural family medicine practice
• Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family – the district prioritizes employee healthcare
• Retirement Planning: Retirement plan included (specific details available during interview) with district contributions toward your future security
• PTO Structure: 270 hours annually (approximately 6.75 weeks) dropped in full on your start date – use it or lose it policy encourages actual vacation time
• CME Allowance: $2,000 annually for continuing education, plus paid time away for conferences – stay current without personal expense
• License & Certification: Full payment of Oregon medical license, DEA registration, and board certification fees – no nickel-and-diming on professional requirements
• Relocation Assistance: Available for qualified candidates (details negotiable based on circumstances)
• Optional ED Coverage: Separate compensation available for emergency department shifts if you want to supplement income and maintain acute care skills
• Schedule Flexibility: Four-day work week means three-day weekends every week – more time for life outside medicine

The financial package becomes even more attractive when you factor in what you're NOT paying for: no state sales tax in Oregon, lower property taxes than most metropolitan areas, and none of the hidden costs of city living like parking fees, long commutes, or inflated prices for basic services. Your compensation here provides comfortable living, robust savings potential, and the financial freedom to enjoy outdoor recreation, travel, or whatever pursuits bring you joy.

This is compensation structured for sustainability – enough to live very comfortably in the local economy while maintaining work-life balance that prevents burnout. You'll earn a good living while actually having time to enjoy it.