Become a Staff Physician with the ICE Health Service Corps
Are you a healthcare professional seeking a role that blends clinical excellence with national service? The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is currently recruiting for Staff Physicians to join our team across several locations in the United States. This non-supervisory role is perfect for USPHS officers and CAD-eligible candidates who want to practice high-quality, mission-focused medicine in a challenging and rewarding environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Physician, you will operate as a key member of the medical team. Responsibilities include:
- Conducting initial and follow-up medical assessments for detainees.
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and managing acute/chronic conditions.
- Providing emergency mental and physical health services when necessary.
- Serving as a clinical consultant to Advanced Practice Providers (APPs).
- Ensuring meticulous documentation in electronic health records.
Requirements
Candidates must meet stringent criteria to serve as a commissioned officer:
- Possession of an M.D. or D.O. degree from an accredited school.
- Completion of one year of postgraduate medical training (internship/residency).
- Three years of specialty training in a primary care field.
- A current, unrestricted U.S. medical license.
- Ability to maintain DEA registration.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Benefit Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Pay | Up to $150,000 PA |
| Loan Repayment | Potential NHSC Eligibility |
| Incentives | Assignment Pay at selected sites |
| Professional Development | Leadership tracks available |
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your CV is tailored to the USPHS Promotion format. Documentation is key in the federal hiring process—double-check that your professional licenses, BLS certifications, and performance appraisals are included and properly labeled in your application packet.
Serving as a Staff Physician with the IHSC provides an unmatched opportunity to apply your clinical skills to a unique population. By joining our team, you contribute to the safety and health of the community while growing your career as a commissioned officer.
Why This Staff Physician (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Matters
Practice mission-focused medicine as a commissioned officer with the ICE Health Service Corps, providing vital primary and urgent care to a diverse patient population while enjoying federal benefits and loan repayment options.
Staff Physician (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job Overview
The ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) is seeking dedicated physicians to serve in a non-supervisory capacity across multiple detention facilities nationwide. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide comprehensive healthcare to individuals in federal custody, working within a multidisciplinary team. Ideal candidates are U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers or those eligible for a Call to Active Duty (CAD).
Requirements for Staff Physician (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Must be a U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officer or eligible for Call to Active Duty (CAD).
- M.D. from an accredited U.S. or Canadian program or D.O. from an accredited AOA program.
- Certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates if applicable.
- One year of postgraduate medical education (internship/residency) in an accredited program.
- Current, unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state, D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam.
- Three years of specialty training in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, or a primary care specialty.
- Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification.
- Ability to obtain and maintain DEA registration for controlled substances.
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Physician (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory
- Board certification in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, or related primary care specialty.
- Previous experience in correctional or detention medicine.
- Strong proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to function independently in complex clinical scenarios.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary up to $150,000 per year
- ✓Eligibility for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program
- ✓Potential for additional assignment pay at specific locations
- ✓Federal career stability and benefits as a commissioned officer
- ✓Professional development and leadership opportunities
- ✓Structured, mission-focused clinical environment
💡 How to Apply Staff Physician (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Physician (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory Job
- Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
- Prepare required documentation, including USPHS Promotion CV, professional licenses, and performance reports (COER).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit the full application package before the closing date of September 30, 2027.
- Monitor application status through the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your CV explicitly highlights your relevant clinical and correctional experience.
- Double-check that all three professional references include accurate contact information.
- If you are a USPHS officer, ensure your Certificate of Investigation and recent COERs are ready for upload.
- Clearly indicate your location preferences in your cover letter or letter of interest.
- Apply well before the deadline to account for potential technical delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this position?
This position is specifically open to current U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) officers and those eligible for Call to Active Duty (CAD).
What is the expected patient encounter rate?
Physicians are expected to see approximately one patient every 30-45 minutes, which accounts for both evaluation and medical record documentation.
Does this role involve on-call duties?
Yes, this position involves shared on-call responsibilities among site physicians and Advanced Practice Providers. Return-to-facility activations are rare but possible.
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) play a critical role in national security. Within ICE, the Health Service Corps (IHSC) manages the provision of essential primary and urgent care for detainees in federal custody. Operating in a diverse, multidisciplinary setting, IHSC staff are responsible for maintaining high standards of care and public health safety for thousands of individuals across the country.