Physician (Cardiology Non Invasive)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education Debt Reduction Program

Paid time off up to 55 days per year

Malpractice coverage with tail protection

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a physician in Charleston, SC, to provide comprehensive cardiac care for Veterans. The role includes diagnosing and treating cardiac diseases, patient education on preventive care, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, offering significant salary and benefits including paid time off and a competitive salary structure.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or meet specific conditions for non-citizens.
• Must hold a full and unrestricted medical license in any U.S. state.
• Preferred experience in non-invasive ambulatory cardiology.

Responsibilities

• Perform history and physical examinations.
• Diagnose and manage Veterans' cardiac conditions.
• Educate patients on preventive care and treatment.

Skills

Non-invasive ambulatory cardiology

Patient education

Collaboration with medical staff

Cardiac disease management

Proficiency in spoken and written English

Education

Doctor of medicine or equivalent degree

Completed residency training

Job description

Summary

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

Qualifications

• United States citizenship (non‑citizens only if no qualified citizen can be recruited in accordance with VA policy).
• Doctor of medicine or equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine from an VA‑approved school.
• Full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
• Completed residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty program leading to eligibility for board certification.
• Residency options:
  1. Approved ACGME or AOA accredited residency following the year of completion.
  2. One year of post‑medical‑school training (internship or transitional year) approved by ACGME or AOA followed by two years of independent practice in the United States.
  3. Non‑U.S. residency training followed by at least three years of verified independent practice in the United States, including U.S. fellowships if applicable.
  4. Residents currently enrolled in accredited residency programs who otherwise meet the basic requirements may be appointed as Physician Resident Providers (PRPs) on an intermittent basis, fully licensed, with a scoped practice under supervision.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Preferred experience in non‑invasive ambulatory cardiology, including outpatient consultation, clinical management, and diagnostic evaluation.
• Ability to identify, evaluate, and address cardiac diseases, prevention, and health promotion issues for the Veteran population.
• Collaborate efficiently with medical staff and other disciplines.
• Diagnose and treat acute, chronic, and long‑term cardiac and related conditions, adhering to protocols and making appropriate referrals.
• Provide patient education on preventive care, medical issues, and medication usage.
• Interpret diagnostic tests such as electrocardiograms, ambulatory rhythm monitors, stress tests, and echocardiograms.
• Respond to phone and E‑consult requests. (Refer to the institution’s policies for scheduling and response times.)
• Maintain required physical activity, including walking, sitting, talking, driving, phone use, light lifting (up to 15 lb), and light carrying (up to 15 lb). Hearing aid permitted. The role does not require strenuous physical activity, but the incumbent must tolerate daily pressure and stress.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Duties

1. Performs and records history and physical examinations and collects data from clinic visits.
2. Evaluates, consults, develops diagnoses, and manages Veterans.
3. Enters progress notes in the computerized medical record and completes workload documentation in a timely manner.
4. Provides medical care encompassing acute and chronic conditions and all appropriate preventive care for male and female Veterans.
5. Orders diagnostic tests, medications, and laboratory tests as medically relevant for each patient.
6. Provides timely follow‑up on results and patient inquiries, including view alerts, secure messages, and other patient communications.
7. Determines medical assessment and develops treatment plans according to accepted protocols.
8. Prescribes medications according to the approved formulary and in accordance with Federal and State law.
9. Educates patients concerning medical conditions and recommended treatments, covering topics such as nutritional counseling, smoking cessation, periodic immunizations, health screening tests, disease management, and other preventive health measures.
10. Consults other specialties as appropriate according to service agreements.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary with annual performance bonus and regular salary increases.
• Paid time off: 50‑55 days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and up to 5 days for CME).
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution.
• Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care (many federal programs carry 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 employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.
• Education Debt Reduction Program: Eligible for student loan repayment up to $200,000 for 1‑5 years. Former participants are ineligible.
• Contact: EDRP Coordinator ([e-mail]) for questions and assistance.

Work Schedule

Monday‑Friday 7:30 am‑4:00 pm or 8:00 am‑4:30 pm (subject to change based on agency needs).

Physical Requirements

Primary tasks involve walking, sitting, talking, driving, and phone use. Light lifting up to 15 lb and light carrying up to 15 lb; hearing aid permitted. Strenuous physical activity is not required, but the incumbent must withstand daily pressure and stress.