Your compensation package reflects San Luis Valley Health's commitment to attracting and retaining exceptional physicians while recognizing the financial realities of rural healthcare delivery. Unlike many organizations that offer high guarantees for one or two years before transitioning to pure productivity models, this package provides long-term financial security with a guaranteed base salary that never goes away, combined with meaningful opportunities for additional income through quality-based incentives and productivity bonuses. The total package, when combined with the Valley's low cost of living, creates purchasing power that often exceeds what physicians experience in metropolitan markets.
The base salary of $400,000 annually provides the foundation of your financial security, with leadership indicating flexibility for the right candidate, particularly those with significant experience. This guaranteed income continues in perpetuity – you'll never face the uncertainty of transitioning to a pure productivity model that leaves you vulnerable to patient volume fluctuations or seasonal variations common in rural markets. The organization has demonstrated this commitment consistently, with current providers having maintained stable base compensation throughout their tenure.
Building on this foundation, you'll have opportunities to earn additional income through a semi-annual quality and productivity bonus system that rewards both clinical excellence and efficient practice management. Currently structured around gross charges (transitioning to RVU-based model), this system provides up to 10% additional annual income based on meeting productivity thresholds and achieving quality metrics including patient satisfaction scores, chart completion, and peer evaluations.
The benefits package demonstrates the organization's commitment to physician wellness and family support. Professional liability insurance is occurrence-based rather than claims-made, meaning you're covered for any incidents during your employment period even after leaving, with automatic tail coverage provided at no cost to you. This represents significant value compared to organizations requiring claims-made policies where you must purchase expensive tail coverage upon departure.
Student loan repayment assistance provides $20,000 annually for up to five years, paid directly to you through payroll (taxable income) rather than requiring complex federal programs with uncertain outcomes. The organization has extended this benefit for providers who stayed beyond the initial commitment period, with some receiving loan repayment assistance for over a decade. This flexibility demonstrates their commitment to long-term provider relationships rather than transactional employment.
The professional development support includes comprehensive CME allowances, licensing fees, and dues reimbursement, plus protected time for continuing education. Given the rural setting, the organization understands the importance of maintaining skills and connections with the broader medical community, supporting conference attendance and specialty training opportunities that keep you current with evolving standards of care.
For physicians with military obligations, the organization has successfully accommodated reserve duties and deployment schedules, understanding that many rural physicians bring diverse backgrounds and commitments. The flexible approach to scheduling and coverage arrangements means military service enhances rather than complicates your employment relationship.
The financial advantages extend beyond salary to the practical realities of rural living. Your dollar stretches significantly further here than in metropolitan markets – housing costs that might consume 40–50% of income in urban areas represent only 15–20% of physician income in Alamosa. This means more discretionary income for family activities, savings, and the lifestyle pursuits that drew you to Colorado in the first place.
With San Luis Valley Health's strong financial position relative to other rural hospitals and their commitment to subsidizing women's services as a community benefit, this compensation package offers both immediate financial rewards and long-term security in an industry where many rural hospitals struggle with sustainability.