Emergency Medicine Physician at Arc Health summary:
The Emergency Medicine Physician at Chinle Comprehensive Health Center provides critical care in a busy emergency department, managing a range of acute and chronic illnesses for a diverse patient population. Located on the Navajo Nation, the physician collaborates with various specialists and participates in community healthcare initiatives, ensuring high-quality medical services in an underserved area. The role requires board certification and a commitment to rural healthcare, with a focus on addressing unique challenges faced by the community.
Chinle Comprehensive Health Center, located on the Navajo Nation in Chinle, Arizona, is a 60-bed hospital serving as the healthcare hub for the region. The medical staff includes various specialists, offering a range of services from primary care to intensive care and emergency services. Chinle is a Level 4 designated ED with 60 total beds. Urgent Care is located in the ED with 6 beds and is more of a step-down ED. The facility is situated near Canyon De Chelly National Monument, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as photography, hiking, and biking. Transfers are by fixed-wing air and generally to Flagstaff, Phoenix or Albuquerque areas.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Staffing the Emergency Department seeing an average of 10-12 patients per day (busy)
- Schedule: 12-hour shifts (7am 7pm, 8am 8pm, 2pm-2am, 8pm-8am)
- Diagnosing and treating acute, episodic, or chronic illnesses
- Performing comprehensive examinations for adults and children
- Participating in quality improvement/patient safety projects
- Collaborating with physicians and specialists - Gen Surg, IM, Peds, Podiatry, Dental, Optometry, OBGYN, Psych, Anesthesia and Tele-radiology
- EHR System and Technology: Resource & Patient Management System (RPMS), 24 hour XR/CT. Ultrasound weekdays during regular working hours, MRI occasionally on weekends. Sonosite bedside and glide scope with fiberoptic intubation.
Job Requirements:
- Board certification/eligibility in Emergency Medicine
- ATLS, ACLS, BLS, PALS certifications (ACEP members can download the life certs from their membership portal on ACEP)
- ANY US state Active, unrestricted license and DEA
- Comfortability doing ultrasounds
- Willingness to work nights and days
- Completion of a US residency program
- Commitment to rural, Tribal, and underserved healthcare
- Compassionate and mission-driven approach
Compensation and Benefits:
- Competitive pay rates
- Malpractice coverage
- Supportive community of healthcare professionals
Nearest Airports:
- Cortez, CO 2 hours' drive
- Flagstaff, AZ 2.75 hours' drive
About the Facility and Surrounding Area:
- Community Size: Approximately 37,000 active users, 30% pediatrics
- Catchment Area: Chinle and surrounding areas
Challenges and barriers to care:
- Access to utilities about 30% of households lack running water and 10-15% lack electricity
- Economic Barriers High unemployment and poverty rates impact a patient s ability to afford
- Transportation: Over 70% of roads are unpaved, and distances to specialty care are far
- Communication: Approximately25% of the area lacks cell phone coverage
- Trust and Engagement: Historical trauma, cultural differences, and low health literacy can hinder trust in healthcare
About Arc Health:Arc Health is a mission-driven healthcare enterprise focused on serving rural, underserved, and Tribal communities. We welcome dedicated physicians to join us in making a difference.
Keywords:
Emergency Medicine, Healthcare, Navajo Nation, Rural Healthcare, Emergency Department, Physician, Integrated Care, Patient Safety, Specialist Collaboration, Community Health