Physician - Community Living Center Medical Director

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship (non‑citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy).
• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from a school approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year of graduation.
• Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Completed residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty program leading to eligibility for board certification (ACGME or AOA). Acceptable alternatives:
  • One year of post‑medical‑school training (internship or transitional year) approved by ACGME/AOA followed by two years of independent practice under a full license in the United States.
  • Non‑U.S. residency training plus a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the United States (U.S. fellowships count toward this requirement).
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Physician Resident Providers (PRPs) may be appointed on an intermittent basis if they are fully licensed and meet the limited scope‑of‑practice requirements; they are not considered independent practitioners.
• Exceptions to residency requirements may be granted only through a memo from the Facility Director to the VISN Director, approved by the VISN Chief Medical Officer, when the applicant’s composite record warrants it.

Preferred Experience

• At least three years of clinical experience post‑residency in geriatrics, physiatry (physical medicine & rehabilitation), or hospice/palliative care.
• One year of leadership experience in a clinical setting.
• Minimum one year of supervisory experience.
• Specialization in geriatrics, rehabilitation, palliative medicine, or team‑based care.
• Experience with skilled‑nursing facilities or program development.
• Prior involvement in education programs for students and residents.
• Experience in physical rehabilitation and/or hospice care.

Duties

• Provide administrative and clinical leadership for the Community Living Center (CLC), encompassing skilled‑nursing, long‑term care, hospice/palliative care, and rehabilitation services.
• Evaluate and manage adults with single or multiple disorders across various subspecialties, emphasizing geriatric medicine.
• Deliver direct patient care, including admission histories and physical exams, daily management, discharge summaries, discharge planning, and family conferences.
• Provide care outside the CLC when needed (community nursing homes, Veterans’ homes, outpatient clinics).
• Arrange routine and emergency medical coverage for all CLC units.
• Collaborate with the CLC Screening Committee to ensure safe admissions, optimal bed utilization, and transparent processes.
• Mentor clinical staff—physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals—to ensure quality of care.
• Manage clinical schedules to maintain adequate coverage and resource utilization.
• Participate in peer reviews, competency evaluations (OPPE and FPPE), and chart reviews.
• Contribute to training programs for medical students, residents, fellows, and other trainees; participation in the HPT educational program is default.
• Engage in billing and coding audits to optimize documentation and reimbursement.
• Provide medical expertise during committee discussions and interdisciplinary meetings.
• Address concerns and feedback via the Patient Advocate Tracking System (PATS‑R).

Education Debt Reduction Program

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student‑loan repayment program. Applicants must meet VHA eligibility requirements and submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment. Award amounts up to $200,000 and eligibility periods of one to five years are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services after review. Former EDRP participants are ineligible.

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Telework is not authorized. This is not a virtual position.

Recruitment Incentive

Up to 15 % of annual salary each year for a maximum of three years, contingent on a three‑year contractual agreement, may be authorized for highly qualified and eligible applicants.

Relocation Incentive

A $15,000 lump‑sum payment may be authorized up front for eligible, highly qualified current VA employees only.

Pay

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

Benefits

• 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: Must hold one full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory.
• CME Reimbursement: Up to $1,000 per year (full‑time, board‑certified physicians only).
• Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided.
• Contract: No physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.
• Comprehensive total rewards package as outlined in the VHA Physician Total Rewards program.