Physician - Primary Care - EDRP Authorized

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Fergus Falls (MN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Paid Time Off: 50-55 days per year

Federal pension and 401(k) plan

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a qualified physician to join their team in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Candidates must hold a Doctor of Medicine degree and a full, unrestricted medical license. Responsibilities include managing patient care within a Whole Health system and participating in departmental initiatives.

The role offers competitive pay, extensive leave, and a variety of benefits including health insurance and retirement plans. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of primary care experience and proficiency in English.

Qualifications

• United States citizenship is required.
• Degree must be from an approved school by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Residency training completed in an accredited specialty program is required.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for a Whole Health System of care in each Medical Center.
• Manage scheduled and unscheduled patients in the outpatient clinic.
• Participate in special projects as they become available.

Skills

Proficiency in spoken and written English

5 years of primary care experience

Women’s health provider experience

Education

Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree

Current, full, and unrestricted medical license

Job description

Summary

This 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 the EDRP application within four months of appointment. 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 application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

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.

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 in allopathic or osteopathic medicine.
• 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 U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or 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 include those accredited by ACGME or AOA in the list published for the year the residency (or fellowship, if applicable) was completed; or one year of post‑medical‑school training approved by ACGME or AOA followed by two years of independent practice; or non‑U.S. residency programs followed by a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the U.S.
• Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited programs who would otherwise meet the basic requirements are eligible to be appointed as Physician Resident Providers (PRPs). PRPs must be fully licensed physicians and may be appointed on an intermittent basis; they are not independent practitioners and will not be privileged, but can perform certain restricted duties under supervision.
• Exceptions can be granted in rare circumstances through a memo to the VISN Director.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Preferred Experience: 5 years of primary care experience.
• Women’s health provider experience preferred.
• Physical requirements: Participation in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation is required.

Duties

• Advocate for a Whole Health System of care in each Medical Center, empowering Veterans to take charge of their health.
• Operate within a model with three core elements: creating a personalized health plan, healing relationships and environments, and connecting Veterans to their community.
• Align with the VHA Mission Statement to honor America’s veterans by providing exceptional health care.
• Manage scheduled and unscheduled patients in the outpatient clinic setting; primary providers usually have an assigned panel of patients.
• Panel size is determined by VHA PCMM software and is unique to each practice.
• Provide alternative duties such as managing a subsection of primary care patients defined by disease status (e.g., spinal cord injury) or demographic status (e.g., women Veterans, OIF/OEF Veterans).
• Participate in special projects as they become available through strategic initiatives.
• Apply for and maintain inpatient privileges (optional for primary care providers); when on inpatient duty, participate in discharge planning and interdisciplinary patient care planning.
• Participate in sign‑in and sign‑out rounds daily and hand off patient information to the on‑coming physician or MOD.
• Serve as a supervising or collaborating physician for mid‑level providers and provide clinical oversight and review.
• Act as a surrogate for colleagues’ patients when one or more are on leave.
• Work a minimum of 80 hours per pay period unless on leave; a compressed schedule of four 10‑hour days is available.
• Follow departmental and VHA policies for leave and attendance; work within Title 38 appointment guidelines.
• When asked to work outside the normal tour of duty, an administrative leave for rest and relaxation may be requested.
• Maintain well‑timed documentation and complete all administrative work promptly.
• Meet the required work relative value units (RVUs) set by the national office for primary care providers.
• Designated women’s health provider and complete mandatory VHA women’s health training.

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 a possible 5‑day paid CME absence).
• Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% matching contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).
• Full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory.
• Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement for CME (must be full‑time with board certification).
• Free liability protection with tail coverage for malpractice.
• No physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.
• Work schedule: Monday–Friday, 8‑hour shifts (8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.).
• Contact: EDRP Coordinator – [e-mail] for questions or assistance.