Pursuing a Career as an Internal Medicine Physician with the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a highly qualified Physician specialized in Internal Medicine to join the esteemed clinical team at Naval Hospital Bremerton, Washington. This role offers a unique opportunity to transition into federal service, where you will provide essential care to military personnel, retirees, and their dependents. By combining clinical excellence with a commitment to public service, you can play a pivotal role in maintaining the readiness of our armed forces.
Job Responsibilities
As an Internal Medicine Physician, your duties will be diverse and impactful. You will:
- Provide comprehensive primary care services in an adult outpatient clinical setting.
- Manage and treat patients with complex, multifaceted medical conditions.
- Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic radiology and laboratory test results.
- Act as a team leader, coordinating care with nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and ancillary staff.
- Mentor and educate medical students, interns, and other staff members.
- Participate in quality assurance initiatives and chart reviews to maintain high medical standards.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A valid MD or DO degree from an accredited school in the U.S. or Canada, or equivalent foreign education with verified certification.
- Licensure: A current, active, and unrestricted state medical license.
- Training: Completion of a full residency program in Internal Medicine.
- Clearance: Ability to pass a drug test and obtain a Secret security clearance.
Comparison: Private Practice vs. Federal Physician
| Feature | Private Practice | Federal Service (DHA) |
|---|---|---|
| Malpractice Insurance | Often out-of-pocket/premium based | Covered under Federal Tort Claims Act |
| Patient Base | Varies by insurance/billing | Military members, retirees, families |
| Compensation | Revenue-based | Tiered scale based on market/specialty |
| Benefits | Varies by employer | Standardized federal benefits package |
Salary Overview
Physician compensation within the DHA is highly competitive, with a range of $124,308 to $315,000 per year. Unlike private sector roles, the final salary is determined by an expert panel after the job offer is accepted, ensuring that factors like local market rates and specific credentials are accounted for fairly.
Benefits
Employees of the federal government enjoy robust benefits, including:
- Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Paid federal holidays and sick/annual leave.
- Protection under federal liability statutes.
- Potential for recruitment, relocation, or student loan repayment incentives for top-tier candidates.
Application Tips
Submitting an effective application is critical. Remember that your resume is the primary document used for evaluation; keep it under two pages, focusing on clear, metrics-driven descriptions of your clinical history. Always ensure your license and transcripts are clearly attached, as failure to provide these will lead to an immediate disqualification.
Serving as an Internal Medicine Physician at Naval Hospital Bremerton is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the health of those who serve our country. With competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a mission-driven environment, this is an excellent next step for any established medical professional.
Why This Physician (Internal Medicine) Job Matters
Advance your medical career with the Defense Health Agency at Naval Hospital Bremerton, where you will provide mission-critical primary care to those who serve.
Physician (Internal Medicine) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Physician (Internal Medicine) to join the team at Naval Hospital Bremerton in Washington. This role focuses on delivering high-quality primary care, managing complex patient cases, and providing clinical leadership within a collaborative healthcare environment. As a federal civilian provider, you will operate under the Federal Tort Claims Act, ensuring you are supported while delivering vital medical services to service members, retirees, and their families.
Requirements for Physician (Internal Medicine)
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Must possess a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
- Must hold a current, active, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Completion of at least one year of supervised clinical internship or residency.
- Completion of a residency program specifically in Internal Medicine.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Internal Medicine)
- Strong clinical experience in outpatient or adult primary care settings.
- Proven experience in mentoring or teaching medical students, interns, or physician assistants.
- Demonstrated ability to function as a clinical team leader in a complex healthcare environment.
- Expertise in performing and interpreting diagnostic, radiology, and laboratory tests.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with market-based adjustments.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Federal Tort Claims Act malpractice coverage.
- ✓Opportunities for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Potential for student loan repayment programs.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous leave accrual.
💡 How to Apply Physician (Internal Medicine) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Internal Medicine) Job
- Log into or create a USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including medical licenses, official transcripts, and relevant certifications.
- Submit the application package via the online portal before the September 22, 2026, deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes dates of employment, hours worked per week, and a description of your duties.
- Do not include personal photographs or sensitive private information in your resume.
- Verify that your license or certification copies are clearly legible.
- Submit your application early to allow for potential delays in the mandatory document virus scan process.
- Use plain, professional language and avoid obscure medical acronyms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for this position?
The base salary is $124,308 to $315,000 annually. Specific starting pay is determined by an Activity Compensation Panel based on your specialty, credentials, and current market conditions.
Is malpractice insurance provided?
Yes. Federal civilian healthcare providers are covered by the Federal Tort Claims Act while acting within the scope of their employment.
Do I need to submit transcripts if I have been practicing for years?
Yes, official transcripts are mandatory to prove your education meets the basic requirement for the position, even if you are an experienced physician.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for delivering medical, dental, and pharmaceutical care across the Department of Defense. Supporting more than 9.5 million beneficiaries worldwide, the agency is committed to improving health outcomes and building readiness. Joining the team at Naval Hospital Bremerton means becoming part of a dedicated network of medical professionals focused on quality, integrity, and patient-centered care.