Become an Orthopedic Surgeon with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a dedicated orthopedic specialist looking to combine your clinical expertise with a mission-driven career? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring Orthopedic Surgeons to serve at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. This position offers a unique chance to work within an integrated healthcare system that prioritizes readiness and high-quality patient care for those who serve our country.
Job Responsibilities
As an Orthopedic Surgeon, you will perform a wide range of inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures. Key duties include:
- Conducting diagnostic procedures using modern medical terminology.
- Facilitating patient access to care through appropriate referrals.
- Participating in quality improvement and peer review programs.
- Managing the administrative tasks essential to hospital-based patient care.
Requirements
To qualify for this role, you must be a U.S. citizen and possess:
- A degree from an accredited U.S. or Canadian medical school.
- A current, active, and unrestricted medical license.
- Completion of a minimum one-year clinical internship or residency.
- Four years of specialized orthopedic surgical training.
Salary and Benefits Overview
Physician pay is determined by a market-based tier system. While exact starting salaries are finalized after an offer is accepted, the current range is $200,000 to $400,000 annually.
| Benefit Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Liability Coverage | Covered by the Federal Tort Claims Act |
| Retirement | Comprehensive Federal Retirement System |
| Incentives | Recruitment/Relocation bonuses for qualified candidates |
| Healthcare | Robust federal health insurance plans |
Application Tips
- Watch the Resume Length: Keep your resume to two pages or less; longer resumes will not be reviewed.
- Documentation is Key: Ensure your transcript and medical license are attached, or your application will be marked ineligible.
- Detail Your Experience: Clearly state hours worked per week and specific dates for all past roles.
Serving as an Orthopedic Surgeon at Fort Leonard Wood provides a rare opportunity to practice medicine in a supportive environment with high-tier compensation. If you meet the qualifications, apply today to start your journey with the Defense Health Agency.
Why This Physician (Orthopedic Surgery) Job Matters
Elevate your medical career with the Defense Health Agency at Fort Leonard Wood, where world-class orthopedic care meets a mission that truly matters.
Physician (Orthopedic Surgery) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is seeking skilled Orthopedic Surgeons to join the clinical team at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient orthopedic care to our nation's service members, retirees, and their families. As part of a dedicated healthcare system, you will play a vital role in maintaining the health and readiness of the Joint Force.
Requirements for Physician (Orthopedic Surgery)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution
- Current, active, full, and unrestricted medical license from any state, D.C., Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory
- Completion of a minimum one-year internship or residency in an accredited clinical setting
- Four years of graduate training in the specialty of Orthopedic Surgery or equivalent experience
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Orthopedic Surgery)
- Demonstrated expertise in modern orthopedic diagnostic and surgical procedures
- Proven history of active participation in hospital quality improvement and peer review programs
- Experience managing administrative duties related to clinical patient care within a hospital setting
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
- ✓Federal Tort Claims Act protection (no malpractice insurance premiums required)
- ✓Competitive salary based on market-driven tier scales
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
- ✓Meaningful work serving the military community
💡 How to Apply Physician (Orthopedic Surgery) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Orthopedic Surgery) Job
- Log in to or create your account on the official federal employment portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages or less.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Submit all required documentation, including medical transcripts and a copy of your current, unrestricted medical license.
- Verify that your application package is complete and submitted before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any resume exceeding the two-page limit will be automatically excluded.
- Include specific start and end dates (month/year) and average hours worked per week for every relevant position listed.
- Avoid using technical acronyms that might be difficult for HR specialists to interpret.
- Ensure you sanitize any personal information of others (such as family members' names on documents) before uploading.
- Monitor your status through the application dashboard to stay updated on your candidacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medical malpractice insurance required?
No. Federal civilian healthcare providers are covered under the Federal Tort Claims Act while acting within the scope of their employment.
Can I negotiate my salary?
Yes, salary negotiation may be available for candidates who are new to federal service. Final offers are determined by the Activity Compensation Panel based on tier scales, specialty, and location.
What happens if my resume is over two pages?
Your application will be removed from consideration. It is strictly enforced to keep resumes at two pages or less.
Do I need malpractice insurance?
No, federal coverage protects you under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
How often is this position open?
This is an open continuous announcement, meaning applications are accepted and reviewed as vacancies arise.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a joint, integrated Combat Support Agency that enables the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force medical services to provide a globally ready medical force. By joining the DHA, you become part of a professional network dedicated to delivering superior healthcare to over 9.5 million uniformed service members and their families.