New Pulm/CC Role in Growing Program – Includes US Visa Sponsorship
St. Francis-Emory Healthcare, a distinguished medical center located in Columbus, Georgia, is seeking to expand its expert team by adding two board-certified or board-eligible Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine physicians.
This recruitment effort supports our ongoing mission to deliver high-quality and specialized healthcare services to the residents of Columbus and surrounding communities. As a 376-bed acute care facility and a certified Advanced Primary Stroke Center, St. Francis-Emory Healthcare stands at the forefront of clinical innovation and patient-centered care in West Georgia.
Our institution is proud to be a key healthcare provider in the region, offering a full spectrum of essential services, from emergency and intensive care to surgical and outpatient procedures. Notably, we operate the only open-heart surgical program in both Columbus and the broader Chattahoochee Valley-setting us apart as a cardiovascular care leader in the region.
Columbus, Georgia, where the hospital is located, is the state’s second-largest city and is strategically positioned just an hour and a half southwest of Atlanta. With a growing population and a vibrant mix of history, culture and economic development, Columbus provides an ideal location for medical professionals looking to grow their careers while enjoying a high quality of life.
Position Summary
St. Francis-Emory Healthcare is offering an outstanding opportunity for two physicians trained in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine to join our well-established, collaborative medical group. The available roles are hospital-employed and designed to offer a dynamic and flexible practice model that balances inpatient responsibilities with outpatient clinic duties.
This hybrid Pulmonary/Critical Care opportunity allows physicians to engage in a rich and varied practice. You’ll split your time between critical care duties-primarily in the intensive care unit (ICU)-inpatient consultations and follow-ups in an outpatient pulmonology clinic. This balance offers diversity in clinical practice while ensuring patients receive continuous and coordinated care across settings.
Clinical Scope of Work
The positions offer a unique opportunity to work within a supportive team environment that values clinical excellence, mutual respect and a commitment to community health. Responsibilities include:
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Direct management and care of patients in our state-of-the-art ICU
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Performing inpatient consultations and rounds for pulmonary and critical care patients
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Participating in outpatient pulmonology clinics for ongoing patient management and follow-up care
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Involvement in care planning, diagnostics and procedural interventions for pulmonary and critical care cases
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Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including hospitalists, intensivists, respiratory therapists and nursing staff, to optimize patient outcomes
Academic and Leadership Opportunities
In addition to clinical responsibilities, this position comes with the opportunity to participate in teaching and mentoring within our growing Internal Medicine Graduate Medical Education (GME) program. Physicians with a passion for medical education are encouraged to take on teaching responsibilities, sharing their knowledge and expertise with the next generation of internal medicine doctors.
For physicians with leadership experience or aspirations, there are also pathways to Medical Directorship roles. These leadership opportunities include involvement in strategic planning, policy development and quality improvement initiatives within the department or broader hospital.
Operational Support and Technology
Our hospitalist program is efficiently managed by TeamHealth, ensuring a streamlined transition of patient care and fostering strong interdepartmental collaboration. As part of our commitment to delivering technologically advanced care, we use Cerner as our electronic medical record (EMR) system. Cerner allows for seamless access to patient records, diagnostic results and treatment plans, facilitating better care coordination and documentation efficiency.
Visa Sponsorship
We are proud to be a globally inclusive employer and welcome international candidates. J-1 visa sponsorship is available for eligible candidates. Our administrative team is experienced in handling visa processes and will provide the necessary support to ensure a smooth transition for international hires.
Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits Package
We understand that recruiting top-tier medical professionals requires more than just offering an exciting work environment-it also means providing a robust and competitive compensation structure. Physicians who join our team will receive a comprehensive benefits package that acknowledges their skills, experience and dedication to exceptional patient care.
Here’s a closer look at what we offer:
1. Competitive Base Salary + Incentive Structure
Our compensation begins with a solid base salary guarantee, which provides financial stability and predictability, particularly for physicians early in their transition. Additionally, physicians are eligible for performance-based incentives that reward clinical productivity, patient satisfaction, quality outcomes and participation in hospital initiatives. This model encourages high performance while allowing physicians to increase their earning potential.
2. Sign-On Bonus
To support a smooth relocation and onboarding process, a generous sign-on bonus is offered to successful candidates. This bonus can be used at the physician’s discretion and may assist with personal expenses incurred during the relocation or transition period.
3. Education Stipends for Early Commitment
We understand the challenges faced by residents and fellows in their final stages of training. To ease the transition from training to full-time practice, we offer education stipends for early commitment. These stipends provide financial support during the last year of fellowship and signal our investment in long-term career partnerships.
4. Relocation Assistance
We offer relocation support to assist new physicians and their families with moving expenses. Our goal is to ensure that your move to Columbus is as smooth and worry-free as possible. This includes assistance with moving services, travel, temporary housing arrangements and local orientation.
5. Student Loan Repayment Assistance
We are keenly aware of the financial burden associated with medical education. To help alleviate this challenge, we offer student loan repayment assistance as part of our compensation package. This benefit can significantly reduce the time and financial stress associated with repaying medical school loans, allowing you to focus on your career and personal life.
6. Full Medical and Dental Benefits
All full-time employees at St. Francis-Emory Healthcare are eligible for comprehensive health coverage. This includes:
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Medical insurance plans with options tailored to individual and family needs
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Dental and vision insurance
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Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
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Prescription drug coverage
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Mental health and counseling services
7. Paid Time Off and CME Support
We believe in supporting work-life balance and professional growth. Our benefit package includes:
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Generous paid time off (PTO) for vacations, holidays and personal leave
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Dedicated CME days to attend conferences, workshops or training programs
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A CME allowance to cover registration fees, travel and related expenses
8. Retirement Plans and Life Insurance
Physicians will have access to robust retirement planning options, including:
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401(k) with employer matching contributions
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Deferred compensation options
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Life and disability insurance coverage
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Malpractice insurance with tail coverage included
Why Choose Columbus, Georgia
Beyond the hospital, St. Francis-Emory Healthcare offers you the chance to live and work in one of Georgia’s most vibrant cities. Columbus is a dynamic and family-friendly community known for its rich history, excellent schools and diverse cultural offerings. Located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, the city boasts an affordable cost of living and an array of recreational opportunities.
Whether you enjoy kayaking, biking, exploring historic districts or dining in unique eateries, Columbus offers something for everyone. Plus, the city’s proximity to Atlanta-just 90 minutes away-provides convenient access to a major metropolitan hub without the day-to-day congestion of urban life.
Ideal Candidate Profile
This opportunity is ideal for physicians who:
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Are board-certified or board-eligible in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
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Thrive in a team-based environment that values collaborative care
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Have a patient-first mindset with a commitment to quality and safety
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Are eager to mentor and teach medical residents and students
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Seek stability through hospital employment, with growth and leadership options
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May require visa sponsorship (J-1 applicants welcome)
How to Apply
If you are ready to take the next step in your Pulmonary and Critical Care career while enjoying the benefits of a supportive hospital, growing community and rewarding compensation, we encourage you to apply today.
To begin the application process or learn more about this opportunity, please contact our Physician Recruitment team. We will guide you through every step of the process-from initial interview to credentialing, licensing and onboarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is visa sponsorship available for international candidates?
Yes, J-1 visa sponsorship is available for eligible international physicians and the hospital offers administrative support throughout the process.
What type of schedule should I expect in this position?
Physicians typically have a hybrid schedule, balancing inpatient ICU shifts with scheduled outpatient clinic days, ensuring a varied and rewarding workflow.
Are there any teaching responsibilities or academic involvement?
Yes, the role includes opportunities to teach residents through the hospital’s Internal Medicine Graduate Medical Education (GME) program.
What kind of electronic medical record (EMR) system does the hospital use?
St. Francis-Emory Healthcare utilizes Cerner EMR for all inpatient and outpatient documentation and communication.
Does the position offer opportunities for career advancement?
Absolutely. There are Medical Directorship roles and leadership pathways for physicians interested in administrative or program development roles.
What kind of financial support is offered for relocation?
Relocation assistance is provided and includes help with moving expenses, housing support and travel arrangements.
Are new graduates or fellows nearing the end of training eligible to apply?
Yes and education stipends are available for those who commit early while still in fellowship.
What benefits are included beyond the base salary?
The compensation package includes incentives, sign-on bonus, CME support, full health coverage, student loan repayment, retirement plans and more.
What makes Columbus, GA, an attractive location for this role?
Columbus offers a vibrant, affordable lifestyle with access to outdoor activities, quality schools and is just 90 minutes from Atlanta.