LOCUM TENENS EMERGENCY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN
Tohono O odham Nation Health Care Sells Hospital / Health Center
Sells, Arizona
$300/hour all-inclusive
Locum Tenens 1099 Independent Contractor
About the Facility & Community
Sells Hospital is the primary acute and emergency care facility for the Tohono O odham Nation, located approximately 60 miles west of Tucson in the Sonoran Desert. The 14-bed hospital provides emergency, outpatient, laboratory, imaging, and limited inpatient services. The Emergency Department sees approximately 10,000 patient visits annually, generally lower acuity, though physicians must be prepared for the full spectrum of emergency presentations in a rural setting.
This position offers the opportunity to practice meaningful, mission-driven medicine while supporting an underserved tribal community in a collaborative, resource-conscious environment.
Position Overview
The Locum Tenens Emergency Medicine Physician provides 24-hour on-site ED coverage, delivering comprehensive emergency evaluation, stabilization, and management for patients of all ages. The ED is staffed with strong APP and nursing support, allowing for efficient patient flow and collaborative care.
Physicians work with significant clinical autonomy typical of rural practice while still benefiting from a well-organized care team.
Practice Environment & Coverage Model
ED Volume: 10,000 visits/year
Acuity Level: Low to moderate
Physician Shifts: 24-hour in-house coverage
Support Staffing Each Shift:
Additional Details:
Diagnostics: On-site imaging and laboratory services
Transfers: Established EMS pathways to higher-level trauma and specialty centers
EHR: RPMS or similar IHS/tribal platform
Key Responsibilities
Provide full-spectrum emergency medical care, including evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and stabilization
Manage adult, pediatric, trauma, and behavioral health patients in a rural ED setting
Perform emergency procedures such as airway management, laceration repair, splinting, I&D, emergency ultrasound, and resuscitation
Coordinate patient care with APPs, RNs, MAs, EMS, and receiving facilities
Document all encounters and orders in the EHR in compliance with IHS/TONHC standards
Participate in ED quality initiatives and follow all hospital protocols, Joint Commission standards, and EMTALA requirements
Qualifications
MD or DO from an accredited institution
Board Certified or Board Eligible in Emergency Medicine (ABEM/AOBEM) preferred; FM/IM with strong emergency experience may be considered
Active and unrestricted medical license
Current DEA registration
Current BLS, ACLS, PALS; ATLS strongly preferred
Prior rural, tribal, or IHS experience is highly desirable
Commitment to culturally respectful care for Native American communities
Compensation & Contract Details
Rate: $300/hour all-inclusive
Provider is responsible for all travel and lodging expenses
Independent contractor (1099) status
Malpractice coverage provided
Schedule Cadence: 24-hour shifts (block schedule 3 4 consecutive shifts every other week)
