Physician - Anesthesiology (Pain Management)

About the role

This position is open to U.S. citizens and non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens. The position is open until October 30, 2026 or until positions are filled.

Responsibilities

• Writes Medical Orders and prescriptions for non-controlled and controlled substances, as necessary, for the care of the patient in accordance with Federal and State law.
• Documents care provided in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) in accordance with CTVHCS requirements.
• Documents the detailed, targeted, initial history and physical examination required for evaluation in the electronic tool(s) required by VA.
• Obtains consent and documents procedures performed for which the Pain specialist is responsible.
• Provides education and counseling of patients and families in preventive care, medical conditions, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs.
• Reviews and revises policies and scope of practice/standards of operation to meet the needs of the National VA and CTVHCS mandates.
• Reviews and guides protocols in chronic patient managements including coordinating efforts with prosthetics department to meet patients' needs and maintain fiscal responsibility.
• Responds to and completes consults received for the evaluation of Pain, including:
• Performing a comprehensive, detailed, targeted, initial history and physical examination in compliance with national guidelines.
• Ordering diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests, X-rays, MRIs, electromyography (EMG), electrocardiograms (EKGs) and other tests.
• Ordering appropriate medications related to managing subacute or chronic pain. Will provide assistance, through consultation, for medication management, including opiate and non-opiate medicines, to all services as requested.
• Performing interventional procedures that are landmark based, ultrasound guided or fluoroscopic guided injections, including but not limited to peripheral joint injections, peripheral nerve blocks, spine epidural injections and radiofrequency ablations.
• Intrathecal/epidural/peripheral neurolysis.
• Sympathetic nerve blocks.
• Therapeutic nerve blocks including celiac plexus blocks.
• Epidural catheter implantation.
• Consults other disciplines, as necessary, to complete the patient evaluation.
• Carries out health promotion and disease prevention activities including education and shared decision-making.
• Participates in all VISN and national level efforts in Pain programs.

Requirements

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.

• Education: 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.
• License: 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.
• Fellowship Training in Pain Management is required.
• 3 years experience practicing Interventional Pain Management.
• Experience and competency in performing all interventional pain management blocks in the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical region.
• Experience and competency in performing placement and management of spinal cord stimulators.
• Experience and competency in performing placement and management of intrathecal pain pumps.
• Experience and ability to work with mid-level providers and other providers in accepting patients for indicated interventional procedures.

Qualifications

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.

Benefits

• 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

Pay and Schedule

Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases

Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

Qualifications

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.

Education

Education: 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.

License

License: 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.

Fellowship Training

Fellowship Training in Pain Management is required.

Experience

• 3 years experience practicing Interventional Pain Management.
• Experience and competency in performing all interventional pain management blocks in the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical region.
• Experience and competency in performing placement and management of spinal cord stimulators.
• Experience and competency in performing placement and management of intrathecal pain pumps.
• Experience and ability to work with mid-level providers and other providers in accepting patients for indicated interventional procedures.