Advance Your Career as a Physician (Anesthesiology) with the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is looking for talented, board-certified Anesthesiologists to join its premier healthcare system. As a Physician with the DHA, you will provide essential anesthesia services to our nation’s service members and their families. This is a unique opportunity to apply your clinical expertise in a high-impact environment where your skills directly contribute to military medical readiness.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will lead the anesthesia care team. Responsibilities include:
- Surgical Anesthesia: Delivering anesthesia services across diverse surgical and procedural specialties.
- Pain Management: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic nerve blocks for acute and chronic pain patients.
- Recovery Oversight: Managing the recovery room environment and administering necessary pharmacological or respiratory therapies.
- Clinical Mentorship: Instructing nurse anesthesia students, medical residents, and interns in current anesthesia practices.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-14 level position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Valid Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine degree.
- Active, unrestricted medical licensure.
- Completion of an accredited anesthesia residency program.
- U.S. citizenship.
Comparison Table: Federal vs. Private Practice
| Feature | Defense Health Agency | Typical Private Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Malpractice Insurance | Covered (FTCA) | Must pay out-of-pocket |
| Benefits | Full federal package | Varies by group |
| Mission Focus | Service member readiness | Profit/Revenue cycles |
| Mentorship | Robust academic involvement | Varies |
Salary Overview
The compensation package for this position is competitive, ranging from $220,000 to $400,000. Your final salary is determined by an Activity Compensation Panel that considers your specific board certifications, years of experience, and the cost of living at your assigned location. This ensures that your pay remains competitive with the current local medical market.
Benefits
- Professional development and training.
- Federal health and life insurance.
- Retirement savings opportunities.
- Leave and holiday pay.
- Potential student loan repayment incentives.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of success, ensure your resume is concise (max two pages). Detail your clinical hours and specific experience with anesthesia procedures. Be sure to include your medical license and degree verification in your application package, as missing documents will result in automatic disqualification.
Serving as an Anesthesiologist with the DHA is a rewarding way to apply your specialty in a high-stakes, mission-essential setting. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a new professional challenge, submit your application package today.
Why This Physician (Anesthesiology) Job Matters
Elevate your medical career with the Defense Health Agency, providing high-level anesthesia care to those who serve our nation across multiple prestigious clinical sites.
Physician (Anesthesiology) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking skilled Physicians specializing in Anesthesiology to join our dedicated healthcare teams at various locations nationwide. As a critical member of our medical staff, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and comfort of service members, retirees, and their families. This is a direct-hire opportunity that offers the chance to practice medicine in a supportive, integrated system while enjoying competitive federal benefits and professional growth.
Requirements for Physician (Anesthesiology)
- Possession of a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
- Current, active, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Completion of a minimum one-year clinical internship or residency program post-graduation.
- Successful completion of an accredited residency program in the specialty of Anesthesiology.
- Ability to meet the specialized experience and training requirements equivalent to at least 4 years.
- U.S. Citizenship.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Anesthesiology)
- Board certification in Anesthesiology.
- Proven experience in clinical anesthesia management and pain therapy.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor medical students and residents.
- Experience in diverse surgical and procedural healthcare environments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary determined by clinical specialty and market data
- ✓Malpractice coverage via the Federal Tort Claims Act
- ✓Opportunities for recruitment or relocation incentives
- ✓Student loan repayment assistance eligibility
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options
- ✓Accrued annual and sick leave
- ✓Retirement plan participation
💡 How to Apply Physician (Anesthesiology) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Anesthesiology) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, highlighting relevant clinical experience, hours worked per week, and dates of service.
- Complete the online questionnaire provided in the job portal.
- Gather and upload required documentation including transcripts, medical license, and proof of residency completion.
- Verify that your application package is complete before submission to avoid disqualification.
- Submit your application by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less, as longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
- Use clear, plain language; avoid industry-specific jargon or acronyms that may be unfamiliar to HR staff.
- Ensure every job entry includes the employer's name, title, start/end dates, and average weekly hours worked.
- Check for any file upload errors and allow sufficient time for virus scans to complete before the deadline.
- Ensure your license and degree transcripts are clearly legible and attached before finalizing your submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the salary fixed?
No, starting salary is determined by an Activity Compensation Panel that evaluates your board certifications, specialty, and regional market data. Market pay is reassessed every 24 months.
What is the resume length limit?
Resumes must be two pages or less. Any application containing a resume exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Do I need malpractice insurance?
No. As a federal civilian healthcare provider, you are covered under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
What locations are available?
We have multiple vacancies across Texas and New Mexico, including San Antonio, El Paso, and White Sands Missile Range.
Is a drug test required?
Yes, drug testing is a mandatory component of the hiring process for these medical positions.
Job from Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated system that delivers medical care to over 9.5 million people worldwide. By working with the DHA, you become part of a strategic team that values patient safety, professional development, and innovative healthcare delivery. Our clinicians are protected by the Federal Tort Claims Act, allowing you to focus on your patients without the burden of private malpractice insurance.