Emergency Medicine Physician

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 fiber optic 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

• Tribes: Navajo Nation

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:
  Approximately
  25% of the area lacks cell phone coverage
• Trust and Engagement:
  Historical trauma, cultural differences, and low health literacy can hinder trust in healthcare