Doc Execs Rake It In

While most doctors' incomes aren't keeping upwith inflation these days, physician executivesare doing much better. According to a survey by theAmerican College of Physician Executives (www.acpe.org), they enjoyed pay increases that averaged 7.1%between 2000 and 2002. The average compensationfor a physician executive rose from $210,000 to$225,000 during the period. Physician/CEOs got aneven bigger boost, with an average pay increase of41%, from $231,000 to $313,000.

The survey also showed that the highest mediancompensation of $360,000 went to physician-executivesworking for practice management firms, and thatspecialists such as cardiologists, anesthesiologists, andorthopedic surgeons got higher pay than primary caredoctors. Almost a third of the physician-executivesheld an MBA or law degree.