Year 1: During the first year of employment, physicians currently receive $100.00 per hour to practice at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, $100.00 per hour at Cape Fear Hospital, and $100.00 per hour at Pender Memorial Hospital. During these first 12 months of employment, ECEP also provides an individual claims-made professional liability policy, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, individual health insurance, and dental insurance. Physicians are also eligible for participation in our 401(k) retirement plan. Additionally, ECEP provides $2,500.00 for CME expenses during the first 12 months of employment as well as assistance with relocation expenses up to $5,000.00 if relocation is necessary in order to accept a position with ECEP.  The relocation allowance is subject to a 2-year length of service requirement.

Year 2: Physicians are considered for Partnership Track at the beginning of their second year of employment. The hourly reimbursement for physicians on Partnership Track status increases to the partner rate; presently $110.00 per hour at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, $110.00 per hour at Cape Fear Hospital, and $100.00 per hour at Pender Memorial Hospital. Physicians are also eligible for partial participation in profit sharing.  The benefit package remains the same with the exception of a CME allowance increase to $6,000.00 per year.

Year 3: Upon successful completion of the Partnership Track year and favorable vote by the Board of Directors, the physician becomes a site-specific partner during his or her third year of employment.  At this time the physician becomes eligible for full profit sharing as well as participation in the profit sharing component of ECEP’s Retirement Plan (subject to plan entry dates). The 401(k) benefit is enhanced in that it becomes fully company-funded. Group life insurance is not available to partners, and partners are responsible for payment of the premiums on their disability, health insurance, and dental insurance plans.