As a physician, you've dedicated years to mastering your craft and providing high-quality care. But what happens when your professional reputation is threatened by vague and arbitrary employment terminations? More and more physicians are facing unexpected dismissals under the pretense of "poor quality care"—even when no real evidence of substandard practice exists. Let’s explore how to safeguard your career from unjust terminations and how Michael Johnson Legal LLC can help ensure your contract protects you.
Recently, troubling cases have emerged where physicians are dismissed for reasons that have little to do with clinical competence. These aren’t cases of malpractice or clear ethical violations. Instead, they often stem from subjective or administrative interpretations of care quality. These cases highlight a growing problem: vague contract language that allows employers to make unilateral, unchecked decisions that can jeopardize a physician’s career.
To prevent such unfair terminations, physicians must pay close attention to their employment contracts. Here are key provisions to watch for and negotiate:
Many contracts state that a physician can be dismissed if the employer "determines" that patient care is compromised. This gives administrators excessive discretion. Instead, advocate for language requiring a "good-faith, reasonable determination" based on objective criteria.
Instead of allowing one-sided judgments, your contract should include a structured review process:
A neutral third-party physician within your specialty should evaluate concerns about your practice.
If concerns arise, you should have a set timeframe (ex: 90 days) to address them.
Final determinations should be based on objective findings, not subjective opinions.
The employer should cover all fees related to the review process.
This approach ensures fairness, prevents immediate career damage, and avoids unnecessary reports to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB).
When it comes to employment contracts and legal protections, having the right legal guidance is essential. This is where Michael Johnson Legal, a trusted advocate for physicians, comes in.
Michael Johnson Legal LLC specializes in physician employment contracts, helping doctors negotiate stronger agreements, avoid unfair termination clauses, and defend against unjust dismissals. Their team understands the complexities of healthcare employment law and ensures that physicians are protected from vague, one-sided contract terms that could put their careers at risk.
If you want to review your contract, strengthen your termination protections, or get legal support after an unfair firing, Michael Johnson is an invaluable resource.
👉Learn more about how Michael Johnson Legal LLC can help safeguard your career.
While an unjust termination can put your career at risk, it shouldn’t jeopardize your long-term financial security. One way to maintain financial stability, no matter where you work, is by securing an own-occupation disability insurance policy.
A true own-occupation policy from Pattern ensures that no matter where your career takes you—whether you change employers, start your own practice, or relocate—your coverage stays with you. Unlike employer-provided benefits, which may disappear the moment your job does, a portable, individual policy follows you throughout your career.
Physicians who secure their policy early—before training discounts expire—can lock in lower rates for life. By taking action now, you ensure financial protection regardless of where your career path leads.
✅ Review your contract carefully—watch for vague termination clauses.
✅ Negotiate for fair evaluation processes—insist on third-party assessments.
✅ Seek legal guidance from Michael Johnson Legal LLC—don’t navigate contract disputes alone.
✅ Consider an own-occupation disability policy from Pattern—so your coverage follows you, no matter where you work.