Advance Your Career: Physician (Psychiatry) at Naval Medical Center San Diego
Are you a skilled psychiatrist dedicated to providing high-quality care? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a talented Physician (Psychiatry) to join the team at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide essential mental health services to the military community while working in one of the most prestigious medical settings in the country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Psychiatrist at the Naval Medical Center, you will be on the front lines of mental health care. Key responsibilities include:
- Patient Care: Delivering psychiatric medical care to a diverse patient demographic with varying levels of complexity.
- Evaluations: Conducting comprehensive biopsychosocial evaluations, integrating laboratory, EKG, psychological testing, and clinical findings.
- Treatment Planning: Prescribing appropriate pharmacological treatments and developing long-term rehabilitation plans.
- Collaboration: Providing necessary referrals to specialized providers within and outside the medical facility.
- Innovation: Participating in research activities, including testing and evaluating innovative psychiatric therapies.
Requirements
You must meet the following criteria to be considered for this role:
- Education: A Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine degree from an accredited institution.
- Licensure: An active, full, and unrestricted medical license.
- Training: Completion of a one-year internship/residency and specific accredited residency training in Psychiatry.
- Clearance: Ability to pass a background check and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a highly competitive salary range. Below is a comparison of compensation factors for federal physicians:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $145,000 - $335,000 |
| Benefits | Comprehensive Health/Retirement |
| Malpractice | Covered by Federal Tort Claims Act |
| Flexibility | Advanced leave/Advanced in hire options |
How to Apply
Applying for federal positions requires precision. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less, using clear, plain language that outlines your relevant clinical experience. You must also include your medical license in your application package. All applications must be submitted via the official USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the health and well-being of those who serve our country. With a competitive salary, professional protections, and a supportive environment, the Naval Medical Center San Diego is an ideal setting for a physician to thrive.
Why This Physician (Psychiatry) Job Matters
Transform lives and support our service members at the prestigious Naval Medical Center in beautiful San Diego. Join the Defense Health Agency as a Physician (Psychiatry) and provide world-class care where it matters most.
Physician (Psychiatry) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated Physician (Psychiatry) to join the team at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California. In this role, you will provide comprehensive psychiatric care, conduct thorough biopsychosocial evaluations, and develop tailored treatment plans for a diverse patient population. This is a unique opportunity to work within a robust, integrated healthcare system that serves our nation's heroes and their families. As a federal civilian provider, you benefit from professional support under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Requirements for Physician (Psychiatry)
- 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
- Completion of at least one year of supervised clinical internship or residency
- Successful completion of accredited residency training in Psychiatry
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Psychiatry)
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing innovative psychiatric therapies
- Strong clinical background in multidisciplinary biopsychosocial evaluations
- Proven history of effective collaboration with diverse medical and mental health care teams
- Excellent communication skills for patient rehabilitation planning
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
- ✓Professional liability coverage via the Federal Tort Claims Act
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
- ✓Opportunities for advanced leave accrual
- ✓Advanced-in-hire salary determination
- ✓Supportive work environment dedicated to service member health
💡 How to Apply Physician (Psychiatry) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Psychiatry) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the application link.
- Upload your medical license, transcripts, and any applicable performance appraisals.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less; longer resumes will be excluded.
- Use plain language and avoid internal acronyms.
- Include specific start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for all experience.
- Ensure your medical license is clearly scanned and included with your package.
- Double-check your questionnaire responses before final submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is malpractice insurance required?
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 salary?
Initial job offers do not include a specific salary quote. Once an offer is accepted, an Activity Compensation Panel determines base and market pay based on qualifications.
Is this position eligible for relocation incentives?
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, subject to agency determination.
Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is an integrated combat support agency that enables the military medical services to provide a medically ready force and a ready medical force. The Agency manages one of the largest healthcare systems in the world, serving millions of uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. Working with the DHA means you are a strategic partner in global medical readiness.