Serving Those Who Serve: Physician Careers at Fort Drum
Are you a dedicated physician looking to transition into a career where your clinical expertise directly supports national defense? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a highly qualified Physician for a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) role at the Guthrie Army Health Clinic in Fort Drum, New York. This position is ideal for medical professionals who value stability, evidence-based care, and the opportunity to serve military service members and their families.
Job Responsibilities
The primary focus of this role is to provide expert medical oversight within the Integrated Disability Evaluation System. Key responsibilities include:
- Providing consultative support to various hospital clinics and community agencies.
- Applying current medical knowledge and evidence-based practice to patient cases.
- Ensuring clinical processes comply with Army regulations and Joint Commission requirements.
- Exercising independent medical judgment in clinical and administrative tasks.
- Referring patients to appropriate specialists within or outside the facility.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following baseline qualifications:
- Hold a valid MD or DO degree from an accredited institution.
- Maintain an active, unrestricted medical license.
- Successfully complete a minimum of one year of supervised clinical training.
- Complete accredited residency training relevant to the role.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Comparison Table: Why Federal Healthcare?
| Feature | Private Practice | Federal Healthcare (DHA) |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | High Premiums | Federal Tort Claims Act coverage |
| Benefits | Varies | Comprehensive federal package |
| Salary | Market-based | Tiered scale based on specialty |
| Work-Life | Often erratic | Defined scheduling standards |
Salary Overview
This position is classified as a Tier 1, Table 1 role with a salary range of $124,308 to $315,000 per year. The final starting salary is determined by an Activity Compensation Panel after an initial offer is accepted, taking into account market conditions, experience, and the specific medical specialty.
Benefits
Employees of the Defense Health Agency enjoy significant federal benefits, including robust health insurance, retirement options, and the security of working under federal government protections. Additionally, the DHA may offer relocation incentives and student loan repayment programs for eligible candidates new to the federal workforce.
Application Tips
- Format Matters: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will be automatically disqualified.
- Clarity: Use plain, professional language. The hiring team will not assume or infer details not explicitly stated.
- Documentation: Ensure your medical license and transcripts are current and attached to your application file before submission.
- Attention to Detail: Verify your online questionnaire answers align with the information presented in your resume.
Serving as a Physician within the Defense Health Agency provides a rewarding pathway to apply your skills in a high-impact environment. If you are ready to contribute to the health and readiness of our Armed Forces, we encourage you to submit your application before the closing date.
Why This Physician (Medical Evaluation Board) Job Matters
Elevate your medical career with the Defense Health Agency at Fort Drum—where clinical expertise meets military readiness.
Physician (Medical Evaluation Board) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Physician to serve within the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) at the Guthrie Army Health Clinic in Fort Drum, New York. In this pivotal role, you will apply your medical expertise to support service members through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System, ensuring that clinical and administrative excellence is maintained across the board. You will work within an integrated healthcare environment that prioritizes evidence-based practice and high-quality patient care, operating with professional autonomy while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.
Requirements for Physician (Medical Evaluation Board)
- 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 from any U.S. State or territory
- Completion of at least one year of supervised clinical internship or residency training
- Completion of required accredited residency training specific to the medical specialty
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test
- Submission of a resume that does not exceed two pages
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Medical Evaluation Board)
- Experience in medical board evaluations or disability assessment
- Demonstrated proficiency in evidence-based medical literature and clinical research
- Prior experience working within military treatment facilities or federal healthcare systems
- Strong communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Federal Tort Claims Act liability coverage
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
- ✓Potential for student loan repayment for new federal employees
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and retirement benefits
💡 How to Apply Physician (Medical Evaluation Board) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Medical Evaluation Board) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less
- Gather required documents, including medical transcripts and professional licenses
- Complete the online application questionnaire
- Submit your full application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages exactly; any additional pages will disqualify your submission.
- Ensure your resume includes detailed dates of employment, hours worked per week, and a specific description of your clinical duties.
- Do not use acronyms; write out professional terms to ensure clarity for HR reviewers.
- Review your application status frequently through your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Ensure all uploaded documents have cleared the system's virus scan before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is professional liability insurance required for this position?
No, federal civilian healthcare providers are covered by the Federal Tort Claims Act while acting within the scope of their employment.
Can I negotiate my starting salary?
Yes, salary negotiation may be available for candidates new to federal service. The final salary is determined by an Activity Compensation Panel based on the specific specialty, grade, and location.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this position is based on-site at the Guthrie Army Health Clinic in Fort Drum, New York, and is not eligible for telework or remote status.
What is the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB)?
*A: The MEB is a vital part of the military disability process that assesses whether service members can continue to perform their duties or if they require transition based on medical fitness.*
Will I need to relocate?
*A: This position is at Fort Drum, NY. While relocation incentives may be available, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized for this specific opening.*
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency is a critical component of the U.S. military, responsible for delivering integrated healthcare services worldwide. By supporting more than 9.5 million service members, retirees, and their families, the DHA remains at the forefront of medical readiness and patient care. Working at a military treatment facility offers a unique environment where clinical excellence meets the mission-focused standards of the Department of Defense.