Become a Clinical Leader with the Indian Health Service in Mescalero, New Mexico

Are you a dedicated physician with a passion for leadership and community health? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is looking for a driven, compassionate professional to fill the role of Supervisory Physician and Clinical Director at the Mescalero Service Unit. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of healthcare delivery for the Native American community while enjoying the unique beauty of the high-desert landscapes in southern New Mexico.

Job Responsibilities

As the Clinical Director, you will serve as a cornerstone of the Mescalero Service Unit. Your responsibilities are multifaceted, balancing administrative oversight with the practice of medicine. Key duties include:

Leadership and Operations: Directing health center activities, chairing committees, and ensuring the facility meets all accreditation standards set by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
Program Development: Planning and implementing health programs to better meet the needs of the Mescalero community.
Staff Management: Overseeing medical staff, handling recruitment in coordination with HR, and conducting performance evaluations.
Clinical Care: Providing direct, high-quality patient care, including diagnosis and full-spectrum primary care across all age groups.

Requirements

To qualify for this high-level position, you must meet the following criteria:

Requirement	Description
Education	M.D. or D.O. from an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution.
Licensure	Current, active, full, and unrestricted medical license.
Training	At least 5 years of graduate training in your specialty.
Certification	Board Certification (ABMS or NBPAS) in Family Practice or Internal Medicine.
Background	Ability to pass a federal background investigation and financial suitability check.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary package between $200,000 and $350,000 per year. Beyond the base salary, the IHS provides a robust federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, and generous leave accrual. Furthermore, employees may be eligible for student loan repayment programs through the IHS, NHSC, or HRSA, helping you manage educational debt while serving a critical community.

Application Tips

Detail Your Experience: Clearly identify your leadership roles on your resume. If you have experience in managing budgets, personnel, or accreditation projects, make these prominent.
Verify Credentials: Ensure your license and board certification dates are accurate on your resume.
Don't Forget Documentation: While unofficial transcripts are fine for the initial application, ensure you have easy access to your official documents if selected.
Engage with the Process: The application requires specific assessment questions—take your time to provide thoughtful, honest answers.

If you are ready to make a significant impact on the health outcomes of American Indians and Alaska Natives while working in a supportive, mission-driven environment, the Mescalero Service Unit is the place for you. We encourage you to apply by November 10, 2026, and join our team in providing exceptional care where it is needed most.

Why This Supervisory Physician (Administration/Family Practice Or Internal Medicine) Job Matters

Shape the future of healthcare for Native American communities while advancing your career as a Clinical Director in the beautiful, high-desert landscape of New Mexico.

Supervisory Physician (Administration/Family Practice Or Internal Medicine) Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated and visionary Supervisory Physician to serve as the Clinical Director at the Mescalero Service Unit in Mescalero, New Mexico. In this vital leadership role, you will oversee clinical operations, guide a multidisciplinary team, and directly contribute to improving healthcare outcomes for American Indians and Alaska Natives. This position offers a unique blend of administrative leadership and direct patient care, perfect for a physician passionate about community-focused medicine and system-wide improvement.

Requirements for Supervisory Physician (Administration/Family Practice Or Internal Medicine)

U.S. Citizenship.
Possession of a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from an accredited U.S. or Canadian school.
Current, active, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state, D.C., Puerto Rico, or territory.
Minimum of 5 years of graduate training in the medical specialty or equivalent experience.
Board certification in Family Practice or Internal Medicine (ABMS or NBPAS).
Successful completion of a federal background investigation and financial suitability review.
Ability to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Physician (Administration/Family Practice Or Internal Medicine)

Demonstrated experience in clinical administration and health center management.
Success in guiding multidisciplinary teams toward achieving healthcare accreditation.
Proven history of developing and implementing patient care improvement programs.
Strong recruitment and staff evaluation skills.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary ranging from $200,000 to $350,000.
✓Federal leave benefits based on years of service.
✓Potential eligibility for federal student loan repayment programs (IHS, NHSC, HRSA).
✓Recruitment or relocation incentives may be available.
✓Comprehensive federal insurance and retirement packages.
✓Supportive, community-oriented professional environment.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Physician (Administration/Family Practice Or Internal Medicine) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Physician (Administration/Family Practice Or Internal Medicine) Job

Prepare your resume detailing clinical and administrative experience.
Click the apply link on USAJobs to access the online application portal.
Complete the required questionnaires and assessment components.
Attach all supporting documentation, including transcripts and license verification.
Submit your application before the closing date of November 10, 2026.
Monitor your status via the USAJobs portal and check for notifications regarding optional assessments.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your resume to explicitly highlight your administrative accomplishments, not just clinical work.
Ensure your medical license and board certification details are clearly listed with expiration dates.
Gather your transcripts early; unofficial copies are acceptable for the application, but official ones will be needed later.
Verify your eligibility for Indian Preference if applicable and include form BIA-4432.
Set aside at least two hours to complete any required USA Hire assessments in a quiet environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, this position is located on-site in Mescalero, New Mexico, and requires a physical presence for clinical leadership duties.

What level of security clearance is required?

This position requires a federal background investigation and a moderate risk (MR) position sensitivity review.

Can I receive student loan assistance in this role?

Yes, the Indian Health Service has student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines, contingent on agency funding and priorities.

Is there a service agreement for recruitment incentives?

Yes, should you receive recruitment or relocation incentives, you will be required to sign at least a one-year service agreement.

What if I am currently a federal employee?

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) announcement. If selected, current federal employees will receive a new appointment, though your benefits and time-in-service calculations generally carry over.

Can I work remotely?

This is an on-site clinical position. As a Clinical Director, your physical presence is required to lead the health unit effectively.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service is a vital agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Our mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. We pride ourselves on an innovative, dynamic culture where healthcare providers work in interdisciplinary teams to address the specific, complex needs of the populations we serve. When you join the IHS, you become part of a community that values service, problem-solving, and professional excellence.