About the Organization
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, commonly referred to as YKHC, is a Tribal Organization that administers a comprehensive healthcare delivery system for around 50 rural communities in southwest Alaska with a mission of Working Together to Achieve Excellent Health. YKHC is located on the Delta plain of 2 rivers - the Kuskokwim and the Yukon. It cares for a population of around 25,000 on the YK Delta that includes 6000 in the hub city of Bethel, Alaska. The villages are spread out in a tundra and mountainous terrain in an area approximately the size of the state of Oregon.
We do primary care from birth to death and manage chronic illness across all bodily systems, including hypertension, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and rheumatological illnesses to name a few. We also manage and treat acute orthopedic injuries and manage other types of acute trauma for a population that engages in a subsistence lifestyle.
YKHCs healthcare delivery system includes village clinics, sub-regional clinics in five of the areas larger communities, a regional hospital, dental and optometry services, physical therapy and wound care, behavioral health services, substance abuse counseling and treatment, health promotion and disease prevention programs, and environmental health services.
We offer a comprehensive salary and benefits package that includes: up to a $70k sign-on bonus for physicians, relocation funds, an annual retention bonus, generous PTO accrual system that starts at 4.5 weeks per year, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 10 days of continuing medical education per year. In addition, we have 3 different programs for loan repayment through the National Health Service Corp (NHSC), Alaska SHARP Program, and Indian Health Services (IHS).
About the Community
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, a lowland river delta, is our traditional homeland. The region is approximately 75,000 square miles, roughly the land size of the state of Oregon, with a population of more than 25,000 people who live among 58 rural communities not connected by a road system. The communities range in size from 25 to over 1,000 persons each. Bethel, the regional service and transportation center, has a population of about 6000. From the villages, Bethel is only accessible by airplane, boat, and (in winter) snowmobiles and four wheelers. Cars often use the frozen rivers as roads during winter.
The land and waters of our area are rich in fish, mammals, birds, and plants that sustain us. Our economy is mixed, with residents using wages to pay for the tools and equipment that a hunting and gathering way of life requires (e.g. snowmobiles, boats, motors, ammunition, and fuel). As part of the traditional subsistence lifestyle, the people of our community and region remain very active hunting, berry picking, fishing, and performing daily home chores and work. Our residents remain committed to traditional harvesting activities and to sharing that return with loved ones.
Bethel and the YK Delta are perfect for any outdoor enthusiast who can enjoy hiking the tundra, cross country skiing, kite-surfing, biking, camping, hunting and fishing. Many residents in Bethel utilize our premier Fitness Center/Aquatic Facility. The Yukon Kuskokwim Delta prides itself on its rich Native Alaskan culture, a welcoming and friendly environment, and multiple opportunities to participate within the community. In the Delta, there is a place and opportunity for everyone.