Physician Pulmonologist

About the Role

This position involves providing hands-on care for both inpatients and outpatients dealing with pulmonary or critical care issues. The role emphasizes patient-centered medical care, high-value and team-based care, and incorporates palliative and hospice principles as necessary. The physician will engage in teaching medical students, residents, and other healthcare trainees, and participate in clinical research and other academic endeavors associated with the VA and affiliated academic institutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care for both inpatients and outpatients with pulmonary or critical care issues
• Deliver patient-centered medical care utilizing both the art and science of medicine
• Deliver efficient, cost-effective medical care and work effectively in a team setting
• Incorporate palliative care and hospice principles as necessary for patient care
• Teach medical students, residents, and other healthcare trainees who rotate through the pulmonary/critical care service
• Participate in clinical research and other academic endeavors associated with the VA and affiliated academic institutions
• Exhibit interpersonal skills that improve the effectiveness and success of the medical service
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills appropriate for the responsibilities of the position
• Engage in various hospital and medical staff activities, including accreditation, quality assessment and improvement projects, committee work, and participation in programs like EPRP, ORYX, HEDIS, and SAIL
• Function effectively within the VA's consult management systems, utilize order sets, document properly in CPRS (Computerized Patient Record System), and comply with other electronic medical record requirements

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 allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine from a school 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
• Completed residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification (VA physicians involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status)
• Approved residencies include: (1) Those approved by ACGME or AOA in the list published for the year the residency or fellowship was completed; OR (2) 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 (performing under a full and unrestricted license) in the United States; OR (3) Non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the United States (performing under a full and unrestricted license) performing duties related to the position, which the local Medical Staff Executive Committee deems to have provided appropriate professional training and exposed the Physician to an appropriate range of patient care experiences
• Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs who would otherwise meet the basic requirements are eligible to be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs) — PRPs must be fully licensed physicians (not a training license) and may only be appointed on an intermittent basis; PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged, but are to have a "scope of practice" that allows them to perform certain restricted duties under supervision; surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs
• In rare and unusual circumstances, the Facility Director can submit a memo to the VISN Director through the VISN Chief Medical Officer, who may approve requests for reasonable exceptions to the residency training requirement for Physicians whose composite record warrants such action
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• 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

Physical and Drug Testing Requirements

• Physical examination prior to placement is required
• This is a designated drug testing position; after appointment, you will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use
• Requires lifting 15-44 pounds, pushing (approx. 2 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking and standing from 3-5 hours, and kneeling
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Must have depth perception and ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors
• Hearing aid is permitted

Pay

• Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Student loan payment reimbursement program (up to $200,000; eligibility period one to five years, determined by VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of application; former EDRP participants ineligible; must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit application within four months of appointment)
• Paid Time Off: 50-55 days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays, 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
• Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting

Schedule

To be determined by your supervisor.