What Are Your Actual Job Duties? More Than You Think.

Key Takeaways

✅ Your contract defines your duties - but who actually decides how you work?
✅ Full-time means full-time - exceptions need written approval.
✅ Outside work? If you want to moonlight, put it in the contract.
✅ Who gets new patients? Senior doctors might take first pick - ask about it.
✅ Watch for workload expectations - if they require a set number of patient visits, ask why.

So... What Are You Actually Expected to Do?

You sign a contract. You show up for work. You see patients. Simple, right? Not really.

The Duties section of your contract tells you exactly what you’re responsible for. And what happens if you don’t meet expectations.

Most contracts will say:

• You’re full-time (unless otherwise approved).
• You can’t work elsewhere unless it’s in the contract.
• You must follow all employer policies (which might change).
• You must see patients assigned to you - but who assigns them?

Sounds fine. But small details here can change everything about your job.

Can You Work Part-Time or Elsewhere?

Want to teach? Do expert witness work? Own a side business? Not so fast.

Most contracts say you need employer approval for outside work. If you plan to:

• Teach or give talks - make sure it’s in writing.
• Take consulting or expert witness gigs - get a clear exception.
• Own a business or have investments - passive income is usually fine, but check.

If you don’t put it in the contract, they can say no later. And they probably will.

Who Gets the Best Patients? (Hint: Probably Not You.)

You walk in on Day 1. You expect to build your practice. Patients come in, you see them, right?

Wrong.

In many practices, senior doctors get first dibs on new patients. The leftovers go to you.

• Some contracts let the group decide how patients are assigned.
• If patient flow is slow, you might struggle to meet bonus targets.
• If referrals within the practice are controlled, you might get cut out.

Ask: How do new patients get assigned? If you don’t, you might be sitting in your office waiting.

Can They Force You to Work at Multiple Locations?

Some contracts don’t guarantee a set location. That might mean:

• One main office, but random floating days elsewhere.
• Covering for other physicians at distant locations.
• Getting reassigned permanently if "business needs change."

If you want stability, request a specific primary location in writing.

What If They Expect a Set Number of Patients Per Day?

Some contracts list a patient volume expectation - like 20 per day, or 100 per week.

🚩 Red Flag: If they have a set number, ask why.

• Have they had trouble with low productivity before?
• Is this number actually realistic based on appointment length?
• How does it impact your pay (e.g., bonuses tied to patient visits)?

A group that forces a minimum might have unrealistic expectations.

Policies & Procedures: Do They Control How You Practice?

Your contract will say you must follow all employer policies. Sounds fine. But where are they?

If the policies aren’t written down, they can change at any time.

• What if they change documentation rules, adding extra work?
• What if they suddenly require more call shifts?
• What if they restrict certain procedures you were planning to do?

Ask: Are all policies and procedures available in writing? If they’re vague, that’s a problem.

Protect Yourself Before You Sign

Your contract isn’t just about salary. It’s about how much control your employer has over your work.

❌ If you don’t ask about patient assignments, you might struggle to build a healthy panel.
❌ If you ignore outside work clauses, you might lose out on extra income.
❌ If you don’t clarify your location, you might end up driving all over the city.
❌ If you accept vague policies, they can change the rules at any time.

💡 What to do: Ask questions. Get answers in writing. Negotiate before you sign - because after, it’s too late.