Doctors and dentists spend many years in school learning about the human body, but that education doesn't extend to contract law.
That doesn't mean you can ignore the importance of contracts, though – the ones you sign can impact your career for years to come.
No matter if you're joining a private practice, a hospital, or a large healthcare group, you need to understand exactly what you're agreeing to before you put pen to paper.
As attorneys, let CPMT break down the most important information for you, so that you can feel confident when faced with employment contracts, non-compete clauses, and restrictive covenants.
1. Non-Competes Are Alive and Well in Georgia
If you've heard that non-competes are going away, don't be so sure. While the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) made headlines by attempting to ban them, that effort failed.
In Georgia, non-compete agreements remain enforceable under the state's Restrictive Covenant Act, and the law tends to favor employers.
That means your ability to work in the same city or even region after leaving a job may be limited.
Georgia courts do have the power to "blue pencil" (modify) overly broad restrictions, but that doesn't mean the whole clause is void.
The safer path? Make sure those terms are reasonable before you sign.
2. These Contracts Are Not One-Size-Fits-All
Healthcare contracts can be deceptively complex. Terms around profit sharing, call coverage, partnership buy-ins, and termination rights can dramatically impact your income and lifestyle.
For instance, some contracts allow your employer to terminate you "without cause" with minimal notice, while penalizing you if you try to leave early.
That kind of imbalance can leave you stuck in a job that no longer works for you.
If you're investing in a practice, you also need clarity on how your buy-in is valued, how profit distributions are calculated, and what happens if a partner retires or exits early.
3. Don't Wait Until You're in Trouble to Call a Lawyer
Many healthcare professionals seek legal advice only at the start or end of a job.
But contract disputes often crop up in the middle—whether it's a sudden increase in call duties, a change in compensation structure, or unclear partnership expectations.
Our advice? Get legal input early and often.
A qualified healthcare attorney can help you spot red flags, negotiate better terms, and avoid future disputes.
They can also help you draft responses to your employer if you're navigating difficult conversations about workload or responsibilities.
4. Leaving a Practice Can Be Just as Complicated as Joining One
If you plan to move on from your current role—especially if you've bought into a practice—you'll want to understand how restrictive covenants and buyout provisions work.
Can you practice nearby? Will you owe money to your former partners? Are there any waivers available?
These are big questions that can affect your career mobility and financial future.
Employment contracts in healthcare aren't just paperwork; they're roadmaps for your professional future.
Understanding them is critical. At CPMT, we help physicians, dentists, and healthcare professionals protect their careers, finances, and families by negotiating fair, enforceable agreements.
Don't sign blindly. Let's talk first.