Physician (Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI&D) Service Chief)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with annual bonuses

Paid Time Off: 50–55 days per year

Federal health, vision, and dental insurance

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Hampton, Virginia is seeking a qualified Medical Doctor for the Spinal Cord Injury service. Responsibilities include diagnosing and treating SCI conditions while providing leadership for clinical and educational activities.

Candidates must hold an accredited medical degree, a full medical license, and residency training in a core specialty. The position offers competitive benefits and incentives for highly qualified applicants.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen (non-citizens only if no qualified citizen is available).
• Full and unrestricted medical license required.
• Residency training in an accredited core specialty essential.

Responsibilities

• Serve as clinical lead for the SCI and Disorders Service.
• Diagnose and treat SCI and rehabilitation conditions.
• Maintain clinical privileges in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Skills

United States citizenship

Medical degree

Full and unrestricted medical license

Residency training in a core specialty

Proficiency in spoken and written English

Education

Doctor of Medicine or equivalent

Job description

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements per VHA policy and apply within four months of appointment. The award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (1 to 5 years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the application. Former participants are ineligible. A recruitment or relocation incentive may also be available for highly qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• United States citizenship (non‑citizens only if no qualified citizen can be recruited).
• Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree from an accredited allopathic or osteopathic school approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Current full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Residency training in an accredited core specialty leading to board certification, or one of the acceptable alternatives listed below.
• Eligible residency training: (1) ACGME or AOA accredited program; (2) One year of post‑medical‑school training followed by two years of independent practice; (3) Non‑US residency training followed by at least three years of U.S. independent practice.
• Emergency physicians or physicians with evidence of board certification for the core specialty may qualify under alternative pathways.
• Prior VA experience in Primary Care is preferred.
• Prior supervisory experience is preferred.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Physical requirements: The incumbent must be mobile to sit, walk, stand, and bend as needed.
• Selected applicant will be required to complete an online on‑boarding process.
• Physician Resident Providers (PRPs) eligible for intermittent appointment if fully licensed (not a training license) and meet specified competency criteria.
• Reference: For more information on qualification standards – visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the administrative and clinical lead for the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and Disorders Service at the Hampton VAMC.
• Diagnose and treat the full spectrum of acute and chronic SCI and rehabilitation conditions, and provide consultative services to inpatient and outpatient providers.
• Provide direct clinical care for SCI veterans, ensuring coverage of inpatient and outpatient services.
• Maintain full clinical privileges and active certification in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) with subspecialty certification in SCI Medicine.
• Lead educational activities for residents, fellows, medical students, and allied health trainees, fostering a nationally recognized program in SCI education.
• Coordinate with the Chief of Staff and facility management to align Medical Center and VISN objectives, integrating resources, equipment, and space planning.
• Develop short‑ and long‑term goals, plans, and programs for the service, including performance metrics and outcome monitoring.
• Collaborate with union leadership, executive, managerial, and clinical teams to formulate and implement policies, organizational changes, and management proposals.
• Provide emergency clinical leadership during crises and ensure continuity of care for SCI patients.
• Maintain licensure and certification, and conduct ongoing professional development to stay current with advances in SCI medicine.
• Work schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (standard full‑time hours).

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).
• Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care, and other insurance programs (many can be carried into retirement).
• Malpractice coverage: free liability protection with tail coverage.
• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility for qualifying candidates.
• No employment contract required; no significant restrictions on moonlighting.
• Recruitment or relocation incentives may be available for highly qualified candidates.