Neonatologist

About the Role

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, which opened in the summer of 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.

Facility Overview

Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital recently opened in the summer of 2026, representing one of Orlando Health's largest investments in Polk County. The state-of-the-art facility includes:

• 300+ inpatient beds
• 69 emergency and observation beds
• 11 operating rooms plus four cardiac and interventional suites
• Robust labor and delivery services: 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 in Fall 2026

NICU & Practice Details

The 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 Level II in Fall 2026
• Option to rotate through the affiliated Level IV NICU at Winnie Palmer Hospital

Schedule

• 7–8 in-house shifts (24-hour) per month

Requirements

• Board Eligible or Board Certified in Neonatology

Benefits

Pediatrix offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life, Disability
• Healthcare FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and HSAs
• 401(k) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Voluntary plans available via payroll deduction

Some benefits are provided at no cost; others require a cost share between employee and company.

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 — 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 Gulf and Atlantic beaches
• Year-round tropical weather
• 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

About Pediatrix

Pediatrix Medical Group 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 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.