Resident Salaries and Benefits

At Cottage Health, we are proud of our long-standing tradition of providing a first-rate educational experience in the specialties of Diagnostic Radiology General Surgery, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.

As Cottage Health employees, residents are entitled to excellent benefits, learning opportunities and work-life support that Cottage is known for as a health care employer. Resident benefits are designed to support you in the development of your medical career.

Cottage Health is known for its generous and innovative benefits programs. Based on employee feedback and interest, Cottage now offers fertility and family benefits through Kindbody. For more information on the Kindbody benefit watch this video.

In addition, all residents enrolled in a Cottage Health Medical Plan have access to mental health support through Lyra Health. Lyra offers confidential care from a diverse network of mental health providers to support your emotional and mental health needs—how, when and where you need it.

2024-2025 Resident Salaries

• R1: $70,990
• R2: $73,081
• R3: $78,000
• R4: $83,200
• R5: $88,717

Other Resident Benefits

Housing Stipend

Residents receive a housing stipend of $750 per month in addition to their salary.

Relocation Subsidy

For relocation to Santa Barbara, there is a $2,000 loan available to incoming residents. This loan is forgiven at the end of the resident’s first year of residency at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Meal Allotment

A meal allotment is provided to each resident. The amount of the allotment is based upon the rotation the resident is performing each month.

Medical and Dental

Medical and dental insurance is provided without cost to each resident for employee-only coverage, effective the day training begins. The Medical Plan includes coverage for prescription drugs and vision benefits. Cottage Health also offers a Wellness Program in which you can earn up to $550 annually in Wellness Dollars for completing and tracking healthy activities. Additional coverage for families may be obtained for a premium paid by the resident. Workers’ Compensation Insurance premiums are paid by the hospital.

Retirement Plan

Residents become vested in the Cottage Health MyFuture Retirement Plan after one year of employment. There is an employer contribution to the Plan.

Disability Insurance

Long-term disability insurance is provided by the hospital, without cost to the resident.

Conference Stipend

It is our philosophy that attendance by residents at national or regional conferences fosters the educational development of the resident and his or her cohorts. All residents are allotted time (in addition to their usual vacation time) and are provided a stipend of up to $1,750 to attend one major conference per year and $2,750 for oral presentation at one major conference per year.

Hospital-subsidized Condominium Ownership

Cottage Health has built a large, affordable, aesthetically-pleasing and environmentally-refined condominium complex called Bella Riviera. Ownership application is available to any Cottage Health employee, after their first year, including residents. Opportunity for ownership is offered based on one’s position on the Bella Riviera waiting list.

Malpractice Insurance

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital’s Insurance Program provides Professional Liability Coverage for all trainees in the hospital’s Graduate Medical Education Program. The hospital’s insurance program includes modified occurrence coverage for acts or omissions which fall within the scope of the education program. The hospital is self-insured for the first tier of coverage and has an outside insurer for more substantial claims.

The physician’s coverage includes "built-in" tail coverage for up to seven years following the hospital’s departure from its current insurer, should the hospital change insurers. Thus, all physician claims reported or filed after the resident’s completion of the Graduate Medical Education Program would be covered. The coverage afforded to the physicians is consistent with the coverage provided to the hospital itself.

Mortgage Assistance Program

All residents after one year and good standing are eligible to participate in the Cottage Health Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP). This program provides loans equivalent to second mortgages to employees purchasing a home who are otherwise eligible for a first mortgage from a financial institution. An employee or physician resident may apply for a second trust deed loan for up to 15% of the purchase price of the property, up to a maximum loan of $250,000. Employees must qualify for the first and second trust deed to be eligible for MAP.

Parking

Parking is provided at no charge to all residents. The hospital has a parking structure located just across from the hospital.

Apps/Books/Journals

An allowance of $250 per resident per year is provided to purchase medical books, journals and/or electronic subscriptions or apps to help with training and education.

Other Reimbursements

• Post-Training License application
• Part 3 of USMLE/USOMLE
• MBC/OMBC licensure
• DEA certification
• Board exam fees while employed at SBCH as a Resident

White Coats/Scrubs

White coats and scrubs are provided to each resident without charge. Laundering is provided.

Support for Publication

In addition to active support from the Cottage Health Research Institute, the Hospital will reimburse the Resident for publication fees associated with scholarly activity, after approval from the Program Director.