Telemedicine Physician Jobs in Alaska
Find work opportunities and resources for telemedicine physician jobs in Alaska.
Like much of the United States, Alaska is facing an alarming physician shortage. According to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, the state ranks fourth in primary care shortage areas, leaving many Alaskans vulnerable when it comes to accessing health care.
With the doctor shortage expected to worsen, there’s a growing demand for licensed, board-certified physicians in this state. Recent advancements in telemedicine also bring more opportunities than ever before to work remotely and maintain a flexible schedule.
If you’re looking for a virtual care position, read on to learn about the requirements and best ways to find a job as a remote physician in Alaska.
How To Become a Remote Physician in Alaska
If you’re interested in becoming a telemedicine physician, it’s important to know that you’ll be held to the same quality standards as your colleagues practicing in an in-person facility. You must also obtain the same qualifications.
Aspiring remote physicians in Alaska also need to follow the traditional medical education and training path, and be either a board-eligible or board-certified doctor. To begin your journey toward becoming a telemedicine physician, you must adhere to the following:
Education: The first step to becoming a remote physician in Alaska is to earn a bachelor’s degree, followed by a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
Exams: To obtain medical licensure, you must take and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). You will take the first portion of the exam towards the end of your medical degree program.
Residency: After you’ve graduated with a medical degree, it’s time to apply for residency programs specializing in the area of your choice. If you’re interested in becoming a remote physician, then you may want to consider internal medicine, emergency medicine, and family medicine. These specialties are in demand with many telemedicine companies because these types of physicians typically treat a broad range of health conditions and patient demographics.
Become licensed to practice medicine in Alaska: One of the last steps to being able to legally practice as a medical doctor in this state is taking the final portion of the USMLE exam. Those seeking licensure as a Doctor of Osteopathic medicine must complete the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). Once you’ve passed your exams, you must submit an application for physician licensure to the Alaska State medical board. The application fee for medical licensure in Alaska is $400.
Board certification: To become a board certified MD or DO, you must pass the ABMS exam. Note that to work for certain telehealth companies, you may be required to be board certified.
Requirements for Remote Physicians in Alaska
Becoming a telehealth physician is an ideal way to supplement your income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Many full-time and part-time virtual work opportunities are available for MDs and DOs in Alaska.
Once you become a licensed, board-certified physician, you have the opportunity to decide which type of telemedicine position works best for you, whether you live in Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks, or any other part of the state.
Here’s what you should know before applying for these roles:
Work-from-home physicians: As a remote physician, you’re required to provide the same standard of care as you would if you were working in an in-person healthcare facility. The biggest difference is how virtual care physicians meet with patients. Telehealth relies on technology to conduct synchronous (video or phone) and asynchronous (audio) patient consultations. Remember that you can only legally treat patients physically located in the state where you’re licensed to practice.
Additional training: In telemedicine, the standard of patient care is the same as when you see patients face-to-face. Therefore, there’s no state-mandated specific training for virtual care. However, many telehealth companies offer onboarding so clinicians can become familiar with relevant technology and platforms, in addition to best practices for good webside manner.
Necessary documentation: When you’re ready to apply for remote physician jobs, make sure your resume is up to date and that you have appropriate documentation ready that shows your education and credentials.
Telemedicine companies often post open roles on sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. These job posting sites can be a great resource when looking for virtual care opportunities. Wheel matches physicians with remote opportunities, and has an array of positions available for MDs and DOs in Alaska. Want to learn more? Check out this article for tips on how to evaluate telehealth job opportunities in primary care.
How Wheel Works
Wheel is the simplest and most flexible way to access multiple telehealth companies with one platform. We empower physicians like you to build your practice around your schedule and your life. Here, working in virtual care is easy.
Work remotely on your schedule
Design your clinical practice around your life without over-committing to shifts that don’t meet your needs. You design the schedule that works for you.
A variety of care opportunities
With Wheel, we make it simple for you to work with as many virtual care companies as you want, giving you the diversity of conditions and treatment areas you would experience in a clinic setting.
Virtual care made simple
Avoid the hassle of juggling telehealth companies yourself. WIth Wheel, you have one schedule, one contract, and one credentialing process. It’s that easy.
Join the team today!
We understand that physician burnout is real — that’s why our mission is to change the way healthcare works by focusing on clinicians. Join our team of virtual care physicians and find a better way to work.