The business of medicine in considerably different in the military compared with the civilian population. Here are some important considerations for transitioning from military to civilian life:

In the civilian world, a physician requires malpractice coverage. Malpractice insurance policies include various types such as occurrence and claims-made. An occurrence policy is more expensive because it provides infinite coverage for a medical service. A claims-made policy covers claims only made during the life of policy. A potential pitfall of a claims-made policy is that the coverage for a malpractice claim ends when the policy is discontinued. For example, a surgeon performs a procedure in 1995 and is covered by a claims-made policy. He changes jobs and changes insurance. In 2000, he is sued by a patient and no longer has coverage. "Tail coverage" can be purchased when a claims-made policy is discontinued.

The process of being recruited and receiving a job offer can be intoxicating and can result in the "red carpet syndrome". Be sure to engage in several job interviews and give careful consideration to each decision point.

Be sure to read any prospective contract from a potential employer or insurer before signing. Consider hiring an attorney specializing in health care to review such documents. Watch out for restrictive covenants or non-compete clauses that would prohibit one from working in geographic area. Be careful of unilateral indemnification or hold harmless clauses. Perhaps it would be best if each party to an agreement was responsible for their own acts.

Check with the district branch of your professional association (for example the AMA) for information about salaries and reimbursement schedules.