Originally Posted by Peatisback
Lol... at least you might be comfortable.
For the more experienced docs working at bigger academic places- have you tried to get anything about travel (airline preference/class/mileage etc.) put into your contract? I know most places have travel policies, but is there room for negotiation?
LOL... not.
I speak at various academic programs throughout the year and I find that the larger/more reputable the program is, the worse the reimbursement seems to be (while I'm not a physician, I get the same per diems and a better "day rate" as a consultant in the physician realm). The "best" programs can have their pick of folks who want to have that on their CV and therefore can twist more when it comes to squeezing dollars from dimes.
Many of them actually send over their policy before we book and I've turned down engagements before because the terms were too ridiculous. One world-renowned institution requires the LOWEST airfare regardless of connection time or carrier - even if it means arriving at midnight for a 7 am grand rounds the next am.
Another will not reimburse for rental cars - instead leaving you at the mercy of staff for rides to and from the airport thirty minutes away. I"ve spoken twice there and once basically starved because they dropped me at the hotel and told me I could order room service... and I then discovered the kitchen was closed for renovations. The second time, I missed my return flight because my contact had to "take care of a few things" before she would have time to take me to the airport after presenting.
Many of the specialty societies require you to book travel through them directly if you are speaking - it amazes me that one was willing to put me up in a $400 night hotel room and pay for lavish group meals but balked at getting me a ticket that wasn't on a consolidator fare (a whole $25 more).
My assistant has gotten into haggling matches with staff about home airport parking (because the $16 a day at DFW was more than at their local airport) and which airline I flew even when all fares were the same (they thought I should have flown Southwest when American was a nonstop AND cheaper).
Private/community hospitals are much more reasonable in my experience... much of that having to do with the independent professional vs. employeed relationship that most of their staff enjoy.