At Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) physicians play a critical role in delivering high-quality care to a diverse pediatric patient population. With a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center at the Main Campus and expanding emergency services in Avondale, physicians experience a dynamic clinical environment that offers both high-acuity trauma cases and hands-on procedural care.
Physicians at the Main Campus manage a wide range of complex cases, working alongside residents, medical students, and subspecialists in a collaborative academic setting. Meanwhile, those at Avondale provide comprehensive, hands-on care without trainees, allowing them to maintain procedural proficiency. Across all locations, PEM physicians are supported by highly trained APPs, nurses, and ancillary staff, ensuring efficient and effective patient care.
The emergency departments at Phoenix Children’s serve a high-volume pediatric population, with varying levels of acuity depending on location.
Main Campus (Phoenix) – Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center
Avondale Campus – Community-Based Pediatric Emergency Department
Arrowhead & Mercy Gilbert (No Required Coverage for PEMs)
PEM physicians at Phoenix Children’s provide full-spectrum emergency care, from rapid assessments to advanced resuscitation and critical care interventions. At Main Campus, trauma and high-acuity patients receive the full support of surgical, critical care, and subspecialty teams. At satellite locations, PEM physicians have greater autonomy over procedures and patient management.
Common procedures include:
Physicians initiate IV placement and intraosseous (IO) access, but central lines, A-lines, and prolonged critical care interventions are handled by intensivists.
Shifts are structured in eight-hour blocks, with a predictable and physician-friendly schedule:
Phoenix Children’s fosters a highly flexible work culture, making shift-swapping fast and seamless compared to many other institutions.
Phoenix Children’s offers a strong academic culture with no strict teaching expectations, allowing physicians to tailor their involvement to their interests. Physicians at Main Campus work alongside residents and medical students, with opportunities to mentor or be mentored based on personal preference.
For those interested in research or academic contributions, Phoenix Children’s offers protected time for academic activities, ensuring physicians can engage in teaching, research, or quality improvement initiatives without added clinical burden.
Phoenix Children’s is equipped to handle pediatric psychiatric emergencies, with a 23-bed inpatient pediatric psychiatry unit at Main Campus. Behavioral health emergencies are evaluated in the emergency department, with close collaboration between emergency physicians, psychiatric teams, and social workers.
Physicians are well-supported by a highly trained team of APPs, who work in every emergency department and help ensure smooth patient flow.
The Arizona licensing system allows APPs to work under independent licenses, giving them greater autonomy in patient care.
Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced trauma environment of Main Campus or the hands-on clinical experience at Avondale, this role offers a balanced, fulfilling career in pediatric emergency medicine. The hospital’s commitment to growth, professional development, and physician well-being makes it an ideal place to practice, teach, and thrive.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a top-tier pediatric health system that values clinical excellence, collaboration, and innovation. If you’re looking for a high-impact role with competitive compensation and work-life balance, Phoenix Children’s is the perfect place to advance your career.