Associate Chief Medical Officer – Pediatrician | Thrive in Coastal Watsonville, CA

Salud Para La Gente (Salud) is seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate Pediatrician (ACMO) to join our growing team in Watsonville, California.

Salud is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing high-quality, comprehensive, and cost-effective care to underserved and low-income communities throughout Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.

Founded in 1978 as a small storefront clinic, Salud has grown into a leading primary care network with 11 clinic sites and over 400 employees. We pride ourselves on a collaborative culture that values excellence, compassion, and innovation.

Enjoy all the benefits of coastal living — breathtaking scenery, a mild climate, and easy access to Monterey, Santa Cruz, and the Bay Area.

Position Highlights

• Flexible schedule – 4-day workweek available
• Full-time or part-time options
• All outpatient practice (no hospital call)
• Serve patients from newborn through age 21
• Average 20–22 patients per day
• Integrated medical home model with:
  • On-site Dental, Optometry, Behavioral Health, and Community Health Services
  • Healthy Steps site with parent educators
  • Lactation support available on site
• Collaborate with dedicated colleagues passionate about community-based pediatrics
• Opportunities for leadership and clinical impact as part of the ACMO team

Responsibilities

Direct Patient Care

• Develop and manage a pediatric panel delivering comprehensive, family-centered care.
• Conduct exams, order and interpret labs/imaging, prescribe medications, and recommend evidence-based interventions.
• Perform in-scope procedures per privileges and training.
• Coordinate holistic patient care with Salud’s internal departments — including OB, Behavioral Health, Dental, and Community Health Services.
• Refer patients to specialists when necessary and manage urgent situations appropriately.
• Complete all documentation promptly and accurately in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Collaborate with management and scheduling teams to maintain productivity standards.

Professional Conduct

• Communicate effectively and respectfully with patients and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Model professional teamwork and collaboration within the healthcare team.
• Contribute to recruitment and mentorship of clinical staff and advanced practice clinicians.
• Foster partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, and professional societies.
• Adhere to Salud’s quality, safety, and compliance standards, including confidentiality and infection control.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid California Physician’s License
• Active DEA License, CPR Certificate, and California Driver’s License
• Board Certified or Board Eligible in Pediatrics (preferred)
• Ability to obtain/maintain hospital admitting privileges at local hospitals

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fluent in Spanish/English
• Bi-cultural experience serving diverse communities

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $270,400 – $304,337.58 per year
Sign-On Bonus: Up to $20,000 (based on FTE)
Relocation Assistance: Available

Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes:

• Employer-paid Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 19 days per year
• Paid Holidays: 12 per year
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer contribution
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• Voluntary Long-Term Disability coverageReimbursement for medical license fees
• Continuing Medical Education (CME) support
• Eligibility for HRSA’s State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)

Part-time employees receive pro-rated benefits. Employees on temporary or on-call assignments receive holiday and/or California sick pay as applicable.

Why Join Salud?

Join a mission-driven organization that’s been transforming community health for nearly five decades. At Salud, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of pediatric care while enjoying balance, purpose, and the beauty of California’s central coast.

Salud is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Salud is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the Salud Human Resources Department at 831-728-8250 or at HRDept@splg.org.