Principal Physician (40 Hour)

State of Connecticut - DOC Inmate Medical Services; Cheshire (CT); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading medical and dental benefits

Extensive pension plan

Paid time off including holidays

Bonus opportunities for recruitment and certifications

Job summary

The State of Connecticut - DOC Inmate Medical Services is seeking a qualified medical provider to deliver critical healthcare in corrections facilities, including the MacDougall Walker Correctional Institution and Manson Youth Institution. Responsibilities include triaging emergency situations, managing chronic conditions, and overseeing various treatment protocols for inmates.

Qualified candidates must have board certification in internal medicine or family medicine, a valid Connecticut medical license, and a background in addictions medicine is preferred. The position offers industry-leading benefits and substantial professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must have board certification and a medical license in Connecticut.
• Experience in family medicine or as an Infectious Diseases Specialist is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality medical care in correctional facilities.
• Conduct emergency triage and manage infectious diseases.
• Oversee treatment teams and participate in policy meetings.

Skills

Board certification in internal medicine

Family medicine experience

Bilingual ability

Education

Medical license and certification to practice in Connecticut

Certification in forensic pathology (preferred)

Job description

Position Highlights

• SCHEDULE: First shift, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• LOCATION: MacDougall Walker Correctional Institution – Suffield, CT; Manson Youth Institution – Cheshire, CT
• NOTE: This is a hazardous duty position. Candidates must complete a 14‑week paid hazardous duty training at the Maloney Center for Training & Staff Development in Cheshire, CT.

What We Can Offer You

• Industry‑leading medical and dental benefits
• Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings, including a 25‑year hazardous duty retirement (State Employees Retirement System Tier IV)
• Paid time off, including 13 paid holidays per calendar year
• Eligibility to apply for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities
• Work culture that promotes a healthy work‑life balance
• CT State medical license reimbursement
• Malpractice insurance covered by the State of Connecticut
• Potential additional compensation bonuses:
  • Recruitment incentive up to $30,000
  • Annual bonus of $3,000 for board certification in practice area
  • Annual bonus of $5,000 for an additional board (e.g., forensic psychiatry, addiction psychiatry)

Your Role

Provide high‑quality medical care to support the mission of leading safe and secure facilities while ensuring the wellness of inmates, staff, and the general public. Responsibilities include:

• Infirmary and in‑patient level care
• Pediatric and youth populations (in certain locations)
• Emergency triage
• Infectious disease management (in certain locations)
• Direct care and clinical oversight of multidisciplinary treatment teams
• On‑call and weekend coverage, including 24‑hour medical supervision of specified patient groups
• Rounds and chart reviews
• Coordination of medical staff with related programs
• Review of treatment plans, medical records, diagnoses, and discharge plans in adherence to policies, The Joint Commission, and Health Care Financing Authority standards
• Education and training initiatives such as grand rounds and case conferences
• Assignment, oversight, and evaluation of staff and on‑site night duty physicians
• Participation in medical and administrative policy meetings, research programs, and treatment development initiatives
• Assessment, examination, diagnosis, and prescription of appropriate treatments for illnesses and substance abuse disorders
• Consultation on difficult and complex cases
• Development and implementation of QA/QI process improvement initiatives
• Preparation and review of reports, medical records, and correspondence
• Utilization review and management functions
• Attendance at court hearings as a state witness

Mission

The Department of Correction strives to be a global leader in progressive correctional practices and re‑entry initiatives, supporting responsive evidence‑based practices aligned with law‑abiding and accountable behaviors. Safety and security remain a priority for staff, victims, citizens, and offenders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Board certification in internal medicine, family medicine, or a related specialty from an appropriate medical specialty board.
• Certification and retention of a license to practice medicine and surgery in Connecticut.
• Must possess a 14‑year medical license and meet any additional clinical specialty requirements specific to the assignment (e.g., forensic pathology, addiction medicine).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as an Infectious Diseases Specialist
• Experience in Family Medicine

Special Requirements

• Temporary Connecticut medical license may be granted for up to one (1) year.
• For the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner: certification in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology within two (2) years of employment.
• May be required to possess and retain certification as a specialist in addictions medicine from the American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
• Must maintain eligibility for participation in federal health care programs as defined in 42 U.S. 1320a‑7b(f).
• May be required to possess and maintain relevant registration(s) and/or certification(s).
• Travel may be required.
• Bilingual ability may be required.

Conclusion and EEO Statement

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. As defined by Sec. 5‑196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. Such a job class is not meant to be all‑inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.