Physician (Chief of Diagnostic Imaging)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Paid Time Off: 50-55 days/year

Federal health, vision, and dental insurance

Sign-on bonus may be authorized

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Long Beach seeks a physician leader for the Chief of Imaging Health Care Group. This role involves overseeing large radiology services and providing direct patient care while managing departmental operations.

Ideal candidates will have a strong leadership background and board certification. The position offers competitive salary, flexible work schedule, and extensive benefits, including paid time off and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Full, unrestricted license to practice medicine.
• Experience in imaging services and supervisory roles preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct all programs within Imaging HCG.
• Engage in strategic planning at department levels.
• Shape the strategic direction of the department.

Skills

Leadership

Radiology expertise

Communication skills

Patient care

Education

Doctor of Medicine or equivalent

Board certification in Radiology

Job description

Summary

The VA Long Beach Healthcare System (VALBHS) is seeking an accomplished and mission‑driven physician leader to serve as Chief of the Imaging Health Care Group (HCG). This is an exceptional opportunity to lead one of the largest clinical departments in the system – overseeing Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiation Oncology services across inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care settings.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending 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).
• Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine from a VA‑approved school.
• Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty program leading to eligibility for board certification.
• Resident Physicians: eligible to be appointed as Physician Resident Providers (PRPs) when the basic requirements are otherwise met. PRPs must hold a full, unrestricted license and may only be appointed on an intermittent basis.
• Exceptions for rare circumstances may be considered by the Facility Director with approval from the VISN Chief Medical Officer.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Board certification in the specialty/subspecialty listed in the announcement (additional requirement).
• Preferred: Supervisory experience in a Radiology background and a record of clinical and administrative experience in an imaging service.

Physical Requirements

Physical demands include repetitive movements such as reaching, standing, walking, and lifting equipment or patients. The position requires extension of the hands and arms in any direction, maintaining an upright posture, frequent standing, and moving patients or equipment between areas.

Duties

• Overall management, planning, organization, and direction of all programs within the Imaging HCG, including fiscal oversight, patient care delivery, quality improvement, and research activities.
• Key leader across the VALBHS enterprise, engaged in strategic, operational, and tactical planning at facility and department levels.
• Shape the strategic direction of a high‑volume, subspecialty‑rich department while advancing the health and well‑being of Veterans.
• Provide direct patient care in the specialty area approximately 20‑30% of the time, advising on imaging modality selection and treatment plans.
• Approve, design, and perform image‑guided diagnostic or therapeutic plans and participate in multidisciplinary tumor boards.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance of all departmental clinical documentation and reporting standards, including CPT codes and diagnoses.
• Provide overall administrative direction, demonstrating strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills across all organization levels.
• Supervise department personnel, evaluate prospective hires, and oversee compliance with regulations and VA policies.
• Address patient concerns, credentialing and peer review matters, and inquiries from Congress, the White House, VA Central Office, and national investigative bodies.
• Participate as a member and/or leader of Imaging and VALBHS‑wide committees responsible for peer review, accreditation, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Foster a culture of safety, mutual respect, and open communication, empowering team members to identify problems and provide solutions.
• Champion a department‑wide commitment to veteran‑centered care, inspiring staff to uphold the highest standards of service.
• Act as a Radiology Educator for medical and other health care trainees, including students, resident physicians, and fellows, supporting the academic mission of the department.
• Offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases, paid time off (50‑55 days/year), traditional federal pension, federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution, and federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care insurance.
• Eligibility for Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – up to $200,000 reimbursement over 1‑5 years (if applicable) upon completion of a full‑time, board‑certified position within 4 months of start date.
• Free malpractice liability protection with tail coverage provided.
• Work schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus.
• Paid Time Off: 50‑55 days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays, and up to 5 days CME absence).
• Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance (many programs can be carried into retirement).
• 1 full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory; CME reimbursement of up to $1,000 per year for board‑certified full‑time physicians.
• No physician employment contract and no significant restrictions on moonlighting.
• Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: sign‑on bonus may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.