Physician-Gastroenterology

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off: 50-55 days per year

Malpractice coverage

Education Debt Reduction Program

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a qualified physician specializing in Gastroenterology to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with liver and gastrointestinal disorders. This role involves performing a variety of endoscopic procedures and supervising medical trainees.

Applicants must possess a valid medical license, have completed a residency in an accredited program, and demonstrate proficiency in both spoken and written English. Excellent benefits are offered, including competitive salary, paid time off, and federal health insurance.

Qualifications

• Must have a proper medical degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience in performing diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy procedures.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.

Responsibilities

• Diagnosing and managing patients with Liver and GI disorders.
• Performing endoscopic procedures and supervising trainees.
• Completing patient encounters and correctly coding visits.

Skills

Proficiency in spoken and written English

Ability to perform endoscopic procedures

Experience in treating liver and GI disorders

Education

Degree of doctor of medicine

Full and unrestricted license to practice medicine

Completion of residency training

Job description

Summary

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30 - 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications and subsequent cut-off dates are on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. 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 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
• Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine
• The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools 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
• Residency Training: Physicians must have completed residency training - approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification
• (NOTE: VA physicians involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status.) Approved residencies are: (1) Those approved by the accrediting bodies for graduate medical education - the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA) - in the list published for the year the residency - or fellowship if applicable - 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 they are applying for (United States fellowships would be creditable towards this requirement) - which the local Medical Staff Executive Committee deems to have provided the applicant with appropriate professional training and believes has exposed the Physician to an appropriate range of patient care experiences
• Exceptions: Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs and who would otherwise meet the basic requirements for appointment are eligible to be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs)
• PRPs must be fully licensed physicians (i.e. - not a training license) and may only be appointed on an intermittent basis
• PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged
• Rather - they are to have a "scope of practice" that allows them to perform certain restricted duties under supervision
• Additionally - 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 of experience - accomplishments - performance - and qualifications warrant such action
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment physical examination as required by VA Handbook 5019
• This examination is administered by VA Occupational Health
• This position requires moderate lifting up to 44 lbs. - carrying objects up to 15 lbs. - frequent reaching above shoulder - use of fingers - hands and legs - use of cranes and motor vehicles - walking & standing up to 8 hours - bending and climbing and able to hear whisper
• The incumbent must be physically - emotionally and mentally stable in order to efficiently perform the essential functions of this position without hazard to themselves or others.

Duties

• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package
• VHA Physician Total Rewards
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized
• Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Learn more
• Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance at [e-mail]
• 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 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
• Gastroenterology Specialty Care Service : Diagnosing - treating and managing patients referred for management of Liver and GI disorders - including fatty liver disease - viral hepatitis and pre/post care of liver transplant patients
• Performs endoscopic procedures and cares for patients in the outpatient clinic and inpatient setting - sometimes supervising trainees (GI fellows or medicine residents)
• Performing diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower endoscopy procedures (including PEG placement - esophageal dilation - and other basic therapeutics) - liver biopsy and paracentesis
• Competence in ultrasound elastography is a plus - but not required
• Performing histories and physical examinations - endoscopy consultations - virtual visits (telehealth) and developing treatment and follow-up plans
• Responsible for completing patient encounters - inpatient consults - notes - and correctly coding visits in accordance with coding guidelines
• Responsible for clinical reviews to triage urgency of visit for the patient's medical problems
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 8:00am-4:30pm
• Work Schedule subject to change based on agency need.