Physician (Internal Medicine)

Physician (Internal Medicine) at Joint Base San Antonio

Prepare to invest in some sturdy footwear because if you're heading to San Antonio, boots are a must! Known as "Military City USA," this vibrant city is a highly sought-after location for military personnel. With a low cost of living, affordable housing options, and no state tax on retirement income, San Antonio offers numerous financial advantages for both residents and retirees. The job market is robust, particularly in government and defense/security contracting, providing ample employment opportunities for spouses and transitioning service members. Despite being the seventh fastest-growing city in the nation, San Antonio maintains a charming "small town" atmosphere. Excellent schools and welcoming locals, many of whom have military connections, further enhance the appeal of living here.

Before you arrive, here are a few local insights: trucks are the vehicle of choice (the bigger, the better), the community has a deep-rooted passion for the Spurs (NBA), and the local grocery store, H-E-B, is a beloved institution. Rodeos are a significant part of life here, and it's important to note that referring to the city as "San Antone" is frowned upon. The city boasts a rich Hispanic culture that influences everything from cuisine to music and community events. While speaking Spanish isn't a necessity, knowing terms like barbacoa, tamales, and cascarones will certainly help.

San Antonio offers a variety of shopping options, including the recent addition of IKEA, alongside numerous restaurants and entertainment venues that contribute to a high quality of life. Families can enjoy attractions such as SeaWorld, the San Antonio Zoo, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and various downtown museums. Outdoor activities abound, whether it's tubing or kayaking on the river, fishing in local lakes, or relaxing along the famous River Walk. The city is also home to museums, art galleries, and historical sites, including the iconic Alamo. Tex-Mex cuisine is believed to have originated here, and the culinary scene is thriving, particularly in the Pearl District, which features several notable breweries.

With over 300 days of sunshine, San Antonio experiences hot summers, mild winters, and pleasant spring and fall seasons. Located in Bexar County (pronounced "BEAR") in south-central Texas, the city is conveniently situated just two hours from Austin, the beach, or the desert.

Joining the Department of Defense comes with a wealth of benefits, including competitive salary packages, paid time off, medical coverage, student loan repayment options, and a retirement plan featuring a Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching contributions.

POSITION DUTIES:

The incumbent will work under the guidance of the Chief of the Internal Medicine Service, who will outline policies and objectives. The role requires exercising independent judgment in the medical treatment and management of patients within the Internal Medicine Clinic (IMC), addressing a wide range of primary care conditions, and providing support and supervision to house staff. The effectiveness of services provided will be evaluated through peer reviews, ongoing quality improvement initiatives, chart assessments, and patient feedback.

• Act as the primary care physician for adult patients with both acute and chronic conditions related to internal medicine. Daily responsibilities include managing complex medical issues such as congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, hypertension, peptic ulcer disease, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and arthritis. This involves examining patients, taking medical histories, conducting physical exams, ordering lab tests, making diagnoses, prescribing treatments, and referring patients to specialists as necessary. Ensure comprehensive care for all patients and facilitate their return from consultations. Admit patients to the hospital when required and oversee their care throughout the healthcare system to ensure cost-effective treatment.
• Inform patients of any abnormal test results and perform outpatient procedures, including graded exercise tests.
• Serve as an attending physician on the inpatient general medicine ward and be available for telephonic or in-person consultations for inpatient care while on call.
• Provide consultative preoperative and perioperative recommendations to surgical specialties and teach consultative medicine to house staff during their rotation. This role includes being on call during nights and weekends when assigned to the consult service and serving as both an inpatient and outpatient consultant for the Internal Medicine Consult Service.
• Engage in teaching activities for residents and interns, contributing to the continuous quality improvement of the Internal Medicine Training Program.
• Participate in departmental or hospital board and committee meetings, engage in clinic Utilization Management and Quality Assurance processes, and attend Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses to maintain specialty-specific CME requirements as mandated by licensing agencies and the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Basic Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Board Certified or Board Eligible.
• Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy from an accredited institution in the United States or Canada. Alternatively, a Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree from a foreign medical school that offers education and medical knowledge comparable to accredited U.S. schools, as evidenced by permanent certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) or a fifth pathway certificate for U.S. citizens who completed premedical education in the U.S. and graduate education abroad.
• Must hold a permanent, full, and unrestricted medical license to practice in a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.

Explore our benefits to learn more about what we offer!