Physician (Neurology)

Summary

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.

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.

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 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.
• 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.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in the provision of neurological care to both outpatients and inpatients.
• Experience with the administration of Botox injections.
• Experience in management of vagal nerve stimulators.

Physical Requirements

• To perform in a fully successful manner - the individual must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which may require light carrying (under 15 pounds) - reaching above shoulder - use of fingers - both hands required - walking (up to 1 hour) - standing (up to 1 hour) - and both legs required.
• In addition - there may be exposure to the following environmental factors: working inside and outside - working closely with others - and protracted or irregular hours of work.
• A health examination must be successfully completed prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Occupational Health Clinic policy.
• There may be intermittent exposure to blood and body fluids.

Duties

• Provide direct patient care specific to Neurology in the ambulatory clinic setting and inpatient units.
• Provide timely screening and resolution of consultations from other disciplines.
• Provide a range of therapeutic interventions specific to Neurology and have clinical privileges to practice including diagnostic assessment - medication evaluation and management.
• Order diagnostic tests and discriminate between normal and abnormal findings and makes appropriate treatment decisions.
• Documentation of care in the medical record in keeping with the Bylaws of the Medical Center Staff.
• Supervise health professional trainees who are assigned to the Neurology Service.
• Collaborate on the clinical care of Physician Assistants as appropriate.
• Participate effectively in team meetings and treatment planning conferences and collaborate with multidisciplinary team members in a manner that enhances coordination of comprehensive patient care.
• Ensure that the practice of medicine is consistent with Joint Commission - CARF - VA policies and procedures - clinical practice guidelines - VISN standards - national statutes and regulations - medical record documentation - mandatory continuing education - and HIPPA policies.
• Perform chart reviews and coordinate with other medical staff members regarding patient care issues.

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 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.

Contact Information

• VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.