EM Physicians: Practice Above the Arctic Circle | Tribal Hospital in Alaska

Emergency Medicine Physician – Practice Above the Arctic Circle | Maniilaq Health Center (Kotzebue, AK)

Maniilaq Health Center – Kotzebue, Alaska
Schedule: 12-hour shifts (8a–8p, 8p–8a)
Setting: Remote, fly-in only community | 17-bed tribal hospital | Cerner EHR
Patient Volume: 4–12 patients/day (up to 20)

Position Overview

Maniilaq Health Center is seeking an Emergency Medicine Physician to join its high-acuity, mission-driven team serving 12 federally recognized tribes across Northwest Alaska. This unique role provides the opportunity to practice full-spectrum emergency care in a remote Arctic environment while supporting Community Health Aides in village clinics and working with a highly integrated tribal health system.

Key Responsibilities

• Staff the Emergency Department independently
• Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, and chronic conditions across all ages
• Perform comprehensive exams for adults and children
• Provide ED procedures including suturing, fracture care (displaced), ultrasound, EKG interpretation
• Collaborate with CNMs for low-risk deliveries (no C-sections)
• Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives
• Support CHAs in surrounding villages, occasionally via telemedicine
• Work flexibly across clinical areas as needed

Facility & Community Highlights

• 17-bed hospital with modern radiology, pharmacy, x-ray, and POCUS training
• OB unit with 4 beds and 2 birthing rooms (midwife-led, 50–100 births/year)
• Kotzebue: Scenic coastal town 33 miles above the Arctic Circle
• Access to Noatak National Preserve, Kobuk Valley NP, Cape Krusenstern
• Activities include hiking, backpacking, rafting, fishing, wildlife viewing
• Culturally rich community—80% Inupiat, with strong traditional heritage

Requirements

• Board-Certified (or BE if recently graduated)
• Comfortable solo-staffing the ED
• Flexible working across varied clinical settings
• Committed to rural and Tribal healthcare
• Alaska license preferred but not required to start

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate
• Malpractice coverage (including tail)
• Travel, housing, and rental car included
• Supportive community of social-medicine practitioners
• Opportunities for domestic & international rotation work