Contract & Benefits

Physician Recruitment Process and Compensation Overview

Compensation & Benefits

Your leadership as Clinical Pathology Division Chief is recognized with a compensation package that balances stability, incentives, and lifestyle support. The base salary is anchored to the 50th percentile of AAMC benchmarks—approximately $302,000 at the Associate Professor level and $342,000 at the Professor level—ensuring competitive earnings that reflect both your academic standing and clinical expertise. The position also carries the Walter Shepherd Endowed Chair, providing protected time and salary support that frees you to pursue teaching, research, or program development.

Incentives and Financial Rewards

Unlike many productivity-heavy models, Clinical Pathology subspecialties such as chemistry, microbiology, and blood bank are not RVU-driven, protecting your income from fluctuations in case volume. Hematopathology carries incentive opportunities tied to productivity, while all faculty participate in a new clinical compensation model that rewards contributions without imposing downside risk. A sign-on bonus of up to 10% of your starting salary and a $10,000 relocation allowance provide additional immediate support.

Time Off and Lifestyle Balance

Physicians in this role receive 56 paid days off per year, including 14 hours of PTO accrued monthly, 8 hours of sick leave monthly, 13 holidays, and 15 CME days. This generous allowance supports both professional development and personal renewal. Malpractice coverage is provided under Georgia’s state tort protections, meaning individual physicians cannot be named in lawsuits, giving you peace of mind uncommon in many other systems.

Professional Development

Annual CME support includes $5,000 for educational expenses and $1,000 for dues and subscriptions, along with reimbursement for Georgia licensure and DEA registration. Faculty also receive access to tuition assistance across the University System of Georgia after six months, opening doors to MBA, MPH, or other advanced study opportunities.

Comprehensive Benefits

You will have access to health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance beginning day one, as well as flexible retirement planning through either the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) pension or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). Additional voluntary options include 403(b) and 457(b) plans, health savings and flexible spending accounts, supplemental disability coverage, and optional life insurance for dependents.

Key Benefits Highlights

  • Base salary ~$302K (Associate Professor) to ~$342K (Professor) with AAMC benchmarking
  • Eligible for up to 10% sign-on bonus and $10,000 relocation allowance
  • Walter Shepherd Endowed Chair providing protected academic time
  • 56 paid days off annually including holidays, CME, and PTO
  • $6,000 annual professional development fund (CME, dues, subscriptions)
  • Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
  • Choice of TRS pension or ORP, plus 403(b)/457(b) supplemental retirement options
  • Malpractice coverage under state tort reform with no personal liability

This package reflects a commitment to your long-term success, ensuring you are supported financially, professionally, and personally as you lead the Clinical Pathology Division.

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