Neonatologist | Take great care of the patient, every day and in every way

Overview

Neonatologist Opportunity – Help Build a Brand-New NICU in Central Florida Responsibilities

Pediatrix® Medical Group is seeking a Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Neonatologist to join our nationally recognized neonatology team at the brand-new Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital, opening summer 2026. This is a rare opportunity to help shape neonatal care from day one while enjoying the stability, resources, and reputation of Pediatrix—one of the nation’s leading physician groups dedicated to maternal and infant care.

About Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital

Set to open in summer 2026, this state-of-the-art facility represents one of Orlando Health’s largest investments in Polk County, ensuring long-term access to advanced, compassionate care for the community.

• 300+ inpatient beds, 69 emergency and observation beds, 11 operating rooms plus four cardiac and interventional suites
• Robust labor and delivery services, including: 8 labor & delivery rooms, 2 dedicated C-section operating rooms, and 25+ postpartum rooms
• A 12-bed Level II NICU, opening shortly after the hospital debut

The NICU & Practice Opportunity

This brand-new Level II NICU is designed for growth and supported by an established regional network. This role is ideal for a neonatologist who enjoys clinical variety, values teamwork, and wants to help establish best practices in a new, high-quality program.

• Projected NICU average daily census of 5–6 by year-end
• Newborn nursery ADC of 6–7
• ~2,000 annual deliveries
• Support from Pediatrix’s flagship Level IV NICU at Winnie Palmer Hospital (142 beds)
• Neonatologist 24-hour in-house staffing model
• Opening as a Level I with 3 neonatologist staffing model, expanding to a 4 neonatologist model when the unit moves to a Level II in the summer/fall of 2026
• Neonatologist schedule: 7- 8 in-house shifts (24-hour) per month

Why Lakeland, Florida?

Nestled among nearly 40 lakes in the heart of Central Florida, Lakeland offers a lifestyle that blends charm, culture, and convenience.

• Ideally located between Tampa and Orlando
• Population of just over 100,000, offering vibrancy without overcrowding
• Active downtown, welcoming neighborhoods, and beautiful botanical surroundings
• Home to Florida Southern College, featuring the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world
• Easy day trips to the Gulf and Atlantic beaches
• Year-round tropical weather
• Lakeland is the birthplace of Publix
• Major employers include GEICO
• Host city of Sun ’n Fun, the second-largest airshow in the U.S.
• Detroit Tigers Spring Training takes place here
• Iconic royal swans, descendants of a gift from Queen Elizabeth, grace many of the city’s lakes

Join Pediatrix

At Pediatrix, you’ll be part of a physician-led organization known for clinical excellence, professional support, and long-term stability. This opportunity combines the excitement of building something new with the strength of a nationally respected neonatology network. Come help us shape the future of neonatal care in Central Florida—starting summer 2026.

Qualifications

Board Eligible / Board Certified Neonatologist

About Pediatrix Medical Group

Pediatrix & Obstetrix is one of the nation’s leading providers of highly specialized health care for women, babies and children.
Since 1979, Pediatrix has grown from a single neonatology practice to a national, multispecialty medical group. Pediatrix-affiliated clinicians are committed to providing coordinated, compassionate and clinically excellent services to women, babies and children across the continuum of care, both in hospital settings and office-based practices. The group’s high-quality, evidence-based care is bolstered by significant investments in research, education, quality-improvement and safety initiatives.