Advance Your Career as a Family Medicine Physician with the DHA
Are you a dedicated physician seeking a career that combines clinical excellence with service to those who protect our nation? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) invites skilled Family Medicine practitioners to join our team at the Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to practice medicine in an environment where your skills directly support the readiness and health of military service members and their families.
Job Responsibilities
As a Family Medicine Physician, you will serve as a primary technical authority, particularly within our Urgent Care Clinic. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Diagnosing and treating a wide array of injuries and diseases.
- Developing evidence-based clinical treatment plans.
- Providing emergency services and crisis intervention when necessary.
- Maintaining precise medical records in accordance with federal regulations.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to improve organizational clinical workflows.
Comparison: Private vs. Federal Practice
| Feature | Private Practice | Federal (DHA) Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Malpractice Insurance | Often required (Self-paid) | Covered by Federal Tort Claims Act |
| Billing/Coding | High Administrative Burden | Streamlined/Focused on Care |
| Patient Base | Varies | Military Personnel & Families |
| Job Stability | Market Dependent | High (Federal Civil Service) |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A valid MD or DO degree from an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution.
- Licensure: An unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state, D.C., or territory.
- Experience: Completion of an accredited Family Medicine residency and at least one year of supervised clinical experience.
- Security: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive salary range of $124,308 to $315,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. Final salary determination is conducted by the Activity Compensation Panel after an initial offer is accepted.
Application Tips
- Keep it Concise: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be reviewed.
- Be Explicit: Clearly define your hours worked per week and include specific start/end dates for every role listed.
- Check Documents: Always double-check that your medical license and transcripts are uploaded. These are mandatory, and their absence results in automatic exclusion.
If you are ready to transition your career to a mission-focused environment in beautiful San Diego, the Defense Health Agency offers an unparalleled professional experience. Apply today to help us continue providing exceptional care to our nation's heroes.
Why This Physician (Family Medicine) Job Matters
Make a direct impact on the health and readiness of those who serve our nation. Join the Defense Health Agency as a Family Medicine Physician in San Diego.
Physician (Family Medicine) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is seeking dedicated Family Medicine Physicians to join our team at the Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, CA. This position provides a unique opportunity to serve military personnel, retirees, and their families within a premier integrated healthcare system. As a civilian provider, you will focus on high-quality patient care in a supportive environment, free from the administrative burdens of private insurance billing, all while enjoying the scenic benefits of Southern California.
Requirements for Physician (Family Medicine)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution
- Current, active, full, and unrestricted medical license in any U.S. state, D.C., Puerto Rico, or territory
- Completion of at least one year of supervised clinical internship or residency
- Successful completion of an accredited residency program in Family Medicine
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Family Medicine)
- Demonstrated experience in urgent care or clinical crisis intervention
- Proven ability to develop and implement comprehensive patient treatment plans
- Strong communication skills for interdisciplinary team collaboration
- Evidence of continuing medical education and adherence to current clinical practice guidelines
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal malpractice coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act
- ✓Competitive salary structure with locality pay
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
- ✓Advanced leave accrual options
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
💡 How to Apply Physician (Family Medicine) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Family Medicine) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume limited to two pages or less detailing your clinical experience.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including medical licenses, transcripts, and certifications.
- Submit your complete application package before the October 30, 2026 deadline.
- Monitor your status through your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly follows the two-page limit to avoid disqualification.
- Clearly articulate your clinical experience, including hours worked per week and specific dates.
- Avoid using medical jargon or acronyms that may not be easily understood by non-clinical HR reviewers.
- Verify that your license and transcripts are clearly attached; missing these will result in an automatic ineligible rating.
- Submit your documents early to ensure the system virus scan is completed prior to the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to carry my own malpractice insurance?
No. As a civilian federal healthcare provider, you are protected by the Federal Tort Claims Act while acting within the scope of your employment.
Can I negotiate my salary?
Yes. Salary negotiation may be available for candidates new to federal service. The final offer is determined by an Activity Compensation Panel.
Is this position eligible for telework?
No, this role requires on-site clinical presence and is designated as mission-essential.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for delivering medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million eligible beneficiaries. By serving as a strategic partner across the Department of Defense, the DHA ensures that our military community receives world-class care anywhere in the world. Joining the DHA means becoming part of a dedicated team of professionals committed to innovation, readiness, and compassionate patient care.