Physician (Orthopedic Surgery)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; West Palm Beach (FL); On-site; USD 350,000 - 450,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

Competitive salary with annual performance bonus

Comprehensive health benefits

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in West Palm Beach is seeking a dynamic Physician specializing in Orthopedic Surgery. The ideal candidate will contribute to high-quality care in a growing VA academic hospital program.

Responsibilities include performing orthopedic spine procedures, managing patient care, and ensuring compliance with medical standards. This role offers a competitive salary, opportunity for education loan repayment, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Applicants must have completed residency training.
• Current and unrestricted medical license required.

Responsibilities

• Perform orthopedic surgery and provide pre/post-operative care.
• Engage in emergency and on-call schedules for Orthopedics.
• Manage outpatient clinics and assess patient therapies.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Proficiency in English

Education

Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or equivalent

Board Certification in Orthopedic Surgery

Job description

Summary

West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System's Surgery Service is seeking an experienced and dynamic Physician (Orthopedic Surgery). Ideal applicants want to contribute to the achievement of quality care standards and the growth and development of a VA academic hospital program. They must be excellent communicators, team players, and adaptable to the needs of a growing medical center.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position you must meet the basic requirements listed below. Applicants pending completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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
• 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
• Board Certification: Orthopedic Surgery – For more information on this qualification standard 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 and Responsibilities

• Performs neurosurgical and orthopedic spine procedures on patients, overseeing admission, consultation, work‑up, and providing pre‑operative and post‑operative care.
• Provides preliminary diagnoses and directs or administers treatments, arranging specialized care or referrals as needed.
• Actively engages in the emergency and on‑call schedule for Orthopedics.
• Offers comprehensive operative and non‑operative management for spine patients, encompassing prevention, health maintenance, early diagnosis, treatment, and follow‑up services.
• Manages patients throughout inpatient care, collaborating with consultants as necessary and conducting inpatient consultations for patients from other services.
• Oversees personal outpatient clinics, assessing patients' medications, diet, therapy progress, adherence to management plans, and patient observations; adjusts plans as necessary and provides instructions and counseling.
• Serves as a consultant to primary care physicians and accepts referrals and outpatient consultations from other providers.
• Functions in a teaching capacity, educating patients, staff, trainees, and seminar participants in assessment, treatment, management, and evaluation of spinal disorders.
• Refers patients when necessary, collaborates closely with allied health professionals, and participates in the Surgical Department Quality Assurance and Peer Review programs.
• Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility/patient‑care needs.

Benefits and Compensation

Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).

• Competitive salary with annual performance bonus and regular salary increases.
• Paid time off: 50‑55 days per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and up to 5 days of paid absence for CME).
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% contributions by VA.
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care insurance (many federal insurance programs can be carried 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 physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.
• Other benefits: VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package and VHA Physician Total Rewards initiatives.