Physician (Regular FT)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Paid time off: 50-55 days per year

Federal pension and 401(K) contributions

CME reimbursement for full-time physicians

Malpractice coverage

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a qualified physician to provide primary care for veterans in Columbus, Georgia. This role includes performing assessments, diagnosing conditions, and coordinating care. Candidates must have a Doctor of Medicine degree and a full medical license.

Enjoy a competitive salary with annual performance bonuses and generous paid time off totaling 50-55 days per year, along with traditional federal pension benefits.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Full, unrestricted medical license to practice in a U.S. state.
• Residency training in an accredited core specialty.

Responsibilities

• Provide primary care for a panel of veterans.
• Perform comprehensive assessments and physical examinations.
• Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions.

Skills

Proficiency in spoken and written English

Medical license

Assessment and diagnosis

Patient education

Education

Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree

ACGME or AOA accredited residency

Job description

Summary

Position eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. Award amounts up to $200,000 for a period of one to five years are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the application. Applicants must meet VHA policy eligibility requirements and submit the EDRP application within four months of appointment. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to reapply.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the basic requirements outlined below and any additional requirements listed in the job announcement. Physicians pending completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are complete.

Basic Requirements

• United States citizenship is required; non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine from an approved school of the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year of completion.
• Full, unrestricted medical license to practice in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Residency training in an accredited core specialty program that leads to board certification, or
  • Completion of an ACGME or AOA accredited residency or fellowship; one year of post‑medical‑school training (internship or transitional year) followed by two years of independent practice; or non‑U.S. residency training followed by at least three years of verified independent practice in the U.S.
• For residents currently enrolled in accredited residency training programs who otherwise meet the basic requirements, appointment as a Physician Resident Provider (PRP) is possible, subject to additional conditions.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Physical requirements: adequate visual acuity, hearing, speech, manual dexterity, and capacity to sit, walk, stand, stoop, bend, pull, and push as needed; long periods of sitting and computer use tolerated.
• Reference: https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/

Duties

• Provide primary care for a panel of veterans, including outpatient visits (scheduled and unscheduled).
• Perform comprehensive assessment, history, physical examination, and patient education.
• Diagnose and initiate treatment for acute and chronic conditions; order and evaluate diagnostic tests.
• Initiate and adjust medication orders; document clinical findings, treatment decisions, and follow‑up plans in the electronic comprehensive patient record system (CPRS).
• Respond to computerized alerts and address health line requests in a timely manner.
• Coordinate care with the primary care multidisciplinary team, including referrals and consultations to other clinical services.
• Maintain performance measure guidelines and clinical quality standards as outlined by the VA.
• Act as a surrogate for colleagues on leave or travel and serve as a resource for nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
• Work schedule: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

Benefits

Competitive salary with annual performance bonus; 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 paid absence for CME). Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(K) with up to 5% employer contribution. Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance. Full, unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state or territory is required. Possible $1,000 per year CME reimbursement for full‑time board‑certified physicians. Malpractice coverage is provided by the VA, with tail coverage. No employment contract restrictions or significant moonlighting constraints. Recruitment/relocation incentive (sign‑on bonus) available for highly qualified candidates.