Physician Assistant - Primary Care

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Fergus Falls (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, seeks a Physician Assistant to provide general medicine clinical care. The role emphasizes patient-centered care in a Whole Health System, requiring independent assessment and a high degree of responsibility.

This position involves managing a panel of patients and includes alternative duties for specific patient demographics. The typical work hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm, and the position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program.

Qualifications

• Must be a highly effective communicator to negotiate with consultants.
• Assessment skills and breadth of knowledge must be superior.
• Designated women's provider with mandatory VHA training.

Responsibilities

• Practices general medicine with a focus on outpatient clinical care.
• Independently follow a panel of general medicine patients.
• Act as surrogates for colleagues' patients when needed.

Job description

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. Program approval — award amount (up to $200 -000) & 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 ineligible to apply.

Duties

• The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
• This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well‑being and live their lives to the fullest
• As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care — you will operate in a model with three core elements — seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
• This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
• This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to honor America's veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well‑being
• Duties include: The PA practices general medicine with a focus on community‑based outpatient clinical care
• Approximately 90% of the PA's time is dedicated to developing and maintaining an interdisciplinary approach to the direct care of general medicine clinic patients
• The PA independently follows his own panel of general medicine patients — functioning as their primary care provider
• This primary care/gatekeeper's role is incumbent with a high degree of responsibility and independence
• The location of the CBOC away from the Medical Center means that the PA's assessment skills and breadth of knowledge must be superior
• In addition — the employee must be a highly effective communicator to negotiate with consultants at the Fargo VA HCS regarding the triaging of patients he refers to
• Provider will be required to be a designated women's provider and complete the mandatory VHA training
• Providers may be required to travel to the CBOC's or provide gap coverage as determined by the supervisor.vi
• All providers will meet the work relative value unit (RVU's) as determined by the national office for primary care providers
• Typical work hours are Monday to Friday 8-4.30 PM
• Alternative work hours — if desired — should be agreed upon at the time of joining
• Each full‑time provider is required to work a minimum of 80 hrs per pay period (every two weeks) unless on leave status
• Providers will need to act as surrogates for the patients of their colleagues — when one or more of their colleagues are on leave
• Alternative or collateral duties may include management of a subsection of primary care patients — the subsection may be defined either by a disease status (e.g. spinal cord injury patients) — or demographic status (women veterans - OIF/OEF veterans - employees etc.)
• Work schedule: Monday - Friday - 8 hour shifts - 8-4.30pm
• EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact [e-mail] - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more