Physician, Kern County, Street Medicine Focus

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Physician (MD or DO) to join our Street Medicine Program in Bakersfield, Kern County and deliver high-quality, patient-centered care to underserved and unhoused populations. Street Medicine is an emerging specialty, and at Akido you will be at the forefront—combining hands-on clinical care with innovative, AI-driven tools. This role is ideal for a physician who values compassion, thrives in dynamic, community-based environments, and is motivated to make a meaningful impact beyond the walls of traditional healthcare settings.

In this role, you will provide evidence-based medical care in ambulatory and non-traditional settings, working closely with a multidisciplinary care team to address the complex medical and social needs of patients. The position emphasizes direct patient care, community engagement, and continuity of care across diverse environments. At this time, we are only considering clinicians with prior experience; new graduates are not eligible.

What You’ll Do

• Provide frontline care to patients experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and complex chronic conditions, including patients transitioning from incarceration.

• Manage diverse patient panels by delivering acute, chronic, preventative, and palliative care directly in the field.

• Conduct patient assessments, gather histories, perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostics, and prescribe treatment in accordance with California Physician & Surgeon scope of practice.

• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary care team—including nurses, social workers, and outreach staff—to coordinate care for patients with complex and atypical needs.

• Design and implement care plans that support patients as they work toward stability, improved health outcomes, and symptom management.

• Provide clinical mentorship and guidance to other members of the care team.

• Engage in palliative or specialty-specific care planning for patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses.

• Document all encounters to maintain accurate, up-to-date records for continuity of care.

• Other duties as assigned.

Who You Are

• 2+ years of clinical experience providing care to underserved populations, including adults experiencing homelessness, adults with SMI/SUD, adults transitioning from incarceration, or adults with complex medical needs.

• Experience providing care in street medicine or related community-based settings (e.g., homeless shelters, outreach programs).

• Strong familiarity with Kern County medical, social, and community-based resources for underserved populations.

• Comfortable providing direct care in outdoor, field-based settings under dynamic and unpredictable conditions.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to adapt to patients’ needs while collaborating effectively with the care team.

• Ability to travel up to 75% of work time; valid California Driver’s License and access to a reliable, insured vehicle.

• Ability to exercise independent clinical judgment within scope of practice and applicable regulations.

• Ability to support, prioritize, and contribute to clinical workflows and care objectives in collaboration with the care team.

License, Certification, and Registration Requirements

• MD or DO degree

• Active, unrestricted California Physician & Surgeon license

• Board certification or eligibility (see below for specialties)

• DEA registration (or eligibility to obtain)

• National Provider Identifier (NPI) number

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Preferred Specialties

• Family Medicine

• Internal Medicine

• Emergency Medicine

• Palliative Care

• Geriatrics

• Addiction Medicine / Pain Management

• Other specialties with experience in underserved or high-risk populations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with diverse and underserved populations

• Familiarity with value-based care models and team-based practice

• Bilingual abilities (Spanish or other languages)

Why Join Us

• Clinical autonomy supported by a collaborative care team and advanced technology

• Competitive compensation with performance support and professional development opportunities

• Opportunity to impact the health of diverse populations in a dynamic, growth-oriented organization

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Vacation Time, Sick Leave, Paid Holidays

• Life & AD&D Insurance

• HSA & FSA Options

• CME Allowance & Paid CME Leave

• Licensure Cost Coverage

Physical Demands

Most work will be in the field with CalAIM populations (people experiencing homelessness, adults with SMI/SUD, adults transitioning from incarceration, adults with complex medical needs). This role will likely require substantial walking, standing, sitting in a car, and driving in various weather conditions.

Akido Labs, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage qualified applicants of every background, ability, and life experience to contact us about appropriate employment opportunities.