Overview
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed VA physicians who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation.
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy
- Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree from a school approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed
- Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth, or in the District of Columbia
- Residency Training: Residency approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification
- Approved residencies include: (1) ACGME; (2) AOA; or (3) other residencies (non-US residency training followed by a minimum of five years of verified practice in the United States) as deemed appropriate by the local Medical Staff Executive Committee
- Residents enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs who would otherwise meet basic requirements may be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs)
- PRPs must be fully licensed physicians and may be appointed on an intermittent or fee-basis
- PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged; they have a scope of practice under supervision
- Additionally, surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Reference: VA Regulations – VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-2 Physician Qualification Standard
- This can be found in the local Human Resources Office
- Physical Requirements: A physical examination prior to placement is required
- Requires lifting 15-44 pounds and pushing (approx. 2 hours)
- Reaching above shoulder, use of fingers and both hands
- Walking and standing for 3-5 hours and kneeling
- Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination; depth perception and color discrimination
- Hearing ability; hearing aid is permitted
Duties
- The incumbent provides integrated outpatient, accessible health care services with their health care teams who are accountable for addressing a large majority of personal health care needs, developing a sustained partnership with patients, and practicing in the context of family and community
- Evaluates, diagnoses, treats, and provides consultation to veteran patients 18 years of age and older with common and complex illnesses and disorders across systems (circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, metabolic, musculoskeletal, hematopoietic, gastroenteric, neurological, skin, genitourinary, and reproductive)
- Provides comprehensive primary care services through residency or fellowship training in acute and chronic care settings
- Completes designated women’s health training and provides gender-specific care, including cancer screenings
- Provides gender-specific care to female veterans
- VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package (VHA Physician Total Rewards)
- Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm
- Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Learn more; EDRP Authorized: Former participants ineligible to apply
- Contact – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
- Pay: Competitive salary with annual performance bonus and regular increases
- Paid Time Off: 50-55 days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays, and possible 5 days CME leave)
- Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% contribution by VA
- Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance options
- Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US state or territory
- CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (full-time with board certification)
- Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage
- Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting