Associate Staff Physician

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Associate Staff Physician - General Medicine

Department: Medical Center (315)

Division: College of Naturopathic Medicine, Clinical Care

FLSA Status: Exempt

Full/Part-Time: Full Time

Effective date: 06/30/2026

Supervises: None

Sonoran University of Health Sciences shapes a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, by enhancing the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and by discovering effective treatments for humanity grounded in the healing power of nature. Our vision is a world that embraces the healing power of nature. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the overall environment is vibrant and dynamic, with passionate students, staff, and faculty.

As a private institution, Sonoran University is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community for all. Sonoran community members embody and promote inclusive excellence (IE*). This includes a commitment to respecting diverse perspectives and continually advancing your understanding and practices around equity, belonging, and support for all students, employees, patients, and our greater community. You will contribute to a campus culture that embraces our core values.

Job Description/Summary:

POSITION PURPOSE:

As an Associate Staff Physician, you will deliver naturopathic and primary care services, mentor and supervise students during clinical rotations, and support practice growth. You will provide the full scope of primary care services that fall under your field of training - including diagnosis, treatment, coordination of care, preventive care, and health maintenance - in a patient-centered clinical teaching environment. This role supports continuity of clinical services by providing coverage during scheduled breaks and student absences, providing full family practice offerings including pediatrics, and participates in practice-building and marketing efforts to grow clinical services.

Key Responsibilities

The Associate Staff Physician supports or is directly responsible for the following

• Deliver full-scope family medicine services for patients of all ages, including routine pediatric care, well-child visits, and adolescent care.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate students during clinical rotations; ensure continuity of care by providing coverage during scheduled breaks and when students are not available.
• Provide continuity of clinical services through appropriate scheduling, handoffs, and coverage to avoid interruption of patient care.
• Manage patient panels: perform exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe treatments, and coordinate referrals and follow-up care.
• Champion a culture of exemplary clinical care and patient safety, driving excellence at every level.
• Participate in clinic quality improvement, documentation accuracy, compliance, and safety initiatives.
• Actively contribute to practice growth by participating in marketing, patient outreach, community engagement, and other practice‑building activities.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, administration, and academic leadership to support the clinic's educational and clinical missions.
• Assist with operational tasks related to clinic efficiency as needed.

Clinical Education

• Mentor and supervise students during clinical rotations, fostering a culture of learning and growth.
• Deliver clinical course content to align with evolving best practices and program outcomes.
• Provide timely feedback and evaluations for students, guiding their development as future healthcare professionals.
• Supervise medical students and Residents on assigned clinical rotations in accordance with current course outlines and program outcomes.
• Review and update clinical syllabi in coordination with Department Chair and faculty.
• Modify course content or instructional methods based on student and course assessments.
• Perform regular evaluations of student performance.
• Submit student evaluations, grades and course reports in a timely manner.

Patient Care:

• Provide leadership and act as a consistent resource within the Sonoran clinical system in providing coordinated patient care, including collaboration with physicians, faculty, students, and staff across departments.
• Exercise autonomy in medical decision-making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services, in accordance with Arizona scope of practice.
• Review incoming reports and provide patient follow-up in a timely manner.
• Document patient information and care in electronic medical record as per Sonoran University policy.
• Respond to medical emergencies appropriately.

Experience Required

• Active and unrestricted Arizona license to practice naturopathic medicine and license to dispense. PREFERRED: valid DEA number
• Maintain current ACLS and BLS certificates
• MMR, TB, Hepatitis B, and COVID-19 documentation, as per Sonoran University and clinican policies
• Complete mandatory annual training courses including, but not limited to, HIPAA, FERPA, OSHA, TB education, etc.
• Minimum ONE year of post-graduate healthcare experience required.
• Experience supervising trainees or students; experience in an academic clinical setting preferred.
• Demonstrated ability or willingness to participate in practice development and marketing activities.
• Strong communication, teaching, and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to patient-centered care and clinical education.

Education Requirements

Minimum Education/Certifications Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Working Environment

• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office/clinic setting with periods of sitting, standing, walking, and keyboarding.
• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling of up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to manage rapidly changing priorities and resolve conflicts.
• Regular on‑campus schedule (may include evenings and Saturdays).
• Required to provide clinical coverage during scheduled breaks and as needed to maintain continuity of services and student supervision.
• Expected to provide full family practice offerings, including pediatrics, as part of regular clinical duties.

Background/Screening

All candidates offered a position at SONORAN UNIVERSITY undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. All employees must show documentation of vaccinations or provide titer results for measles prior to first day of work (unless religious or medical exemption is on file). Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position.

SONORAN UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

SONORAN UNIVERSITY is a smoke free campus.

• Inclusive Excellence is the standard set by an organization to intentionally integrate diversity, inclusion, and equity into its organizational pursuit of excellence.

About Sonoran University:

Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a non-profit and internationally recognized higher education institution dedicated to shaping a healthier future. Guided by our mission to support students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, enhance the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and discover effective treatments grounded in the healing power of nature. We uphold our core values: We shape the future, we love, we achieve excellence, we are resilient, and we do the right thing.

The University's College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health offer evidence-based programs designed to shape a healthier tomorrow by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

To serve the University's mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several Community Clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to local underserved communities within the Phoenix Metro area. The College of Nutrition's Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition aims to eliminate traditional barriers to nutritional care by providing personalized and evidence-based care delivered at no cost via telehealth.

The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art molecular biology/phytochemistry laboratory seeks to improve therapies for global health concerns by exploring traditional medicine at the cellular, molecular, and cultural level to create novel botanical solutions that support people, plants, and planet.

The University's Clinical Care branch operates two open-to-the-public clinics at the Tempe Campus. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare for a wide range of patients including but not limited to; family medicine, nutrition and digestive health, mental health and well-being, dermatologic conditions, endocrine and auto-immune concerns, and acute symptoms. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management utilizing treatments ranging from cupping and acupuncture to regenerative injection therapies. The Medicinary is the largest natural pharmacy in Arizona, offering an expansive collection of the highest quality, professional-grade supplements, herbs, and natural health products. Every purchase made at the Medicinary helps support the Sage Foundation and its mission to provide free healthcare to those in need.

Nurture your knowledge, visit sonoran.edu

Benefits:

At Sonoran University, we achieve excellence and shape the future by fostering a workplace where you can thrive and grow!

Our benefits go above and beyond to support your health, happiness, and lifestyle.

Qualifying employees enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, vacation time, 12 paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with a discretionary match, and employer-sponsored life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage.

Every team member benefits from paid sick time, access to Aflac, and exclusive perks like free office visits at our Medical Center and Neil Riordan Center, plus discounts at the largest Medicinary in the Southwest - with shipping available!

Enjoy delicious savings at our onsite café or unwind in our fully equipped employee breakroom with a full kitchen, coffee, and new snacks every month.

Prioritize your wellness with free personalized nutritional care, a yoga studio, a fitness center, and covered parking.

Explore a wealth of knowledge in our library, rock your Sonoran pride on casual Wednesdays, and be celebrated through our employee recognition program packed with gift cards and prizes.

Want more? Access exclusive deals on attractions, shows, shopping, and more through Tickets At Work and LifeMart.

With a flexible hybrid work environment and an inspiring culture, Sonoran University is where passion and purpose meet to create a workplace like no other!

Application Instructions Submit a cover letter, CV/resume, and three professional references to HR@sonoran.edu. Reference: Position Title: Staff Physician, Dept. 315.