Physician (Nocturnist)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with annual performance bonus

Paid time off: 50-55 days per year

Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Nocturnist (Board Certified in Internal Medicine) to provide direct care for Veterans in Columbia, MO. This position offers the opportunity to work with a purpose while benefiting from strong federal benefits and stability.

Ideal candidates will possess a medical degree and a current license to practice in the U.S. Responsibilities include inpatient general internal medicine care, educational contributions, and team collaboration. Additional benefits include a competitive salary and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Must be board certified in internal medicine or board eligible.
• Current full and unrestricted license to practice medicine.
• Physical requirements including ability to lift and good vision.

Responsibilities

• Provide general internal medicine care for inpatients.
• Participate in training activities within the residency program.
• Collaborate with nursing and physician teams for patient care.

Skills

Board Certified in Internal Medicine

Proficiency in spoken and written English

Experience with clinical procedures

Education

Doctor of Medicine (MD) or equivalent degree

Residency training in internal medicine

Job description

Summary

We are seeking a Nocturnist (Board Certified in Internal Medicine) to join our team in Columbia, MO. At the VA, your work will carry purpose as you provide care to Veterans while enjoying strong federal benefits and stability. This is an open-continuous announcement and remains open until June 21 2027 or until the vacancies are filled. Qualified applicants will be referred as they are available from the opening date of the announcement.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position you must meet the basic requirements and any additional requirements (if applicable) 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. Physicians currently employed by the 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 (MD) or equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine from an approved VA school.
• Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or District of Columbia.
• Residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification.
• Residency options: (1) ACGME or AOA accredited residency/fellowship; (2) One year of post‑medical school training followed by two years of independent practice; or (3) Non-U.S. residency followed by at least three years of independent practice in the U.S.
• Exceptions: Residents in accredited programs who would otherwise meet the basic requirements may be appointed as Physician Resident Providers (PRPs). PRPs must be fully licensed physicians and may only be appointed on an intermittent basis.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Must be board certified in internal medicine. If a recent graduate, must be board eligible with intent to become certified within one year of hiring.
• Physical requirements: pre‑employment physical, ability to lift 15‑44 pounds, push for up to 2 hours, reach above shoulder, use both hands, walk or stand 3‑5 hours, kneel, rapid mental and muscular coordination, normal near and far vision, depth perception, color discrimination. Hearing aid permitted.

Responsibilities

• Provide general internal medicine care of inpatient services in keeping with best clinical practice.
• Participate in educational activities related to the internal medicine residency program.
• Collaborate with physician extenders and nursing care providers throughout the hospital.
• Serve as a resource for primary care providers to ensure smooth transition of patients from inpatient to outpatient settings.
• Provide expertise in multispecialty and patient‑care discussions.
• Provide inpatient general internal medicine consultation services to non‑medicine teams, including supervision and education of house staff.
• Provide inpatient internal medicine attending services, including clinical procedures within your specialty area.
• Cross‑cover ICU patients with the ICU fellow and attending intensivist as needed in the evenings.
• Serve on committees as requested by the Medical Center Director, Chief of Staff, or Deputy Chief of Staff.
• Follow Medical Staff bylaws and complete all medical records in a timely manner through CPRS, in accordance with VA policies.
• Participate in ongoing process improvements in your area to promote quality, efficiency, patient safety, and timely access to care.
• Participate in inter‑hospital transfers of patients as needed.
• Provide medical diagnostic evaluation and initial assessment, including focused history, physical examination, and pertinent labs.
• Evaluate all new admissions to the medicine team and complete admission history and physical (H&P) or short‑form admission note.
• Perform, at a minimum, basic procedures expected of a board‑eligible internist (lumbar puncture, thoracentesis, paracentesis).
• Supervise residents, students, fellows, and teams assigned to your area of responsibility.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned or prescribed by the Chief of Staff.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with annual performance bonus and regular salary increases.
• Paid time off: 50‑55 days per year (including annual leave, sick leave, federal holidays, and CME absence).
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% employer contribution.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care insurance (many can be carried into retirement).
• Full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory.
• Malpractice coverage with no liability and tail coverage.
• No Physician Employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.
• Work schedule: 6 pm–6 am, nocturnist duties primarily.
• Certifications and continuing education reimbursement: up to $1,000 per year for full‑time, board‑certified physicians.