Curie Brief
Turn on cookies to sign in
Signing in saves your progress to your Curie account. We can only do that with cookies on — turn them on to continue.
News
Medical director jobs can be lucrative, but many physicians don't realize the serious legal and liability risks they're signing up for. From malpractice exposure to criminal charges, the role carries far more responsibility than most doctors expect. Experts urge physicians to read contracts carefully and consult a healthcare attorney before accepting any medical director position.
Medical director positions are an attractive way for physicians to earn extra income, but legal and healthcare experts are sounding the alarm about the hidden risks that come with the title. Unlike roles in heavily regulated settings like nursing homes, positions at medical spas, wellness centers, and IV clinics often leave physicians unknowingly responsible for everything that happens under their license — even if they're rarely on-site.
The stakes can be severe. A Texas anesthesiologist serving as medical director of a medical spa was charged with criminally negligent homicide after a patient died from an IV infusion administered by an unlicensed staff member while he was 100 miles away. The case prompted Texas to pass new legislation regulating elective IV therapy.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: As more physicians take on roles at non-traditional healthcare facilities, understanding the full scope of legal exposure is critical. An uninformed signature on a contract could put a physician's license — and livelihood — seriously at risk.
