Physician - General Surgeon

To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) 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 physician(s) in VA 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.

01Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only 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 resulting from a course of education in allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools 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 State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.

Residency Training: Physicians must have completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification. (NOTE: VA physicians involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status.) Approved residencies are: (1) Those approved by the accrediting bodies for graduate medical education, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA), in the list published for the year the residency, or fellowship if applicable, was completed; OR (2) One year of post medical school training (internship, first year of residency, or transitional year residency) approved by ACGME or AOA followed by two years of post-training independent practice (performing under a full and unrestricted license) in the United States; OR (3) Non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the United States (performing under a full and unrestricted license) performing duties related to the position they are applying for (United States fellowships would be creditable towards this requirement), which the local Medical Staff Executive Committee deems to have provided the applicant with appropriate professional training and believes has exposed the Physician to an appropriate range of patient care experiences.

Exceptions: Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs and who would otherwise meet the basic requirements for appointment are eligible to be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs). PRPs must be fully licensed physicians (i.e., not a training license) and may only be appointed on an intermittent basis.

PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged; rather, they are to have a "scope of practice" that allows them to perform certain restricted duties under supervision. Additionally, surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs.

In rare and unusual circumstances, the Facility Director can submit a memo to the VISN Director through the VISN Chief Medical Officer, who may approve requests for reasonable exceptions to the residency training requirement for Physicians whose composite record of experience, accomplishments, performance, and qualifications warrant such action. Proficiency in spoken and written English.

02Preferred Experience

Board certified/eligible in General Surgery Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Learn more. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.

Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance 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 Major Duties/Responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to: Conducts comprehensive patient assessments using clinical, laboratory, and diagnostic data to establish accurate diagnoses, evaluate patient status, and provide appropriate follow-up care.

Initiates timely, evidence-based treatment plans and adjusts care as needed based on changes in patient condition while recognizing professional limitations and seeking consultation when appropriate. Performs General Surgery procedures competently and safely, responding effectively to emergent situations and ensuring timely intervention. Maintains patient confidentiality, promotes patient-centered care, and actively engages patients and families in treatment planning.

Serves as a consultant to the General Surgery Section by supporting the diagnosis, treatment, and coordination of care, including referrals to other specialties when indicated. Ensures timely documentation of examinations, treatment plans, patient status changes, and medical records in compliance with hospital policies and regulations.

Develops, supports, and participates in clinical research initiatives relevant to Veteran healthcare, including literature reviews, project planning, reporting, publication, and dissemination of findings. Mentors fellows, residents, trainees, students, and staff by providing guidance, education, and support to meet individual learning objectives and accreditation requirements.

Collaborates effectively with clinical, administrative, and technical staff, serving on committees, boards, audits, and performance improvement initiatives to support organizational goals. Demonstrates leadership in planning, organizing, and coordinating clinical, educational, and administrative programs while balancing patient care responsibilities.

Exercises sound professional judgment, completes assignments and reports within established timeframes, and communicates effectively through verbal, written, and electronic methods. Maintains professionalism, emotional composure, and accountability while fulfilling personal and professional responsibilities. Builds positive working relationships, accepts constructive feedback, networks with professional organizations, and promotes teamwork and mutual respect.

Conducts meetings effectively, supports continuous quality improvement efforts, complies with Medical Staff Bylaws, and upholds the highest ethical standards of the profession. On-call responsibilities are required for this position, including maintaining a proximity in order to arrive to the facility within 30 minutes while On-call duty. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 6:45am to 3:15pm - On call requirements may affect this schedule