Pioneering NICU Neonatologist - Per Diem in Central Florida

Neonatologist Opportunity – Help Build a Brand-New NICU in Central Florida

Pediatrix® Medical Group is seeking an experienced, Board-Certified Neonatologist for per diem coverage to join our nationally recognized neonatology team at the brand-new Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital , opening summer 2026 .

This is a rare opportunity to help shape neonatal care from day one while enjoying the stability, resources, and reputation of Pediatrix—one of the nation’s leading physician groups dedicated to maternal and infant care.

About Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital

Set to open in summer 2026 , this state-of-the-art facility represents one of Orlando Health’s largest investments in Polk County , ensuring long-term access to advanced, compassionate care for the community.

Hospital highlights include:

• 300+ inpatient beds and 69 emergency and observation beds
• 11 operating rooms plus four cardiac and interventional suites
• Robust labor and delivery services , including:
• 8 labor & delivery rooms
• 2 dedicated C-section operating rooms
• 25+ postpartum rooms
• A 12-bed Level II NICU , opening shortly after the hospital debut
• Additional specialty programs

The NICU & Practice Opportunity

This brand-new Level II NICU is designed for growth and supported by an established regional network.

Practice highlights:

• Projected NICU average daily census of 5–6 by year-end
• Newborn nursery ADC of 6–7
• ~2,000 annual deliveries
• Support from Pediatrix’s flagship Level IV NICU at Winnie Palmer Hospital (142 beds)
• A collaborative care model with Neonatologists, Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNPs), and Pediatric Hospitalists
• On-call response time: within 30 minutes

Neonatologist schedule:

• 10 shifts (24-hour) per month

NNP staffing:

• Mix of shifts including both 12- and 24-hour shifts , providing balanced coverage and continuity

This role is ideal for a neonatologist who enjoys clinical variety, values teamwork, and wants to help establish best practices in a new, high-quality program.

Why Lakeland, Florida?

Nestled among nearly 40 lakes in the heart of Central Florida, Lakeland offers a lifestyle that blends charm, culture, and convenience.

• Ideally located between Tampa and Orlando
• Population of just over 100,000 , offering vibrancy without overcrowding
• Active downtown , welcoming neighborhoods, and beautiful botanical surroundings
• Home to Florida Southern College , featuring the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world
• Easy day trips to the Gulf and Atlantic beaches
• Year-round tropical weather

Local highlights you’ll love:

• Lakeland is the birthplace of Publix
• Major employers include GEICO
• Host city of Sun ’n Fun , the second-largest airshow in the U.S.
• Detroit Tigers Spring Training takes place here
• Iconic royal swans , descendants of a gift from Queen Elizabeth , grace many of the city’s lakes

Join Pediatrix

At Pediatrix, you’ll be part of a physician-led organization known for clinical excellence, professional support, and long-term stability. This opportunity combines the excitement of building something new with the strength of a nationally respected neonatology network.

Come help us shape the future of neonatal care in Central Florida—starting summer 2026.

Board Eligible / Board Certified Neonatologist

Our clinicians enjoy a competitive compensation package, with many locations offering sign-on bonuses and relocation.

Take great care of the patient, every day and every way. TM At Pediatrix & Obstetrix, that’s not only our motto at work each day; it’s also how we view our employees and their families. We know that our greatest asset is YOU.

We take pride in offering comprehensive benefits in a vast array of plans that fit your life and lifestyle, supporting your health and overall well-being. B enefits offered include, but are not limited to: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Healthcare FSA, Dependent Care FSA and HSAs, as well as a 401k plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Some benefits are provided at no cost, while others require a cost share between employees and the company. Employees may also select voluntary plans and pay for these benefits through convenient payroll deductions. Our benefit programs are just one of the many ways Pediatrix & Obstetrix helps our employees take care of themselves and their families.

Pediatrix Medical Group is one of the nation’s leading providers of highly specialized health care for women, babies and children. Since 1979, Pediatrix has grown from a single neonatology practice to a national, multispecialty medical group. Pediatrix-affiliated clinicians are committed to providing coordinated, compassionate and clinically excellent services to women, babies and children across the continuum of care, both in hospital settings and office-based practices. The group’s high-quality, evidence-based care is bolstered by significant investments in research, education, quality-improvement and safety initiatives.

Please Note: Fraudulent job postings/job scams are becoming increasingly common. All genuine Pediatrix job postings can be found through the Pediatrix Careers site: .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.