Dream Job: This is a dream job located in scenic Oklahoma. Could it be yours?
The Job: Independent physical therapist to be the sole practitioner at the Choctaw Nation's outpatient health clinic in Idabel, Oklahoma. The facility opened in May 2005 and is outfitted with the latest in equipment and technology to serve the Native American population. Despite the singular responsibility, the hours are regular.
Why this is a dream job: Autonomy - Allows you to give back to the community without sacrificing quality care, as the facility has a full complement of modern equipment.
No worries about typical insurance parameters -The practice is very patient-oriented because care in this free clinic is not hindered by any insurance requirements.
Generous benefits -The position is offered as either a Commissioned Corps officer under the U.S. Surgeon General or a tribal employee of the Choctaw Nation. Both tracks are benefit rich, including four weeks paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance, and a generous retirement plan.
Types of patients and injuries you would work with: Treat all ages from 1-month-old infants to 100-year-old adults with a wide spectrum of conditions. Diabetes and wound care are the prominent issues among
this patient group.
Initial evaluations are one hour, and treatments can flex from 30 minutes up to an hour, according to medical necessity.
Word on the street - what your colleagues have to say about this employer: "
Before these clinics were built, the nearest medical help was hours away. We are really serving a great need here."
"If I think the patient needs more time, I can continue to treat them because we don't have to worry about insurance - the clinics are free to Native Americans."
What you could do for fun if you lived here: For those who love the outdoors, this is a remarkable place to live. The Kiamichi Mountains have inviting trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. This is a special place for bird watching, and is a favored nesting area for bald eagles in winter. Nearby Broken Bow Lake and other area lakes have sailing, water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking.
What you would be paid: $65,000-$70,000, depending on experience level.
Interested? Here's who to contact:
Commander Jill Mayes, Indian Health Service
(580) 286-2600, ext. 1155
