Rheumatology Physician

Located in the highly desirable coastal community of Naples, Florida (service area of 150,000+), this opportunity offers a rare combination of a premier location and unmatched market demand. Currently, new rheumatology patients face a 3-4 month wait time. This creates an immediate, massive surplus of accessible patient volume.

Backed by Meliora Healthcare an independent multispecialty group and an established community referral network of over 400 PCPs, 60+ orthopedic providers, and 75+ dermatologists, the incoming physician will step into an environment primed for rapid practice growth with a projected 3-6 month ramp-up.

Scope of the Position: Practice Building & Clinical Autonomy

As the first Rheumatologist to join Meliora Healthcare, you will have the autonomy to design and build the service line footprint.

• 100% Outpatient Focus: The practice is strictly outpatient, with highly flexible scheduling options, including a potential 4-day workweek.
• Minimal Call Burden: Call is exceptionally light, primarily telephonic, and limited to established solo practice patients. Routine, non-emergent hospital consults are available (and compensated separately), but there is zero ER call.
• Service Line Development: The group provides full runway to build ancillary services. You will have the opportunity to develop an in-house infusion center, implement musculoskeletal ultrasound, and perform joint injections/aspirations.
• Subspecialty Niches: While general rheumatology is required, there is full support to develop specialized multidisciplinary clinics or focus on specific interests (e.g., Inflammatory Arthritis, Lupus, Osteoporosis).
• Dedicated Resources: Step into dedicated clinic space equipped with Athena EMR, supported by an existing prior authorization/nurse navigator team, dedicated RN/MA staff, onsite DEXA scanning, and MRI access.

Scope of the Position: Academic Leadership (GME)

Beyond private practice development, this role carries a mandatory and highly rewarding academic scope. Because integrating with the GME program is an absolute must for this position, the incoming physician will serve as Core Faculty and hold an administrative/teaching role within the newly founded Physicians Regional Internal Medicine Residency Program, directly shaping the next generation of physicians.

Compensation & Partnership Scope

• Financial Autonomy: Highly competitive base salary/income guarantee with physician partners.
• GME leadership: Stipend available for administrative and clinical teaching of Internal Medicine residency students
• Partnership Track: Direct, defined pathway to practice partnership.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Includes relocation assistance, student loan repayment, and a dedicated clinic infrastructure to ensure financial viability and high earning potential.

Candidate Profile

• Mandatory Academic Interest: Must be fully committed to fulfilling the GME teaching and administrative requirements.
• MD or DO with successful completion of a Rheumatology Fellowship.
• Board Certified or Board Eligible in Rheumatology.
• Entrepreneurial drive: Must be excited by the scope of building a program from the ground up rather than plugging into a rigid, existing structure.
• Open to both experienced providers and 2027 new graduates.
• Note: J-1/H-1B visa sponsorship is not available.

Physicians Regional Healthcare System - Collier Boulevard, a 130-bed hospital, is one of two hospital campuses that make up Physicians Regional Healthcare System in Naples, Florida. The Collier Boulevard campus provides inpatient and outpatient medical services and works in coordination with the Pine Ridge campus to deliver comprehensive healthcare services to residents and visitors throughout Southwest Florida. Together, the two campuses expand access to care and offer complementary services across the Naples region.

Naples is one of the fastest-growing communities in Southwest Florida and is known for its Gulf Coast beaches, world-class dining, shopping, cultural amenities, and extensive golf offerings. Residents enjoy access to the Everglades, arts and cultural events, and a lifestyle that blends small-town charm with metropolitan conveniences.