Avoiding Costly Physician Contract Mistakes with Angela Shofner & Michael Shofner (Ep. 127)
Physicians spend years training for their careers, but many enter employment agreements without fully understanding the long-term implications hidden in their contracts.
What happens if a job turns out to be the wrong fit? What rights do physicians actually have when they want to leave, negotiate compensation, or protect themselves from future liability?
In this episode, Iván Watanabe speaks with Angela Shofner, Owner and CEO of Shofner Consulting LLC, and Michael Shofner, COO of Shofner Consulting LLC, about physician contract reviews and the common issues doctors face when evaluating employment agreements. They explore termination clauses, non-compete restrictions, compensation benchmarking, practice acquisitions, tail coverage, and negotiation strategies.
The conversation highlights how physicians can better understand their contracts, protect their careers, and make informed employment decisions throughout every stage of practice.
Key Takeaways:
- Contract clauses that can prevent physicians from leaving an employer for years without penalties
- Non-compete restrictions and how location, acquisitions, and employer growth can expand limitations
- Compensation benchmarking using specialty and geographic market data during negotiations
- Tail coverage costs, malpractice considerations, and risks that continue after employment ends
- Practical negotiation opportunities involving bonuses, CME benefits, licensing costs, and flexibility
- And more!
Connect with Iván Watanabe:
- Opus Private Client, LLC
- iwatanabe@opus-pc.com
- LinkedIn: Iván Watanabe
- YouTube: OPUS Private Client, LLC
Connect with Angela & Michael Shofner:
About Angela & Michael Shofner:
Angela began her professional career as a teacher, spending four years in education before returning to school to pursue a career in law. That foundation sparked a lifelong passion for the educational side of her work — helping clients better understand complex legal and healthcare matters with clarity and confidence.
A graduate of Nashville School of Law (Class of 2014), Angela has built her career around healthcare law, physician advocacy, and strategic consulting. In 2022, she founded Shofner Consulting to provide practical, relationship-driven guidance for physicians and healthcare organizations navigating contracts, business strategy, and growth opportunities.
Known for her approachable communication style and collaborative mindset, Angela enjoys empowering clients through both legal guidance and education.
Michael Shofner is a healthcare recruitment professional with a background in education, leadership, and relationship-building. Before transitioning into healthcare recruitment, Michael spent ten years in education, first as a teacher and later as principal of Madison Academy. After earning his MBA from Lipscomb University in 2016, Michael joined Kettering Health as a physician recruiter.
Currently serving as a physician recruiter for Align ENT + Allergy, he is passionate about connecting physicians with opportunities where they can thrive personally and professionally while helping healthcare organizations grow strong, collaborative teams.
Outside of their professional endeavors, they are proud parents to their two daughters. They enjoy traveling, trying new food, playing games, and reading.
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