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Department of Health In Need of Physicians

A nationally observed trend is also affecting New Mexico--the "thinning" and "greying" of the public health workforce. Two of four regional health officer positions and two medical director positions are currently vacant at the state health department. These public health physicians provide direct clinical services and medical direction for essential department programs and services, and filling them will be a challenge, given the shrinking public health workforce. The number of public health workers per unit of population has been falling nationally for the last two decades, as public health workers retire or move into other areas of the health care workforce. 

To help address this problem, UNM School of Medicine has initiated a requirement for all graduating MDs to complete course work for a public health certificate. Newly minted MDs in New Mexico will now enter practice with basic knowledge, skills and experiences in public health, an important step towards assuring a skilled public health workforce.

The Public Health Division of the New Mexico Department of Health has openings for physicians in several locations.  All require a valid license to practice medicine in New Mexico.  Public health experience and/or training is preferred.

Region Health Officer (# 11362), Albuquerque -- Provide direct clinical services, consultation, and medical oversight for services delivered in Region 1 and 3 Health Offices (Northwest New Mexico including Bernalillo County).  Coordinate clinical services in alignment with the Department of Health Strategic Plan and operate under current clinical standards for professional practice.   Promote health and prevent disease through collaborative team efforts.  Provide supervision of mid-level providers and other program specific staff.  Participate in public health leadership at both local and state levels.  Ensure all Department of Health protocols and standing orders are current and followed.  Follow State and Federal mandates, and respond to public health emergencies.  For more information, contact Maggi Gallaher, MD, MPH (505)827-0975 or maggi.gallaher@state.nm.us .

 Infectious Disease Bureau Medical Director (#27756), Santa Fe --Oversee clinical aspects of the Infectious Disease Bureau programs which include STD, TB, Harm Reduction and Hepatitis, HIV Prevention, HIV Treatment, and  Immunizations.  Duties include direct clinical management of New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) patients, development and implementation of NMDOH clinical protocols, oversight of NMDOH-funded clinical care provided by community partners, infectious disease public health policy development and implementation, and medical provider education. The Medical Director represents NMDOH to the public, the New Mexico Legislature, health advocacy groups and the media in matters regarding infectious diseases of public health significance including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS), tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections and hepatitis virus infections.  The ideal candidate will have Infectious Disease training. For more information, contact Maggi Gallaher, MD, MPH (505)827-0975 or maggi.gallaher@state.nm.us .

 Regional Health Officer (#11685), Roswell – Provide direct clinical services, consultation, and medical oversight for services delivered in Region 4 Health Offices (southeast New Mexico).  Coordinate clinical services in alignment with the Department of Health Strategic Plan and operate under current clinical standards for professional practice.   Promote health and prevent disease in Region 4 through collaborative team efforts.  Provide supervision of mid-level providers and other program specific staff.  Participate in public health leadership at both local and state levels.  Ensure all Department of Health protocols and standing orders are current and followed.  Follow State and Federal mandates, and respond to public health emergencies.  For more information, contact Maggi Gallaher, MD, MPH (505)827-0975 or maggi.gallaher@state.nm.us .

 Health Systems Bureau Medical Director (#0001151), Albuquerque – Provide medical and epidemiologic guidance and direction for Health System Bureau (HSB) programs which include, the Office of Oral Health, the Office of Community Health Workers, the Office of Primary Care and Rural Health 0and the Office of School and Adolescent Health (OSAH).  This position serves as the School Health Officer for OSAH, which supports school based health centers across the state.   Duties include: Providing clinical and epidemiologic leadership to the staff of HSB; providing clinical management and oversight of school based health centers statewide, including the development of clinical guidelines and practice protocols; ensuring standards and benchmarks for school based health centers are met; supporting HSB’s development of trainings and initiatives that are data driven, supported by research and influenced by best practices; Facilitating collaboration of internal and external partnerships to enhance access to and quality of local and state health and social service delivery systems; supporting HSB’s alignment with the Department’s strategic plan, and efficient performance of Public Health Core Functions and Essential Services. For more information, contact Christina Carrillo y Padilla, (505) 222-8671 or christina.carrillo@state.nm.us .