Physicians Struggle with Contract Negotiations

New survey reveals many doctors are not aggressive in salary talks

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:51pm

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A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring where a doctor's stethoscope is defined entirely by vibrant neon lines against a dark background, emphasizing the shape and energy of the medical instrument.Physicians may be missing out on opportunities to secure better pay and benefits through more assertive contract negotiations.Chicago Today

A recent Medscape survey found that many physicians are not taking full advantage of contract negotiations, with 26% saying they were only 'moderately' aggressive, 21% 'slightly aggressive,' and 27% 'not aggressive at all' during their last salary talks. Additionally, 27% reported that negotiation was not an option in their most recent contract.

Why it matters

Effective contract negotiation is crucial for physicians to ensure they are being fairly compensated and receiving the benefits they deserve. This survey suggests many doctors may be leaving money on the table by not advocating strongly enough for themselves during these critical discussions.

The details

The Medscape 'Physician Compensation Report 2026' surveyed over 5,900 full-time doctors across 29 specialties between September and December 2025. The report found that while healthcare professionals are typically encouraged to be assertive in negotiating pay and benefits, a significant portion of respondents were not aggressive in their most recent contract talks.

  • The survey was conducted between September 5 and December 17, 2025.
  • The report was published on April 10, 2026.

The players

Medscape

A leading online destination for medical news and information, which published the 'Physician Compensation Report 2026'.

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The takeaway

This survey highlights the need for physicians to be more proactive and assertive when it comes to negotiating their employment contracts. By missing out on opportunities to advocate for higher salaries and better benefits, doctors may be short-changing themselves and leaving money on the table.