Physician
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) & 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 ineligible to apply.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting Assessment & Diagnosis Obtain comprehensive medical histories and perform physical examinations specific to musculoskeletal, orthopedic, and traumatic conditions. Order and interpret appropriate diagnostic tests, including imaging and laboratory investigations. Develop differential diagnoses and individualized treatment plans for orthopedic disorders. Procedural & Surgical Interventions Perform a full range of orthopedic surgical procedures within credentialed privileges, including but not limited to: Total joint arthroplast Arthroscopy Fracture care Soft tissue repairs Peripheral nerve decompression Hand surgery Spine procedures as privileged Infection management Amputations Application/removal of casts, splints, external fixation Perform minor procedures such as joint aspirations/injections, incision and drainage, wound care, and debridement. Perioperative & Postoperative Management Conduct preoperative risk assessments, evaluation, and counseling. Manage intraoperative patient care, ensuring adherence to safety and quality protocols. Provide postoperative care, including pain management, wound assessment, infection prevention, complication recognition, and coordination with rehabilitation. Consultative Services Provide orthopedic consultations to inpatients, outpatients, Emergency Department, and other disciplines. Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams. Documentation and Orders Complete all documentation in the VA's electronic medical record (CPRS) promptly and accurately in accordance with facility and VHA standards. Write medication prescriptions, durable medical equipment orders, and specialty referrals under current licensure and privileges. Administrative Leadership Lead and supervise all physicians, residents, Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants, and staff assigned to Orthopedic Surgery. Develop and implement service policies, procedures, and programmatic goals in coordination with Surgery Service leadership. Manage clinic and OR scheduling to ensure efficient, timely, and high-quality delivery of orthopedic care. Responsible for recruitment, onboarding, orientation, mentoring, evaluation, and performance reviews of orthopedic staff. Review and participate in credentialing and privileging of section members. Promote evidence-based practice, patient safety, and process improvement initiatives. Ensure compliance with Joint Commission, OIG, VHA, and other regulatory standards. Oversee and resolve patient complaints and incidents involving orthopedic care. Education & Professional Development Provide teaching, supervision, and mentorship for residents, fellows, and medical students affiliated with academic partners. Participate in and support scholarly activities, clinical research initiatives, and continuing education relevant to orthopedic surgery. Attend required VA orientations, competency validations, licensure, and annual mandatory training. Quality Improvement & Compliance Participate in ongoing quality assurance, peer review, root-cause analysis, and mortality and morbidity conferences. Collaborate in development/maintenance of clinical practice guidelines and pathways for orthopedic care. Utilize data and evidence to monitor and improve section performance metrics. Patient Population Serve a diverse adult veteran population, including geriatric, polytrauma, and medically complex patients, while adapting care to meet individual needs and disabilities. Limitations All duties should be performed within the boundaries of granted privileges, applicable laws, and available institutional resources. The Chief may not independently perform procedures for which they are not specifically privileged. Refers complex cases to outside consultants or higher level of care when indicated. Continuity & Coverage Ensure appropriate cross-coverage for planned and unplanned absences. Coordinate with the Surgery Service for on-call responsibilities as per call schedule.
U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.