HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital — the region's only Level II Trauma Center — is recruiting a board-certified or board-eligible Anesthesiologist to join an established care team model on Florida's Emerald Coast. This is a "Nighthawk" anesthesiology opportunity with a compelling 1-week-on / 1-week-off schedule, a high-acuity surgical program spanning cardiac, trauma, OB, and neurosurgery, and a start-date bonus of up to $125,000 for cardiac-capable candidates.
Perks and Benefits
- Start-date bonus of up to $125,000 for candidates with cardiac anesthesia capability
- Competitive base compensation package
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- CME allowance
- Fidelity 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid professional liability insurance with tail coverage
- Florida has no state income tax, providing a meaningful take-home pay advantage
Practice Highlights
- 1-week-on / 1-week-off ("Nighthawk") schedule — structured, predictable time away from practice
- Care team model composed of 9 anesthesiologists and 25 APPs
- 24-hour in-house OB CRNA coverage supporting around-the-clock obstetric anesthesia
- Broad case mix: trauma, orthopedic/spine, general surgery, vascular, GYN, urology, OB, GI, and cath lab
- Robust cardiothoracic surgical program with a dedicated cardiovascular OR team and a highly regarded open-heart program
- Accredited Chest Pain Center with full-spectrum cardiac services
- 330-bed full-service acute care facility — the region's only Level II Trauma Center
- State-of-the-art operating rooms including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive surgery capability, plus a specialized surgical recovery unit
- Neurosurgery program on-site
- Additional service lines: cardiovascular ICU, neonatal ICU, Primary Stroke Center, inpatient rehabilitation, behavioral health, and a comprehensive emergency department with main, pediatric, and express ER tracks
- Regional referral catchment serving the Emerald Coast and surrounding tri-county area of Northwest Florida
Qualifications
- Board certification or board eligibility in Anesthesiology (American Board of Anesthesiology)
- Completion of an ACGME-accredited Anesthesiology residency
- Cardiac anesthesia capability strongly preferred and directly tied to the maximum start-date bonus
- Active Florida medical license or eligibility to obtain
- Comfort with high-acuity, multi-specialty case mix including trauma, OB, and complex surgical procedures
About the Community
Fort Walton Beach sits along Florida's Emerald Coast, where sugar-white sand beaches and clear Gulf waters define everyday life — with year-round access to swimming, fishing, kayaking, boating, and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The area is consistently recognized as family-friendly, with top-rated schools, a low cost of living relative to other Florida coastal markets, and the added financial benefit of no state income tax. The local economy is anchored by a strong defense presence — Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field are nearby — alongside growing tourism and technology sectors, and the cultural calendar includes events like the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival and a thriving farmers market scene.