Palliative Care Physician - Optum New Mexico

Requisition number:
Job category: Healthcare Delivery
Primary location: Albuquerque, NM
Date posted: 03/17/2026
Overtime status: Exempt
Travel: No

Optum NM is seeking a Palliative Care Physician to join our team in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Optum is a clinician-led care organization that is changing the way clinicians work and live.

As a member of the Optum Care Delivery team, you'll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone.

At Optum, you'll have the clinical resources, data and support of a global organization behind you so you can help your patients live healthier lives. Here, you'll work alongside talented peers in a collaborative environment that is guided by diversity and inclusion while driving towards the Quadruple Aim. We believe you deserve an exceptional career, and will empower you to live your best life at work and at home. Experience the fulfillment of advancing the health of your community with the excitement of contributing new practice ideas and initiatives that could help improve care for millions of patients across the country. Because together, we have the power to make health care better for everyone. Join us and discover how rewarding medicine can be while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Palliative Care Physician will manage high risk patients coming in and out of the hospital, or those with life-limiting illnesses. The physician will lead the team in high-risk patient care and the transition of care management. They will specialize in medical care that focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms related to chronic/serious illness. The aim is to provide comfort and improve quality of life for those suffering from chronic/serious illness. Palliative care is provided in tandem with regular treatment and in partnership with the patient's primary care provider. The palliative program primarily manages care in the patient's home; however, care may be appropriate or require in- office visits depending on the needs of the patient. Palliative Care requires a coordinated team approach, you must be able to have collaborative communication/interaction with other providers, nutritionists, social workers, nurses, etc.

In this position you will provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of health. You will enjoy working with our established team who are committed to delivering high quality care, adhere to ethical principles, and are sensitive to a diverse patient population.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Support the transition of care management for patients coming out of the hospital or skilled nursing facility. In collaboration with the team, direct and manage a complete continuum of quality-based care within the interdisciplinary team.

• Consult with patients to understand their health concerns and treat patients to provide relief from pain and other symptoms related to chronic/serious illness. Provide comfort and improve quality of life for those suffering from chronic/serious illness

• Consult and coordinate with patient's primary care physician and other specialists as needed

About Albuquerque:

• 300 days a year of sun-drenched and picturesque mountain views

• Enjoy all seasons with mild winters

• A Top City with the Cleanest Air in America, Thrillist

• Top destination for hiking, biking, skiing and running

• Top 10 ranking for America's Best Cities for Foodies, Travel + Leisure

• Diverse Culture - Art galleries, theater, concerts, shopping, music venues

• A Top Big Best Cities for Active Families, Outdoor Magazine

• Top 5 ranking for \"Secretly Cool Cities\", Huffington Post

Compensation & Benefits Highlights

• Med/Den/Vis, STD, LTD, United Health stock options

• Continuing Medical Education allowance with time off

• Robust Relocation program

• Professional Liability Insurance

• Excellent PTO package

• Generous retirement program including employer funded contributions (401K)

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• M.D. or D.O.

• Board Certified or Board Eligible in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine

• New Mexico Pharmacy/DEA Registration or ability to obtain

• Current MD/DO medical license in the state of New Mexico or ability to obtain

Preferred Qualifications:

• Palliative Care Fellowship preferred

• Experience in geriatric care preferred

• Experience in a managed care setting and working with medically complex patients

• Working knowledge of Medicare Advantage Risk plans

• Understanding of HEDIS measurements and delivering value-based care

Compensation for this specialty generally ranges from $229,500 to $378,000. Total cash compensation includes base pay and bonus and is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience and may increase over time based on productivity and performance in the role. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.