Physician - Primary Care

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid Time Off: 50–55 days per year

Federal health, vision, and dental insurance

CME reimbursement up to $1,000 per year

Malpractice liability protection

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Bemidji, Minnesota, is seeking a qualified physician to provide comprehensive care to Veterans and advocate for their health and well-being. This position offers a competitive salary, robust benefits, and a supportive environment for professional growth.

Candidates must possess a Doctor of Medicine degree, an unrestricted license to practice medicine, and must meet specific qualifications as outlined in the job description.

Qualifications

• United States citizenship required.
• Current license to practice medicine or surgery in the U.S.
• Physical requirements may apply.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for a Whole Health System of care.
• Manage scheduled and unscheduled patients in outpatient clinic.
• Supervise mid-level providers when assigned.

Skills

Proficiency in spoken and written English

Commitment to patient care

Education

Doctor of medicine or equivalent degree

Residency training in an accredited core specialty

Job description

Summary

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. Candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment. The 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 reviewing the application. Former EDRP participants are not eligible to apply.

Qualifications

• United States citizenship. Non‑citizens may be appointed only if qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Doctor of medicine or equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine, obtained from a VA‑approved school during the year the degree was completed.
• 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 training program leading to board certification, or one of the following exceptions:
  • One year of post‑medical‑school training (first year of residency or transitional year) approved by ACGME or AOA followed by two years of independent practice in the United States.
  • Non‑U.S. residency training followed by a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the United States.
  • Residents currently enrolled in an ACGME/AOA accredited program who would otherwise meet basic requirements are eligible to be appointed as Physician Resident Providers (PRPs) on an intermittent basis with a restricted scope of practice under supervision.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Physical requirements: candidates will participate in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre‑employment process.
• For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/

Responsibilities

• Advocate for a Whole Health System of care and empower Veterans to take charge of their health and well‑being.
• Manage scheduled and unscheduled patients in the outpatient clinic setting and participate in the primary care panel model.
• Provide care to a patient panel, with size determined by VHA PCMM software and national formulas.
• Engage in special projects, patient discharges, sign‑in/sign‑out rounds, and interdisciplinary care plan activities as required.
• Supervise, collaborate with, and provide clinical oversight to mid‑level providers when assigned.
• Serve as a surrogate provider for colleagues when needed.
• Work a minimum of 80 hours per pay period, with a compressed work schedule of four 10‑hour days available.

Compensation and Benefits

• 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, and up to 5 days for CME).
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution.
• Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care, and comparable programs available.
• Licensure: One full and unrestricted state license required.
• CME: Possible reimbursement up to $1,000 per year for board‑certified full‑time physicians.
• Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided.
• Work schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8‑hour shifts (8:00 a.m.‑4:30 p.m.).
• Contract: No physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.