Physician-Inpatient Psychiatrist

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program 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 review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

Responsibilities

• Assess, evaluate, and provide medication management for veterans with mental health conditions, including PTSD, substance abuse, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, and related conditions.
• Prescribe medications, including controlled substances requiring a DEA number.
• Initiate consultations and referrals to other services as indicated.
• Educate hospital staff about psychiatric needs of patients, including handling procedures and expectations.
• Work with families of patients receiving psychiatric care.
• Provide and document education and counseling for patients and their families on preventive care, medical treatments, and prescribed medications.
• Accept and manage calls from psychiatric inpatient services, the ED, and the entire hospital during nights and weekends on a rotating basis.
• Perform history and physical examinations.
• Provide psychological counseling, crisis intervention, and group therapy within the scope of training.
• Complete medical records, including progress notes, consults, history and physicals, and discharge summaries in a timely manner.
• Provide education and counseling on preventive care, medical conditions, and prescribed treatments.
• Order appropriate laboratory and diagnostic tests.
• Carry out activities as part of a preventive healthcare program.

Requirements

• United States citizenship. Non-citizens may be appointed only when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
• Degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree from a school approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year 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.
• Completion of residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification. Approved residencies include:
  • 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 U.S.
  • Non-U.S. residency training programs followed by a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the U.S. under a full and unrestricted license.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Qualifications

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in providing care for Veterans with serious mental health disorders.
• Experience in acute crisis and with Veterans presenting mental health illness in the Emergency Department.

Physical Requirements

• Light lifting (under 15 pounds).
• Light carrying (under 15 pounds).
• Reaching above shoulder.
• Use of fingers.
• Walking (2 hours).
• Standing (2 hours).
• Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle.
• Environmental factors: both outside and inside.

Benefits

• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May be eligible for highly qualified applicants.
• Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Up to $200,000 for eligible participants.
• 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, 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 (many programs can be carried into retirement).
• Licensure: One full and unrestricted license from any U.S. 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.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (will need to cover additional hours per call schedule).

About the Organization

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of varying complexity to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services, including surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology, and physical therapy.