5 Reasons to Practice Medicine in Portland, Oregon

Located along the Columbia and Willamette rivers, Portland, Oregon, has a personality all its own. Known for its progressive atmosphere and hipster vibes, the city is the inspiration for the TV show Portlandia and has long been associated with the slogan, “Keep Portland Weird.” As a mid-size city close to the mountains, sea and desert, it offers a geographically and culturally diverse life filled with countless opportunities to try something new.

For people who live and work in Portland, the city provides a relaxed atmosphere that values both work and play. For healthcare providers, there are exciting professional opportunities available in Portland.

Learn more about why healthcare providers enjoy living and practicing medicine in this vibrant, outdoorsy area.

5 Reasons to Live in Portland

Connect with Our Healthcare Partners in Portland

PS&D is proud to work with three health systems that serve patients throughout the Portland area — Providence, Cascadia Health and Central City Concern.

Providence

This not-for-profit network includes hospitals, health plans, physicians, clinics, home health and affiliated health services. Providers can deliver services through two large hospitals in the city — Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. Providence Medical Group also offers primary and specialty services at its more than 90 clinics spread throughout the Portland metropolitan area. There are active jobs available within the Providence system.

Cascadia Health

This organization is the largest community-based behavioral health and substance use treatment system in Oregon. As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center and Federally Qualified Health Center, it provides holistic care, integrating Primary Care services and housing with mental health and addiction services. Job opportunities are currently available to serve over 18,000 patients who seek care with the organization.

Central City Concern

This nonprofit agency is dedicated to serving adults and families impacted by homelessness, poverty and addiction. Through nine clinics and recovery centers, providers deliver Primary Care, mental health, addiction, acupuncture and pharmacy services, housing and employment assistance. Job openings are available to join the staff of more than 900 providers who care for roughly 13,000 patients annually.

Most Popular Destinations Near Portland

Portland is consistently ranked as one of the most environmental cities in the United States. It’s known for being green-conscious within the city limits, and multiple forests and mountains surround it. Residents can enjoy miles of hiking trails and acres of wooded land. But there’s plenty more that can entertain and delight around Portland. Learn about some of the most popular destinations in or near the city.

Mt. Hood

Whether you enjoy skiing or appreciate a breathtaking view, Mount Hood is worth a visit. Roughly 50 miles from Portland, it is both Oregon’s highest mountain and a potentially active stratovolcano (though an eruption is highly unlikely). Standing at 11,249 feet, the mountain offers the only year-round lift-served skiing in the United States, and it’s the home of 12 named glaciers and snowfields. The mountain’s six ski areas total over 4,600 acres of terrain. In addition, the 1-million-acre Mount Hood National Forest offers four designated wilderness areas totaling just over 300,000 acres and 1,200 miles of hiking trails.

Powell’s City of Books

Powell’s bookstore has been a fixture in Portland since the 1970s, when the Powell family set up their family business with the goal of selling used and new titles every day of the year. Since then, it’s taken on a life of its own. Third-generation owned now, it takes up an entire block of Portland’s West Burnside Road, making Powell’s the biggest independently-owned, used and new bookshop in the world. With the aid of a store map, you can navigate through more than one million books across 3,500 sections, three floors and nine color-coded individual rooms. Store pillars are covered in signatures of the thousands of authors who have given readings and signed books there. Book lovers will want to clear the day for a visit, as it’s easy to become immersed for hours among the stacks and lose track of time.

International Rose Test Garden

Flower lovers will enjoy a stroll through this beautiful 4.5-acre garden that serves as a testing ground for new types of roses. Opened in 1918, it’s the oldest continuously operating public test garden in the country and is home to over 10,000 rose bushes spanning roughly 650 varieties. Each year, hybridists send new roses developed by selective breeding to the garden to be evaluated for disease resistance, bloom formation, color and fragrance. Alongside the testing, the garden enjoys over 700,000 visitors annually.

Fun Facts About Portland

FAQ

Why should I practice medicine in Portland?

You’ll have plenty of opportunity to find and develop your niche serving Portland's large, growing and diverse patient population. Build your network, pursue your medical interests and enjoy the support that comes from living and practicing in a big city with plenty of specialists.

Why practice medicine in urban areas?

Practicing medicine in an urban area offers physicians support, resources, growth and many times, higher salaries. Working in a big city will give you the chance to specialize and build your expertise in an area of medicine you’re passionate about. You’ll have the resources you need at your fingertips, including support staff, specialists, labs, research connections and opportunities, and testing facilities — all of which make diagnosis and treatment easier. Urban centers also offer diversity, convenience, and amenities like restaurants, entertainment venues, fitness facilities and cultural events, usually within a 15-mile radius.

What is the Oregon physician licensing process?

The 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 Portland 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 Portland, Oregon and cities across the country.

PS&D supports more than 30 health systems, from Hawaii to Alaska to Portland. 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.

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

PS&D supports more than 30 health systems, from Hawaii to Alaska to Portland. 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.

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