Careers

Description:

Regional Medical Officer

At the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), our mission is clear: to protect and improve the health of all Washingtonians. We accomplish this through a multifaceted approach that encompasses public health services, environmental health initiatives, and efforts to ensure healthcare quality and access. From preventing illness through immunizations and disease monitoring to promoting wellness through health education, we’re committed to creating healthier communities across the state.

The Regional Medical Officer role is a dynamic, field-based position. Our communities have unique needs, particularly those in incarcerated populations, agricultural areas, and rural regions. We’re seeking candidates with a deep understanding of these issues, capable of guiding our team through their knowledge and lived experiences with diverse populations. Washington State boasts a rich diversity in income, population density, language, politics, and race/ethnicity. This position emphasizes equity and inclusion, which are fundamental to our mission.

Position Overview: 

As a Regional Medical Officer for the Washington State Department of Health, you will play a vital role in ensuring the health and safety of our diverse communities. You’ll address the unique needs of populations outside the Puget Sound area, including incarcerated individuals, agricultural communities, and rural areas. Your deep understanding and lived experiences with diverse populations will guide our team, promoting equity and inclusion, which are core values of this position.

In this role, you’ll provide scientific and medical guidance statewide, working closely with local health and Tribal leaders to meet regional health needs. You’ll be a key advisor on public health issues, supporting the Secretary of Health and the Chief Science Officer. Your expertise will shape policies and initiatives that advance the Department of Health’s priorities.

As a trusted partner, you’ll collaborate with various sectors of the public health system, ensuring effective communication between Department staff and external health partners. Together, we’ll improve health outcomes for all Washingtonians.

Responsibilities:

• Supports the Secretary of Health and the Chief Science Officer in advancing the priorities of the State of Washington and the Washington Department of Health in support of our state’s public health system.
• Stays informed about emerging science to support a strong scientific basis in support of emerging issues, emergencies, or other priority issues.  
• Provides evidence-based public health insights within their region including key response challenges during emergencies.
• Collaborate with local health officers and local health jurisdictions on community health improvement initiatives, particularly opportunities that align with agency priorities in equity, innovation, and engagement.
• Represents the agency at regional forums, committees, and workgroups for a variety of public health issues.
• Participates in activities as appropriate to better understand the diverse needs of a region and to build connections and relationships.
• Helps ensure that agency initiatives in a region are informed by a deep understanding of the local communities.
• Assists in the development of evidence-based public messaging and serves as a support for communication in their regional area, including during emergencies.
• Provides regional coordination to agency public health programs to ensure effective linkages with private and public healthcare provider groups.
• This position may provide local health officer services, as needed, to regions or areas that need a backup health officer due to emergent issues or absence.  

Qualifications, Experience, and Expectations:

We’re seeking a candidate who embodies self-awareness, cultivates continual growth, and excels in decision-making by analyzing alternatives and making data-driven recommendations. Utilizing quality improvement tools, fostering inclusivity, and demonstrating organizational acumen are essential. The ideal candidate integrates performance leadership, communicates effectively with diverse audiences, and embraces technology while upholding ethics and integrity. Cultural sensitivity, adaptability to long hours, and a commitment to equity, innovation, and engagement are paramount. With this in mind, the following is required:

• Possession of a Doctor of Medicine degree from an accredited school of medicine or osteopathy in the United States, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized foreign medical institution.

• A Master’s degree in Public Health or an alternative pathway as outlined in the legislation establishing the regional health officer role (please refer to qualifications specified for a local health officer at 70.05.050 - 70.05.060).

• Completion of a three-year medical residency program or patient care training, with a preference for programs specializing in preventive medicine or primary care. (Note: Residency programs involve specialized medical training in an institution accredited by the American Medical Association (AMA) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA)).

• Must be licensed to practice medicine in the state of Washington by the start date or within 30 days thereafter.

• Board certification in various medical fields, including primary care or other specialties (e.g., American Board of Preventive Medicine, etc.), unless supplemented by 3-5 years of relevant experience in science, public health, medicine, or related fields within an institution or organization preferred.

• Bilingual fluency in Spanish/English preferred.