Public Health Physician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

public health physician job description

In an age where global health issues are increasingly important, the focus on public health physicians has never been more critical.

As health challenges evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can strategize, implement, and safeguard our public health infrastructure deepens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a public health physician?

Whether you are:

  • A job seeker wanting to understand the essence of this role,
  • A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
  • Or merely fascinated by the intricacies of public health,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable public health physician job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Public Health Physician Duties and Responsibilities

Public Health Physicians are responsible for protecting and improving the health of communities through education, policy making, disease and injury prevention, and research.

They work in both clinical and non-clinical settings, from private practice to government and teaching.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

  • Assessing the health needs of a population or community
  • Developing programs and strategies to address health issues and promote wellness
  • Conducting research on diseases and disease prevention
  • Advising policy makers on health issues, policies, and programs
  • Working with other health professionals and community leaders to implement health programs
  • Providing expertise in a variety of public health areas, such as infectious diseases, emergency preparedness, or chronic disease prevention
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions
  • Providing clinical care to patients in a community health setting
  • Teaching and mentoring students and professionals in the field of public health
  • Ensuring compliance with health and safety laws and regulations in public health facilities and programs

 

Public Health Physician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Public Health Physician to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring the health status of the community, identifying health problems and hazards, and implementing interventions to protect and improve the health of the community.

The Public Health Physician will use their expertise in the field to influence individual and community health outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in epidemiology, biostatistics, and health service management.

 

Responsibilities

  • Monitor health status and identify community health problems
  • Diagnose and investigate health problems and hazards in the community
  • Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues
  • Mobilize community partnerships to identify and solve health problems
  • Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts
  • Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety
  • Link people to needed personal health services
  • Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services
  • Perform research for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems

 

Qualifications

  • Medical degree (MD or DO)
  • Board Certified in Public Health / Preventive Medicine
  • Experience in public health, community health, and/or preventive medicine
  • Knowledge of epidemiology, biostatistics, and health service management
  • Strong communication, leadership, and project management skills
  • Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities

 

Benefits

  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

  • Job Title: Public Health Physician
  • Work Environment: Mostly office setting, but travel may be required for community visits, health programs, and meetings.
  • Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Public Health.
  • Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
  • Pay Range: $180,000 minimum to $250,000 maximum
  • Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
  • 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 Public Health Physician Do?

Public Health Physicians are specialized medical practitioners who focus on improving and protecting the health of the community.

They are largely involved in the areas of policy-making, research, and education.

They monitor and diagnose the health concerns of the community to determine risk factors and patterns.

They develop and implement strategies to control or eliminate these health issues.

These doctors often work with other public health officials and community leaders to implement health programs that promote wellness and prevent diseases.

Public Health Physicians are also engaged in educating the public about health issues.

They often conduct seminars, presentations, or write articles about various health topics.

These physicians often serve as health consultants to policy makers, helping them understand the health implications of various policy decisions.

They also play a crucial role in disaster management, planning and implementing strategies to manage health crises, such as epidemics or natural disasters.

In some cases, they may also provide direct medical care to patients, especially in underserved or underprivileged communities.

They are often employed by government agencies, universities, or non-profit organizations dedicated to public health.

 

Public Health Physician Qualifications and Skills

Public Health Physicians should have a wide range of qualifications and skills that enable them to fulfill the diverse needs of their roles, such as:

  • Medical expertise and knowledge to understand the various diseases and health conditions affecting the public, as well as the skills to develop, implement, and monitor the effectiveness of public health programs and initiatives.
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to interpret and use data for public health planning and decision-making.
  • Strong leadership skills to lead public health teams, coordinate with other healthcare professionals, and manage public health campaigns and programs effectively.
  • Excellent communication skills to articulate complex health concepts and information to diverse audiences, from medical professionals to the general public.
  • Interpersonal skills to work effectively with communities, partner organizations, and health department staff.
  • Research skills to keep abreast of the latest public health research, trends, and best practices.
  • Strong ethical standards to ensure privacy and confidentiality in handling patient and community health data.
  • Time management and organizational skills to manage multiple projects, tasks, and priorities in a fast-paced public health environment.

 

Public Health Physician Experience Requirements

Public Health Physicians typically require a medical degree, which includes 4 years of undergraduate study, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 7 years of internship and residency.

This equates to at least 11 to 15 years of education and practical experience.

During their years of medical school and internship, future Public Health Physicians are exposed to various areas of medicine and gain valuable experience in diagnosing and treating illnesses.

They also learn about public health and preventive medicine.

Entry-level Public Health Physicians may have completed a fellowship in public health, preventive medicine, or a related field.

This provides them with experience in public health practice, research, and policy-making.

Public Health Physicians with 5 to 10 years of experience may have worked in various sectors such as government agencies, healthcare organizations, or non-profit organizations.

They might have experience in implementing health policies, planning and managing public health programs, and conducting health-related research.

Those with more than 10 years of experience could have held leadership roles, overseeing public health initiatives, managing teams, and influencing public health policies.

They may also have experience in teaching or mentoring the next generation of Public Health Physicians.

Continuing education and professional development are also key in this field, and experienced Public Health Physicians often have a broad portfolio of ongoing training and certifications.

 

Public Health Physician Education and Training Requirements

Public Health Physicians typically require a bachelor’s degree in a relevant science field, followed by a four-year medical school program to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

Upon completion of medical school, they must undertake a residency program in a general medical field, such as family medicine or internal medicine.

This usually lasts three to seven years, depending on the specialty.

Following this general residency, aspiring Public Health Physicians must further specialize by completing a two to three-year fellowship in public health and general preventive medicine.

All states require Public Health Physicians to be licensed, which entails passing a series of written and practical exams.

Some states may also require a specific license to practice public health.

Public Health Physicians are also advised to become board certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine.

This indicates high standards of knowledge and expertise in the field of public health.

Continued education is important in this field to stay updated on the latest health trends and threats.

Many physicians opt for additional qualifications such as a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) or a similar qualification in epidemiology, health services, biostatistics, or health administration and policy.

Having a master’s degree and/or certification may also indicate a candidate’s leadership potential and dedication to ongoing learning.

 

Public Health Physician Salary Expectations

A Public Health Physician earns an average salary of $184,150 (USD) per year.

However, this wage can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, specific skill sets, the region in which they are based, and the size and type of their employer.

 

Public Health Physician Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Public Health Physician need?

A Public Health Physician should have a medical degree from a recognized institution and have completed a residency in a relevant field such as family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatrics.

Additionally, they should have a Master’s degree in Public Health or equivalent and should be licensed to practice medicine.

Board certification in Public Health and General Preventive Medicine is also highly desirable.

 

What are the daily duties of a Public Health Physician?

A Public Health Physician’s daily duties might include conducting research, analyzing and interpreting health data, developing health policies, planning appropriate health services, and educating the public on health issues.

They may also provide medical care in the event of public health emergencies or outbreaks.

Working collaboratively with other health professionals, government agencies, and community organizations is a key part of their role.

 

What skills does a Public Health Physician need?

Public Health Physicians need a deep understanding of epidemiology and public health principles.

They should possess strong analytical skills to interpret and use data effectively.

They must have excellent communication skills to convey health information to the public, health professionals, and policymakers.

Leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and cultural competence are also essential for this role.

 

Is it difficult to hire Public Health Physicians?

Hiring Public Health Physicians can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and skills required for the role.

It requires a candidate with a unique combination of medical expertise, public health knowledge, and leadership abilities.

Additionally, there may be a limited pool of candidates as the field is specialized.

 

What qualities make a good Public Health Physician?

A good Public Health Physician is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of entire communities, not just individual patients.

They are proactive and capable of addressing health disparities and implementing strategies to improve health outcomes.

They also need to be compassionate, empathetic, and able to work effectively in diverse cultural settings.

Keeping up-to-date with the latest research and developments in public health is also an important quality.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the integral role of a public health physician.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about treating patients.

It’s about shaping the health of the community, one patient at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive public health physician job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take the plunge.

But why halt here?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for crafting spot-on job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Just remember:

Every patient you treat contributes to the larger picture of community health.

Let’s create a healthier future. Together.

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