5 Reasons to Practice Medicine in Eureka, California

On the edge of the northern Californian coast and deep in the heart of the redwood forests sits Eureka, California. For decades, this area has been a major destination for those traveling along the historic 101 highway, thanks to its pristine beaches and majestic forest landscape.

For the residents, this city has even more to offer, and for healthcare professionals, there are exciting professional opportunities available in Eureka. Learn more about why healthcare providers enjoy living and practicing medicine in this vibrant and enchanting northern California community.

5 Reasons to Live in Eureka, CA

PS&D is proud to work with Providence in Eureka, California. Providence has over 3,000 employees and 75 locations throughout Northern California, Orange County, the High Desert and Los Angeles County.

Connect With Our Healthcare Partners in Eureka

Within Humboldt County, Providence operates two facilities: Providence St. Joseph Hospital – Eureka, and Providence Redwood Memorial Hospital.

Providence St. Joseph Hospital – Eureka

This facility is a full-service, acute-care hospital that offers state-of-the-art care. It has an accredited cancer program, a comprehensive cardiac department, and the only Level II NICU on the northern coast of California. It’s the primary source for care services to patients throughout the area, and there are active physician and advanced practice clinician (APC) job opportunities available at Providence St. Joseph Hospital.

Providence Redwood Memorial Hospital

Twelve miles south of Eureka in the tight-knit community of Fortuna, California, you’ll find this 25-bed facility, which provides holistic Women’s and Children’s services, Cardiopulmonary services, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a Radiology department, and an array of other services. Physicians and APCs at Providence Redwood Memorial Hospital receive system-wide support from the nearby Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka.

Most Popular Destinations Near Eureka

Eureka has a lot to offer, especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast or just a general lover of nature. The Pacific Ocean sits to its West, while dense redwood forests surround the rest of the city. Residents have access to miles of coastline and numerous national parks right outside their door. Learn about some of the most popular destinations throughout this incredible region.

Redwood Highway

California’s famous Highway 101 hugs the coastline for 935 miles from San Diego to Oregon. Redwood Highway winds through the heart of the majestic redwood forests in northern California and is one of the state’s most popular attractions. While the entirety of 101 is a major draw for motorcyclists, RV travelers and tourists, this particular section is especially sought after, offering jaw-dropping views of these giant conifers — the tallest trees on the planet.

Sue-Meg State Park

Just 25 miles north of Eureka sits one of the top outdoor recreational destinations in all of California. This coastal state park features a spectacular blend of coastline and dense evergreen forests, making it an ideal spot for camping, hiking, boating and more all year round.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

A quick, 30-minute drive south of Eureka will land you in this state park, which spans over 53,000 acres (17,000 of which are considered old-growth redwoods). Within this park lives the tallest tree on planet Earth, aptly named Hyperion. This monster redwood sits a staggering 380 feet tall and has a trunk that’s over 15 feet wide. To keep this tree healthy for generations to come, its location has been kept secret from the public. While visitors can’t visit Hyperion itself, there are plenty of other redwood giants to take in.

Fun Facts about Eureka, California

FAQs

Why should I practice medicine in Eureka, California?

You'll have a big impact on community health and enjoy a strong sense of job security in Eureka, where California's physician shortage has been particularly acute, especially for Primary Care providers. Build your skillset quickly and enjoy the strong support of this close-knit and welcoming community.

Why practice medicine in a rural community?

Practicing medicine in a rural community offers the best of all worlds — you can enjoy a balanced lifestyle, work top-of-license and find fulfillment and meaning in providing care to an underserved area. Rural physicians are valued and respected members of their communities. Fewer specialists and greater autonomy mean your skills stay sharp and current. Federal government programs and many employers offer student loan forgiveness and repayment options to rural physicians. Finally, traffic is light, commutes are short, crime is minimal, noise levels are low, and — in most cases — housing prices are very reasonable.

What is the California physician licensing process?

he physician licensing process for every state requires verification of your education and graduate training, exam scores, references, hospital privileges and any current or past licenses. You must submit proof that you’ve completed all three United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) steps. It’s important to learn what to expect, as the physician licensing process — from when you submit your application until your license is granted — typically takes at least 60 days.

Are physician relocation loans common?

Yes, physician relocation loans are common, especially in the form of medical residency relocation loans. Unlike student loans, medical residency relocation loan funds go directly to the borrower. In addition to moving costs, they can pay for board certification, clinical exams and living expenses. These loans frequently have lower interest rates and are only available to medical residents who can provide proof of residency or internship, such as a match letter.

Some practices also have a set amount of money dedicated to relocation packages. These loans typically cover your expenses for travel, flights, hotels, meals, house-hunting and moving your belongings. It’s important to note that any physician relocation loans you receive are considered taxable income, so plan accordingly.

How do you write a physician resignation letter?

If you choose to leave a job, you’re not alone. In fact, 70% of doctors in all specialties will leave their first job within two years. Writing an effective physician resignation letter is important if — and when — you decide to move on. You’ll also want to ensure that you are legally compliant. Be sure to review what's required.

As you write your physician resignation letter, make sure to include:

• A clear statement that you’re leaving.
• Where you’re going.
• Your professional contact information.
• A personal reflection on your time at the practice.
• Reassurance that patient medical records are available upon request.
• Recommendations for other physicians.

Is Practicing Medicine in Eureka right for me?

Connect with Provider Solutions & Development to learn more.

Our provider and physician recruiters understand the full picture of what it's like to live and work in Eureka and locations across the country.

Want to explore job opportunities in Eureka? We can help connect you to a role that will elevate your career and enrich your life. Let's start the conversation.

PS&D supports more than 30 health systems, from Hawaii to Alaska to New York. We serve physicians and advanced practice clinicians with heart, from residency to retirement so that they can do the same for their patients. With exclusive access to hundreds of positions, PS&D offers holistic recruitment advice and placement that puts clinicians’ needs first.