Physician (Palliative Care)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off: 50–55 days per year

Federal health/vision/dental/insurance

Education Debt Reduction Program

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is looking for a skilled Physician (Palliative Care) to provide comprehensive care both in inpatient and outpatient settings.

This role includes responsibilities such as managing the palliative care team and ensuring high quality care for veterans. With optimal working hours and extensive benefits including competitive pay and paid time off, this is a rewarding opportunity for qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• Must meet basic requirements including US citizenship and full license to practice.
• Experience in managing palliative care patients preferred.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.

Responsibilities

• Provide inpatient and outpatient palliative care consultations.
• Lead the palliative care team in day-to-day management.
• Participate in call schedule for urgent veteran needs.

Skills

Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Proficiency in spoken and written English

Two years in the Palliative Care or Hospice setting

Education

Doctor of Medicine or equivalent

Residency training in Hospice and Palliative Medicine

US State full and unrestricted license

Job description

Summary

North Florida/South Georgia VA Healthcare System's Geriatric and Extended Care Service is seeking an experienced and dynamic Physician (Palliative Care). Ideal applicants are those who want to contribute to the achievement of quality care standards and the growth and development of a VA academic hospital program. The Palliative Care Physician will work with the Palliative Care Team to provide compassionate and comprehensive palliative care in the inpatient and outpatient settings.

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.
• Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine.
• Degree 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 in Hospice and Palliative Medicine leading to eligibility for board certification.
• Approved residencies include those approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA) for the year of completion.
• Or one year of post‑medical school training (internship or transitional year residency) approved by ACGME or AOA followed by two years of independent practice under a full and unrestricted license in the United States.
• Or non‑US residency training followed by a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the United States, performing duties related to the position and considered appropriate by the local Medical Staff Executive Committee.
• Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs who 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.
• PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged.
• PRPs have a scope of practice allowing them to perform certain restricted duties under supervision.
• Surgeon residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs.
• In rare circumstances the Facility Director may request an exception to the residency training requirement for physicians whose record warrants such action.
• Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Preferred experience: Two (2) years in the Palliative Care or Hospice setting.
• Physical requirements: Must pass a pre‑employment physical examination as required by VA Handbook 5019, administered by VA Occupational Health.
• Physical tasks include 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 and standing up to 8 hours, bending and climbing, and hearing whisper.
• The incumbent must be physically, emotionally, and mentally stable to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Duties

• Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program.
• Must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit EDRP application within four months of appointment.
• Program approval, 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 EDRP application.
• Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.
• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including VHA Physician Total Rewards and recruitment incentive (sign‑on bonus: authorized).
• 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, possible 5 days paid absence for CME).
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% contributed by VA.
• Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement).
• Licensure: One 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.
• No physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.
• The Palliative Care Physician will perform a full range of duties, including but not limited to:
• Provide inpatient and outpatient palliative care consultations.
• Supervise and instruct nurse practitioners, physician assistants, medical students, residents, and geriatric fellows as needed in an interdisciplinary team.
• Lead the palliative care team in day‑to‑day management of veterans in the palliative care program.
• Clarify life‑sustaining treatment preferences and provide recommendations for high‑risk veterans as determined by CAN scores and other measures.
• Arrange hospice care both within and outside the VA as needed.
• Assist with cross‑coverage of community living center (CLC) patients.
• Participate in call schedule for telephonic coverage for urgent needs of veterans in palliative care and in the CLC after administrative hours.
• Track outcomes, monitor and report trends, and perform activities to improve quality and access to palliative care.
• Act as point of contact for veterans, families, and staff for issues related to palliative care.
• Participate in other clinical duties assigned by the Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS) for Geriatrics & Extended Care.
• Work schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–4:00 pm or 8:00 am–4:30 pm (schedule determined and approved by supervisor).
• Incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility or patient care needs.