Medical Director - Transplant Hepatologist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 180,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Student loan reimbursement up to $200k

Hiring incentive/bonus

Paid time off (50-55 days/year)

Retirement benefits (Pension & 401K)

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Pittsburgh seeks a Transplant Hepatologist to serve as Medical Director of Liver Transplant. The role combines clinical excellence, program leadership, and team-based care across VA transplant centers.

The ideal candidate is board eligible or certified in Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology with fellowship training and endoscopy skills, and will lead a comprehensive AUD optimization program for veterans undergoing transplant evaluation.

Qualifications

• Board certification in Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology is preferred.
• Fellowship training in Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology is required or strongly preferred.
• Endoscopy training/certification is expected.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and manage chronic liver diseases including hepatitis C, NAFLD/NASH, autoimmune liver disease, and alcohol-associated liver disease.
• Coordinate pre- and post-liver transplant evaluations and longitudinal care with VA transplant centers.
• Lead or participate in multidisciplinary transplant boards and care teams.
• Develop AUD optimization pathways for veterans being considered for transplant.
• Oversee post-transplant monitoring and long-term care protocols.
• Lead transplant selection and multidisciplinary clinic activities and Telehealth initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Telemedicine/Telehealth

Education

Board eligible or board certified in Gastroenterology

Fellowship in Transplant Hepatology

Accredited fellowship in Gastroenterology

Competence in GI endoscopy

Job description

Medical Director - Liver Transplant (Transplant Hepatologist) Needed at VA Pittsburgh Medical Center

Eligible for up to $200k in student loan reimbursement and a hiring incentive/bonus

Non-US Citizen Visa/Green Card Holders will be considered

The Pittsburgh VA Health Care System (VAPHS), among the most innovative and forward-looking in the nation, provides exceptional healthcare to our nation's Veterans, trains America's future healthcare providers, and conducts research that contributes to medical advancements.

We are seeking a highly qualified Transplant Hepatologist to serve as Medical Director of Liver Transplant to join our team. This role blends clinical excellence, program leadership, education, and collaborative team-based care. As the Liver Transplant Medical Director, you will be a key member of a nationally recognized transplant center within the VA system, working closely with National partners to deliver liver transplant evaluations, optimize Veteran transplant candidates, and ensure continuity of care post-transplant.

Duties include but are not limited to

• Diagnose and manage the full spectrum of chronic liver diseases, including hepatitis C, NAFLD/NASH, autoimmune liver disease, and alcohol-associated liver disease.

• Coordinate and conduct comprehensive pre- and post-liver transplant evaluations, including medical optimization and longitudinal transplant care in partnership with VA transplant centers.

• Actively participate in multidisciplinary transplant boards and collaborate with hepatology, surgery, psychology, addiction medicine, pharmacy, and social work teams.

Development of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Optimization Program

• Lead the design and implementation of a dedicated AUD care pathway for Veterans with alcohol-associated liver disease being considered for transplant.

• Work alongside transplant psychologists and addiction medicine specialists to provide integrated, evidence-based care-including structured behavioral interventions, abstinence monitoring, and relapse prevention plans.

• Establish robust post-transplant monitoring and support protocols tailored to the needs of Veterans, including coordination with VA mental health services and community resources.

Other Key Duties

• Active participation in the weekly Tumor Board to evaluate and discuss complex oncology cases.

• Attendance at the weekly Transplant Huddle to coordinate care and align on patient management strategies.

• Leadership of the Transplant Selection Committee, guiding multidisciplinary decisions on transplant candidacy.

• Engagement in the Liver Transplant Multidisciplinary Clinic, working closely with a team of specialists to provide comprehensive patient care.

• Management of a personal Telehealth Clinic, offering remote consults and continuity of care for transplant patients.

• Oversight of post-transplant monitoring and long-term care, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and addressing complications.

• Review and acceptance of referrals from VA referral centers nationwide, ensuring timely access to transplant services.

• Triage of clinical calls from referring VA facilities, providing expert guidance on the care of veteran patients.

Preferred Experience

Candidates should be board eligible or certified in Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology, with accredited fellowship training in Gastroenterology, fellowship training in Transplant Hepatology as well as competence in general GI endoscopy.

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

Eligible for up to $200k in student loan reimbursement

Hiring Incentive

Incentives are authorized for highly qualified candidates

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

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

Pittsburgh Highlights

• Family-friendly city with low cost of living and affordable housing in green, beautiful neighborhoods

• Abundant historical/cultural sites and events including the Carnegie Museums (Art, Natural History, Science, and Andy Warhol), a multitude of other visual/performing arts institutions, and a lively music scene featuring local, national, and international stars.

• Plenty of outdoor activities with green parks for hiking/biking (Schenley Park, Frick Park, and Highland Park) and rivers for canoeing and kayaking.

• If you are a sports fan, Pittsburgh is home to the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates professional teams.

• Pittsburgh International Airport for ease of travel to your other favorite destinations.