This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. 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 complete review of the EDRP application. 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. Basic 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 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 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), b) OR [(2) Those approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA),OR (3) Other residencies (non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of five years of verified practice in the United States), 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. 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 or fee-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. Proficiency in spoken and written English. Additional Requirement: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery Certification or eligibility is required. Fellowship training in joint replacement surgery Preferred Experience: Knowledge in the diagnosis, evaluation, operative management, and perioperative care of orthopedic surgery patients including complex orthopedic disorders. In particular, proficiency in hip and knee arthroplasty, revision arthroplasty, and treatment of infections is required. Significant experience in the evaluation and understanding of orthopedic disorders and illnesses. Experience with management of all aspects of orthopedic problems, including fractures, malignancies, arthritis, and ligament/tendon injuries. Demonstrate ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Demonstrate ability to establish effective interpersonal relationships with all levels of medical center personnel. Leadership skills and teaching ability is required as the physician will be responsible for education of medical students, residents, and fellows. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-2 Physician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Applicants must meet physical standards for the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required. This is a designated drug testing position. After appointment, you will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use. Requires lifting 15-44 pounds; pushing (approx. 2 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands; walking and standing from 3-5 hours and kneeling. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Must have depth perception and ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors. Hearing aid is permitted. ["VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Position Eligible Learn more. EDRP Authorized: Contact Susan.Bringel@va.gov, 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 The incumbent reports directly to the Chief of Orthopedic Surgery and is responsible for providing medical and surgical services to eligible veterans and administrating the section of Orthopedic Surgery. The incumbent practices in the Orthopedic Surgery section. Duties include but are not limited to: A. Clinical: 1. Operations. The incumbent will be responsible for performing operations that require an orthopedic surgeon. The incumbent will provide special training and expertise in the treatment of lower extremity arthroplasty problems. Operations include but are not limited to fractures, hip and knee arthroplasty, revision arthroplasty, and treatment of infections. 2. Evaluation and management of Orthopedic Surgery patients. a. The incumbent will be responsible for evaluation of patients in the orthopedic surgery clinic, emergency room, intensive care unit, operating room, and from other inpatient services. The incumbent will also supervise trainees including medical students, residents, and fellows in all of these settings. b. The incumbent will be responsible for providing on-call coverage twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, in accordance with the call schedule. c. Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods. Instructs other personnel assigned to health care team on preventive medicine programs and other appropriate medical activities and functions. B. Administrative: 1. Helping with maintenance of clinical activity statistics, NSQIP, and conduct of quality management studies as indicated by Orthopedic Surgery program needs. 2. Responsible for participating in Orthopedic Surgical Teaching Rounds and conferences. 3. Responsible for the assisting in the daily running of the orthopedic surgery clinical service in both the inpatient, OR, and outpatient setting. Responsible for assisting in maintaining clinical flow efficiency in the outpatient setting, keeping clinic and operative wait times low. 4. Helping to develop and write policies/procedures specific to interventions and subject monitoring. Work with the safety committee to make the surgical environment safer for all personnel from sharps and biohazards. 5. Supports and enhances VAPAHCS philosophy and goals. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
