Correctional Medicine Physician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the role of correctional medicine physicians is increasingly important.

As society progresses, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can deliver, improve, and protect our healthcare systems within correctional facilities.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a correctional medicine physician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of correctional medicine,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we unveil a customizable correctional medicine physician job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Correctional Medicine Physician Duties and Responsibilities

Correctional Medicine Physicians, also known as prison doctors, specialize in providing healthcare to incarcerated individuals.

They work in a unique environment that requires a specific set of skills and knowledge.

The following duties and responsibilities are typically expected of a Correctional Medicine Physician:

• Evaluate inmate patients to assess their health conditions and health improvement plans
• Perform routine healthcare examinations including physical examinations and preventive health measures
• Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient’s clinical problems and health care needs
• Prescribe or administer treatment, therapy, medication, vaccination, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury
• Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with inmate patients
• Monitor patients’ conditions and progress, reevaluate treatments as necessary
• Refer patients to medical specialists or other practitioners when necessary
• Coordinate work with nurses, social workers, rehabilitation therapists, pharmacists, psychologists, and other healthcare providers
• Maintain patient records and ensure confidentiality in accordance with medical laws and ethics
• Adhere to institutional regulations and guidelines for the delivery of health care services

 

Correctional Medicine Physician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Correctional Medicine Physician to provide comprehensive healthcare services to incarcerated individuals.

As a Correctional Medicine Physician, your duties will include diagnosing and treating a wide range of health conditions, conducting routine check-ups, and providing emergency care.

You should have a strong understanding of correctional health care standards and practices, and the ability to work in a challenging environment.

Our ideal candidate is patient-focused, has strong interpersonal skills, and is committed to improving the health and well-being of all patients.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide medical care to patients in correctional facilities
• Conduct physical examinations and interpret medical history
• Diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions and diseases
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests, and provide appropriate treatment
• Provide emergency care as needed
• Comply with all facility policies and procedures, including security regulations
• Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, correctional officers, and staff
• Document all patient interactions and treatment plans in patient medical records
• Maintain confidentiality of all patient information in accordance with HIPAA regulations

 

Qualifications

• Medical degree from an accredited medical school
• Valid and active medical license in the state of practice
• Board certification in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or related specialty
• Experience working in a correctional setting preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work in a challenging and high-stress environment
• Current DEA license
• Current CPR/BLS certification
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screening

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid time off
• Malpractice insurance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Correctional Medicine Physician
• Work Environment: Correctional facility. This role requires contact with incarcerated individuals and may involve exposure to potentially challenging situations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Medical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $185,000 minimum to $300,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Correctional Medicine Physician Do?

A Correctional Medicine Physician, also known as a prison doctor, typically works in the healthcare departments of correctional facilities such as prisons and jails.

Their primary responsibility is to provide medical care to the incarcerated population.

They conduct regular check-ups, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe treatments to patients who are serving sentences or being held in custody.

They also respond to emergency medical situations within the facility.

Correctional Medicine Physicians also oversee the implementation of health programs and prevention strategies within the correctional facility, ensuring inmates have access to necessary healthcare services.

They work closely with nurses, mental health professionals, and other healthcare staff to create comprehensive care plans for each patient.

They are also responsible for coordinating referrals to specialists when necessary.

In addition to providing treatment, these physicians are often involved in educating inmates about health and wellness, helping them manage chronic conditions and prevent illness.

Correctional Medicine Physicians are also responsible for maintaining detailed medical records and ensuring that healthcare services provided in the correctional facility comply with national standards and regulations.

 

Correctional Medicine Physician Qualifications and Skills

A Correctional Medicine Physician should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Extensive clinical knowledge and experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of health conditions and diseases.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with inmates, medical staff, correctional officers and administrators.
• Strong understanding and adherence to medical ethics, particularly in regard to patient privacy and consent.
• Skills in performing routine medical exams and procedures, interpreting test results and determining the best course of treatment.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle stressful situations, as prisons can be challenging and unpredictable work environments.
• Experience in managing health care for a diverse population, including individuals with mental health issues, substance use disorders and chronic illnesses.
• Skills in documenting medical histories and maintaining accurate and detailed medical records.
• Knowledge of public health and preventive medicine, as the physician may need to address issues such as infectious disease control in the correctional facility.
• Ability to provide medical education and counseling to inmates about health conditions and lifestyle choices.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, including nurses, mental health professionals and specialists.

 

Correctional Medicine Physician Experience Requirements

Correctional Medicine Physicians, also known as prison doctors, often require a significant amount of training and experience due to the unique challenges of their work environment.

The journey generally starts with completing an undergraduate degree followed by a medical degree from an accredited medical school.

Once the medical degree is obtained, the aspiring Correctional Medicine Physician then needs to complete a residency program in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Emergency Medicine, which can take up to three to seven years.

Following their residency, these professionals typically gain clinical experience in a hospital or medical clinic.

This allows them to not only gain more knowledge about diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, but also to understand how to work with different kinds of patients.

After gaining some years of experience, a physician may choose to specialize in Correctional Medicine.

This often requires additional training, either through a fellowship program or through on-the-job experience in a correctional setting.

This stage may take another 1 to 2 years.

Depending on the jurisdiction, a Certification in Correctional Healthcare Professionals (CCHP) may be required.

This certification is often seen as a sign of commitment to the highest standards of correctional healthcare.

It is also beneficial if the Correctional Medicine Physician has experience working in high-stress environments and dealing with potentially aggressive patients, as this is often a part of working in a correctional facility.

Those who have more than 5 years of experience in this field and show strong leadership abilities may be suitable for managerial positions, overseeing other healthcare professionals in the correctional facility.

 

Correctional Medicine Physician Education and Training Requirements

Correctional Medicine Physicians, also known as Prison Doctors, typically require a Bachelor’s degree in a premedical major such as Biology or Chemistry.

This is followed by the completion of a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree program, which usually lasts four years.

The first two years of medical school generally consist of classroom and laboratory work in subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, and pharmacology, while the last two years involve rotations through various specialties, including psychiatry, surgery, and internal medicine.

Post-medical school, future Correctional Medicine Physicians are required to complete a residency program, which can last between three to seven years depending on the specialty.

They might choose to specialize in family medicine or internal medicine, both of which are relevant to their work in correctional facilities.

After the residency, they may choose to complete a fellowship in Correctional Medicine to gain specialized knowledge and experience in this field.

This fellowship usually lasts one to two years and offers in-depth training in areas such as substance abuse treatment, mental health care, chronic disease management, and emergency medical care in the correctional setting.

In order to practice medicine, all physicians, including those in correctional medicine, must be licensed.

This involves passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX).

Moreover, certification through the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) in the specialty of Addiction Medicine or the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) can be advantageous.

These certifications reflect a physician’s expertise and commitment to the field of correctional medicine and may lead to higher positions within the correctional healthcare system.

Continuing education is also important for Correctional Medicine Physicians, as they need to stay updated with the latest medical advancements and ethical guidelines pertaining to their field.

 

Correctional Medicine Physician Salary Expectations

A Correctional Medicine Physician earns an average salary of $220,380 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can vary based on factors like years of experience, specialty, location, and the type of correctional facility they work in.

 

Correctional Medicine Physician Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Correctional Medicine Physician need?

Correctional Medicine Physicians must have a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an accredited medical school.

They must also have completed a residency in internal medicine, family practice, or a related field.

In addition, they must be licensed to practice medicine in the state they work and may need to have a board certification.

 

What are the daily duties of a Correctional Medicine Physician?

On a typical day, a Correctional Medicine Physician provides health care to inmates within a prison or jail.

This includes conducting routine medical examinations, diagnosing and treating a range of health conditions, prescribing medication, and providing preventative care.

They may also have to respond to emergency medical situations within the facility and coordinate with other health care professionals to provide comprehensive care.

 

What qualities make a good Correctional Medicine Physician?

A good Correctional Medicine Physician should have strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with inmates and other medical professionals.

They should also have a good understanding of ethical medical practices and respect patients’ rights.

Additionally, they should have good decision-making and problem-solving skills to effectively diagnose and treat health conditions.

 

How challenging is it to hire a Correctional Medicine Physician?

Hiring a Correctional Medicine Physician can be quite challenging due to the specialized nature of the job and the unique working environment.

Potential candidates must be willing to work within a correctional facility and have the necessary medical qualifications.

However, the demand for these physicians is often high, so offering competitive salaries and benefits can help attract suitable candidates.

 

What should you look for in a Correctional Medicine Physician resume?

When reviewing a Correctional Medicine Physician’s resume, verify that they have the necessary medical degrees and licenses to practice.

Look for experience in a correctional facility or similar environment, as well as general medical practice experience.

Specialized training or certification in correctional medicine can also be a valuable asset.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on what it truly means to be a correctional medicine physician.

And guess what?

It’s not just about treating illnesses.

It’s about restoring health and dignity, one patient at a time.

With our essential correctional medicine physician job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make a move.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously crafted listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient treated is a step towards a healthier, safer community.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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