Physician (Cardiologist Non-Invasive) w/ EDRP

About the Role

The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System is seeking a Physician (Cardiologist Non-Invasive) for the Harlingen VA Clinic in Harlingen, TX. The Cardiologist is responsible for patient care, patient/family education, and participation in any indicated clinical research in the Cardiology Section. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements listed below. 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.

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Degree: 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.
• 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.
  • Residencies approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
  • 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 in the United States.
  • Non-U.S. residency training programs followed by a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the United States.
• Exceptions: Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs may be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs) with a restricted scope of practice. In rare circumstances, exceptions to residency training requirements may be approved by the VISN Director.
• Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.

Physical Requirements

The work is primarily sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, and similar areas for meetings. Work may also require walking or standing, particularly during travel to and attendance at meetings or conferences away from the work site. The incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.

Responsibilities

Administrative

• Writes medical orders and prescriptions for non-controlled substances in accordance with Federal and State law.
• Documents care provided in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
• Documents detailed, targeted initial history and physical examinations in VA electronic tools.
• Obtains consent and documents procedures performed.
• Provides education and counseling to patients and families on preventive care, medical conditions, and prescribed treatments.
• Reviews and revises policies and scope of practice to meet VA mandates.
• Guides protocols in chronic patient management, coordinating with fee facilities to meet patient needs and maintain fiscal responsibility.

Clinical

• Responds to and completes consults for cardiology evaluations, including:
  • Performs comprehensive, detailed, targeted history and physical examinations in compliance with national guidelines.
  • Orders diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests, X-rays, electromyography (EMG), electrocardiograms (EKGs), and other tests.
  • Consults other disciplines as necessary to complete patient evaluations.
• Carries out health promotion and disease prevention activities, including education and shared decision-making.
• Demonstrates competence in cardiology procedures, with documentation of procedures within the past 12 months.
• Participates in VISN and national-level efforts in cardiac programs.
• Provides or assists residents and nurse practitioners in evaluating and treating cardiology patients, including corrective actions for untoward responses to cardiac interventions.
• Evaluates patients to assess changes in physical and mental status and documents progress notes.
• Performs outpatient cardiology consultation reviews, evaluations, and treatment.
• Participates in committees, departmental and hospital in-service programs, and education programs.
• Involved in continuous quality improvement through the peer review process.
• Responsible for outpatient care, graduate and undergraduate medical education, and scientific research as appropriate.

Schedule

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

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Eligible for student loan repayment. Former EDRP participants are ineligible.
• 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, and possible 5 days paid absence for CME).
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% contributions by VA.
• Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance (many programs can be carried into retirement).
• Licensure: One full and unrestricted license from any U.S. State or territory.
• CME Reimbursement: Possible $1,000 per year (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

Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, and regular salary increases.