Physician - Chief of Geriatrics (Recruitment Incentives)

Qualifications

To qualify for this position you must meet the basic requirements and any additional requirements 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 VA physicians 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 (MD) or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in allopathic or osteopathic medicine, obtained from a school approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year the course was completed.
• Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Residency Training: Completion of an accredited core specialty residency approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs leading to eligibility for board certification, or one of the following alternatives:
  • One year of post‑medical school training (internship or transitional year) approved by ACGME or AOA followed by two years of independent practice under a full and unrestricted license in the United States.
  • Non‑U.S. residency training followed by a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the United States (U.S. fellowships count toward this requirement) deemed appropriate by the local Medical Staff Executive Committee.
• Exceptions: Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/​AOA accredited programs may be appointed as “Physician Resident Providers” (PRPs) if fully licensed, on an intermittent basis, with a limited scope of practice under supervision. Surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs. Rare exceptions may be approved by the Facility Director and VISN Chief Medical Officer.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Additional Requirement

Three years of experience in Geriatrics Care.

Preferred Experience

Supervisor experience is preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Walking, bending, stooping, and some lifting while providing direct patient care.
• Extended periods of sitting may also be required.

Duties

The Chief of Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC) works under the Associate Chief of Staff for Medicine Service at the Tomah VAMC (Wisconsin). The role provides administrative and clinical oversight for the GEC service line, including Community Living Centers and Home Based Primary Care (HBPC). Responsibilities include:

• Leading and directing the work of other clinicians and staff.
• Serving as a backup provider for the Hospitalist/Medical Officer of the Day (MOD) and rotating for coverage as needed.
• Providing inpatient care, managing HBPC panels, supporting graduate medical education, and participating in scientific research as appropriate.
• Ensuring compliance with administrative procedures, quality measurement, and regulatory standards (e.g., Long‑Term Care Standards, The Joint Commission, and other surveying bodies).
• Overseeing acute illness, complex chronic diseases, mental illnesses, and end‑of‑life care within the GEC.

VAMC Tomah serves veterans in western/central Wisconsin, with additional outpatient clinics in La Crosse, Clark County, Wausau, and Wisconsin Rapids.

Pay

• Competitive salary with annual performance bonus and regular salary increases.

Benefits

• Recruitment/Relocation Incentives and Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) approved for this position.
• Physician Contract Buy Out Program (CBOP) available.
• Paid Time Off: 50–55 days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays, plus up to 5 days for CME).
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contributions.
• Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care coverage (many plans portable into retirement).
• Licensure: One full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory.
• CME: Up to $1,000 per year reimbursement (full‑time with board certification required).
• Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage.
• Contract: No physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, either 8:00 am – 4:30 pm or 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.