Physician - Section Chief - Palliative Care

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off of 50–55 days per year

Malpractice coverage, free liability protection

Continued Medical Education reimbursement of up to $1,000 per year

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a qualified physician for the Palliative Care Section of Medicine Service in Fresno, California. Responsibilities include developing healthcare delivery systems, ensuring compliance with VHA policies, and maintaining high-quality patient care.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens with a medical degree and board certification in palliative care. Excellent benefits are offered, including competitive pay, extensive Paid Time Off, and active engagement in veteran care.

Qualifications

• Citizenship in the United States is required.
• Current medical license in a U.S. state or territory is mandatory.
• Additional requirement: must have teaching experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive healthcare delivery system.
• Oversee compliance with VHA policy.
• Ensure high-quality patient care in a resource-efficient manner.

Skills

Proficiency in spoken and written English

Ability to develop healthcare delivery systems

Collaborative skills with service chiefs

Compliance with VHA policy

Board certification in palliative care

Education

Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree

Residency training in accredited program

Job description

Summary

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

Qualifications

To qualify for this position you must meet the basic requirements and any additional requirements listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed physicians 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.
• Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine from an VA‑approved school.
• Current, full and unrestricted medical or surgical license 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 year of post‑medical‑school training approved by ACGME or AOA followed by two years of independent practice, or
  • Non‑U.S. residency training followed by a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the United States.
• Resident physicians currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA‑accredited residency programs who otherwise meet the basic requirements are eligible to be appointed as Physician Resident Providers (PRPs).
• PRPs must be fully licensed physicians and are appointed on an intermittent basis; they are not considered independent practitioners.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Additional requirement: Board certification in palliative care with instructing/teaching experience due to faculty appointment with the affiliated institution.
• Proficiency in physical standards: must pass a physical examination prior to placement and meet all specified physical requirements.
• This is a designated drug‑testing position; random testing for illegal drug use will be conducted after appointment.

Duties

• Develop and implement a comprehensive healthcare delivery system in coordination with the VHA mission.
• Maintain collaborative partnerships with all other service chiefs and leadership at VACCHCS.
• Oversee the various sections within the service and ensure compliance with VHA policy.
• Maintain privileged status and practice in your specialty field.
• Ensure high‑quality patient care is delivered in a resource‑efficient manner.
• Participate in the selection of qualified professional staff and ensure recruitment and hiring meet VA and academic affiliation requirements.
• Provide continuous veteran‑centered care and services to family members.
• The incumbent is assigned as the Section Chief of the Palliative Care Section of Medicine Service at VACCHCS.
• Engage with the VA’s patient‑centered care mission, promoting prevention through healing relationships.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Work schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Pay: 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 paid absence for CME).
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension with five‑year vesting and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contributions.
• Federal insurance programs: health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care (many programs can be carried into retirement).
• Continued Medical Education reimbursement: up to $1,000 per year for full‑time board‑certified physicians.
• Malpractice coverage: free liability protection with tail coverage provided.
• Contract: No physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.