Become a Family Medicine Physician with the Defense Health Agency
Are you a board-certified physician looking to balance a rewarding clinical practice with the stability of a federal career? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently accepting applications for a Family Medicine Physician at the Naval Branch Health Clinic in Temecula, California. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide high-quality healthcare to our military service members and their families in one of Southern California's most desirable communities.
Job Responsibilities
As a Primary Care Optimization (PCO) team leader, you will be at the heart of our outpatient clinic operations. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing acute and chronic health conditions for patients from newborns to geriatrics.
- Performing pre- and post-deployment health assessments for service members.
- Serving as an expert advisor to nursing and para-professional staff.
- Collaborating on hospital policy and accreditation standards.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Degree | MD or DO from an accredited U.S. or Canadian school |
| Residency | Completed accredited residency in Family Medicine |
| License | Active, unrestricted medical license in any U.S. state/territory |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $124,308 to $315,000 per year, depending on qualifications and market pay assessments conducted by the Activity Compensation Panel.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a comprehensive suite of benefits, including extensive retirement plans, generous paid leave, and robust insurance options. Additionally, federal medical staff are protected by the Federal Tort Claims Act, eliminating the need for private malpractice insurance.
Application Tips
Submit a resume of two pages or less. Ensure every work experience entry includes the employer's name, dates of employment, and average hours worked per week. Failure to provide clear documentation of your credentials may result in an incomplete application.
Join a team where your clinical skills make a direct impact on the readiness and well-being of the military community. Apply today to start your journey with the Defense Health Agency.
Why This Physician (Family Medicine) Job Matters
Advance your medical career with the Defense Health Agency in sunny Temecula, CA, providing elite care to those who serve our nation.
Physician (Family Medicine) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is seeking a dedicated Family Medicine Physician to join the team at the Naval Branch Health Clinic in Temecula, California. This role is a vital component of a premier healthcare delivery system, ensuring that service members, retirees, and their families receive high-quality, comprehensive medical care. If you are passionate about patient-centered primary care and eager to contribute to military medical readiness, this is an exceptional opportunity to serve in a dynamic clinical environment.
Requirements for Physician (Family Medicine)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Possess a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited school in the U.S. or Canada.
- Hold a current, active, full, and unrestricted medical license from a U.S. state, D.C., or territory.
- Successfully completed an accredited residency training program in Family Medicine.
- Minimum of one year of supervised clinical experience (internship or residency).
- Must be able to pass a background check and obtain a Secret security clearance.
- Willingness to undergo drug testing and fulfill a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Family Medicine)
- Experience in Primary Care Optimization (PCO) team leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-system acute and chronic conditions across diverse age groups.
- Prior experience with military health assessments such as PHA and pre/post-deployment exams.
- Experience working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary medical team environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with market pay adjustments.
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave.
- ✓Professional liability coverage provided via the Federal Tort Claims Act.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
💡 How to Apply Physician (Family Medicine) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Family Medicine) Job
- Ensure your resume is strictly two pages or less.
- Log in or create an account on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including medical transcripts and current state license.
- Review your package for accuracy and submit before the November 10, 2026 deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; excess pages will disqualify your application.
- Clearly document your clinical hours and specific experience with family medicine.
- Ensure your transcripts and license are clearly scanned and attached.
- Avoid acronyms; use clear, professional language to describe your medical experience.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need malpractice insurance for this position?
No. Federal civilian healthcare providers at the DHA are covered under the Federal Tort Claims Act while acting within the scope of their employment.
How is the final salary determined?
The starting salary is determined by an Activity Compensation Panel that assesses base pay and market pay after an initial job offer is accepted.
Is relocation assistance available?
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, though Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a vital component of the Department of Defense, serving as an integrated healthcare system. Our mission is to support the Joint Force by providing world-class medical, dental, and pharmacy programs. We serve over 9.5 million beneficiaries worldwide, ensuring readiness and excellence in health care at all times.