Physician / Assistant Professor - Emergency Medicine (Astoria, OR)
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Astoria, OR, 97103
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 1 January 2026
Department Overview
About Columbia Memorial HospitalColumbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) is the fastest-growing rural hospital in Oregon, proudly serving the healthcare needs of the northern Oregon coast. In partnership with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), CMH provides exceptional, person-centered care as a not-for-profit, independent, Planetree Gold-Certified organization.
As a full-service Critical Access Hospital, CMH is committed to combining clinical excellence with community-focused care. The hospital and its expanding network of clinics employ over 900 dedicated professionals, including more than 100 physicians and advanced practice providers across surgical, non-surgical, and primary care specialties.
CMH has also been recognized nationally as one of the “Most Wired” Critical Access Hospitals, demonstrating its leadership in healthcare technology and innovation.
Emergency Department OverviewThe Columbia Memorial Hospital Emergency Department serves approximately 17,000 patients annually within an 9 bed facility that functions as the region’s Level III trauma-designated center. Despite its size, the department handles high-acuity cases and operates with outstanding efficiency and clinical quality metrics.
The ED’s single-practice model fosters strong collaboration between providers and nursing staff, supported by highly engaged hospital leadership. The department operates with three 8-hour physician shifts daily (6 a.m.–2 p.m., 2 p.m.–9 p.m., and 9 p.m.–6 a.m.), with three days each week of additional 8-hour physician coverage to accommodate volume and acuity. The staffing structure also inlcude seven days a week of 10hr. daily APP coverage. This structure ensures continuous, comprehensive emergency care for the community.
The physician group includes thirteen board-certified emergency physicians. Six live locally in Astoria, while others balance practice between CMH and larger regional centers such as Adventist Health Portland and Hillsboro Medical Center. Engagement, teamwork, and clinical excellence define the group’s culture.
CMH also serves as a rotation site for second-year Emergency Medicine residents and elective third year, offering a month-long rural medicine elective that consistently receives top evaluations for educational quality, clinical exposure, and mentorship.
Why Astoria, Oregon?Astoria, Oregon has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best small towns to live in by national publications. Nestled at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria offers a rare blend of coastal beauty, rich history, and vibrant community life.
Residents enjoy easy access to world-class outdoor recreation—including hiking, fishing, kayaking, cycling, beachcombing, and surfing—along with a thriving arts scene, historic architecture, and award-winning dining. The welcoming, small-town atmosphere and strong community values make Astoria an ideal place to live, work, and grow professionally and personally.
Function/Duties of Position
Provide high-quality emergency medical care to patients of all ages in a rural critical access setting. Evaluate, stabilize, and manage acute and emergent conditions, including trauma, medical, surgical, and behavioral health cases. Work collaboratively with nursing staff, consultants, and hospital leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and compassionate care. Participate in quality improvement, documentation, and patient safety initiatives, and support resident education during OHSU Emergency Medicine rotations.
Required Qualifications
Education & Certification:
• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or equivalent• Completion of an Emergency Medicine Residency• Current certifications in:
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) — at least once
• Board Certified or Board Eligible by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) or the American Board of Osteopathic Emergency Medicine (ABOEM)
Licensure & Credentialing:
• Current, unlimited Oregon medical license (MD or equivalent) required prior to start date• Must complete credentialing and receive approval from the CMH Professional and Hospital Board to practice independently in an acute care/emergency setting• Must be registered with the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and authorized to prescribe medications prior to start date
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Demonstrated ability to meet standards of performance as required by law and professional practice• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet inflexible deadlines• Excellent verbal and written communication skills• Proficiency in the use of computing hardware and software, including electronic medical records, word processing, and spreadsheets• Reliable and consistent attendance
All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
Astoria’s emergency medicine physician roles attract a moderate number of applicants due to its rural setting combined with OHSU partnership. The demand for skilled emergency physicians remains strong, driven by Columbia Memorial Hospital’s trauma designation and community growth, making it a promising yet competitive opportunity locally.
Beyond board certification by ABEM or ABOEM, certifications like PALS, ACLS, NRP, and ATLS are highly valued in Oregon’s rural emergency settings. These ensure physicians can handle diverse trauma and pediatric emergencies effectively, aligning with Columbia Memorial Hospital’s high clinical standards.
This hybrid role blends clinical duties with academic mentorship, requiring provision of emergency care alongside teaching second and third-year residents during OHSU rotations. Physicians must balance direct patient management with educational leadership, fostering clinical excellence within a rural hospital context.
Physicians need to efficiently triage and stabilize high-acuity cases within limited bed capacity, collaborate tightly with nursing staff, and adapt to fluctuating patient volumes. Managing trauma cases in a rural setting demands strong decision-making and resourcefulness under pressure.
Providers benefit from clinical practice combined with academic advancement through teaching, research opportunities, and leadership roles in quality improvement. The collaboration with a major university enables professional development beyond traditional clinical tracks, fostering expertise in rural emergency medicine.
OHSU partners closely with Columbia Memorial Hospital to deliver cutting-edge emergency care while supporting rural health education. Physicians in this role engage in community health initiatives, collaborate with regional centers, and contribute to a culture emphasizing clinical excellence and rural healthcare innovation.
This position emphasizes rural healthcare delivery with a focus on multidisciplinary teamwork in a smaller, critical access hospital setting. Unlike urban centers, it offers broader scope per provider, direct involvement in resident education, and unique challenges tied to limited resources and community-based care.
Emergency medicine assistant professors in Astoria typically earn between $220,000 and $270,000 annually, reflecting rural cost-of-living adjustments and academic responsibilities. Compensation packages may also include benefits tailored to support physicians working in critical access hospitals.
Physicians can enjoy a balanced lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation like fishing and hiking after shifts. The small-town atmosphere fosters close community ties, which can enhance job satisfaction, although on-call demands and trauma cases require resilience and effective time management.
OHSU actively promotes diversity and inclusion through affirmative action policies, encouraging applicants from varied backgrounds. This commitment enriches the academic environment and ensures culturally competent care, aligning with the hospital’s values in serving the northern Oregon coastal population.