EMS Medical Director - Aspen Ambulance - Independent Contractor

Aspen Ambulance District is seeking applications from qualified physicians interested in providing EMS Medical Director services as an independent contractor beginning Fall 2026. The estimated time commitment for this position is approximately 10-12 hours per month. Compensation is $250 - $275 per hour, invoiced quarterly.

About the role

The EMS Medical Director / Education Center Medical Director provides physician leadership and medical oversight for Aspen Ambulance District's 911 ambulance service and any Colorado-recognized EMS education programs operated by or affiliated with the District. The position ensures high-quality prehospital patient care, regulatory compliance, provider competency, medical quality improvement, protocol development, and oversight of EMS educational programs. The Medical Director collaborates closely with District leadership, educational leadership, regional healthcare partners, and public safety agencies to promote clinical excellence, professional development, and system-wide improvement.

Responsibilities

EMS Medical Oversight

• Provide medical direction and clinical guidance for EMS personnel.
• Develop, review, and approve EMS treatment protocols and standing orders.
• Monitor the quality of patient care through chart reviews, case evaluations, and quality improvement activities.
• Participate in quality assurance, patient safety, and performance improvement programs.
• Advise EMS leadership on clinical operations, patient care initiatives, and regulatory requirements.
• Support disaster preparedness, emergency response planning, and specialty operations.

Education Program Oversight

• Serve as Medical Director for District-sponsored EMS education programs.
• Review and approve curriculum and instructional content.
• Support student clinical training and competency evaluations.
• Work with education staff to maintain program quality and compliance with state requirements.
• Promote ongoing education and professional development for EMS providers.

Collaboration

• Work with local hospitals, fire departments, law enforcement, and other public safety partners to support coordinated patient care.
• Provide medical oversight for affiliated agencies as assigned through agreements with the District.
• Participate in regional EMS initiatives and system improvement efforts.
• Participate in meetings, quality improvement activities, protocol reviews, and training events.
• Be available for medical consultation and operational support as needed.
• May respond to significant incidents, training exercises, or complex patient care situations when appropriate.

Requirements

• Board certification in Emergency Medicine, EMS Medicine, Critical Care, or a related specialty.
• Fellowship or additional training in EMS Medicine.
• Experience with EMS education or paramedic training programs.
• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
• Current, unrestricted Colorado medical license.
• Experience in emergency medicine, EMS, critical care, or prehospital medicine.
• Knowledge of EMS clinical practices, quality improvement, and Colorado EMS regulations.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong clinical judgment and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Commitment to patient safety, quality improvement, and evidence-based medicine.
• Ability to work effectively with healthcare providers, educators, and public safety agencies.

Work Conditions

• Required to work both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather.
• May be exposed to communicable diseases through normal or careless performance of responsibilities.
• May be exposed to stressful, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous situations.

About Aspen Ambulance District

Aspen Ambulance is a hospital-based EMS system operated by Aspen Valley Health serving approximately 640 square miles, including the City of Aspen and surrounding communities of Pitkin County. We respond to approximately 1,400 911 calls and 200 inter-facility transfers each year, providing emergency response, critical care transport, and special event medical coverage.

• Service Area: 640 square miles
• Annual 911 Responses: 1,400
• Annual Interfacility Transfers: 200
• System Type: Hospital-based
• Service Mix: 911, Inter-facility, Special events
• Staffing: 911: 2 x 24-hour ALS units; IFT: 1 on-call ALS unit
• Shift: 24 hours starting at 7 a.m.
• Schedule: Full-time: 48 on / 120 off; PRN: 72 hours / month minimum
• Overtime: After 40 hours in a workweek
• Advanced Practice: Reductions, RSI/MAAM, Whole Blood, Ketamine, Simple Thoracostomy, Arterial Line Monitoring
• Equipment: ZOLL X-Series Advanced, ZOLL AutoPulse, Hamilton T1 Ventilator