Section Chief of Mental Health - Primary Care Provider Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (Tucson, AZ) Empower Change. Lead Innovation. Serve Those Who Served.
Are you an experienced physician leader seeking a mission-driven role at the intersection of medicine and mental health? The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) invites a talented Primary Care Physician to join us as Section Chief of Mental Health Primary Care-a unique opportunity to shape the future of care for our nation's Veterans in beautiful Tucson, Arizona.
Why Join Our Team?
- Transformative Leadership: Step into a pivotal leadership role where you'll guide a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing life-changing, integrated primary care to Veterans facing serious mental illness and/or homelessness.
- Collaboration and Innovation: Work closely with mental health and primary care professionals in a progressive environment that values collaboration, evidence-based care, and continuous quality improvement.
- Make a Lasting Difference: Your expertise will directly influence the health, well-being, and dignity of Veterans-a population with complex and meaningful care needs.
Position Highlights
- Leadership & Impact:
- Serve as Section Chief & Clinic Director for the Mental Health Primary Care section.
- Directly supervise and mentor a team of 7 interdisciplinary healthcare professionals-cultivating a culture of excellence and compassion.
- Oversee 4 specialized PACT teams (3 SMI-PACT, 1 H-PACT), championing integrated primary care for Veterans with co-existing mental health diagnoses.
- Clinical Excellence:
- Provide high-quality outpatient primary care within an innovative, co-located mental health setting.
- Advice and consult with colleagues in both primary care and behavioral health-become a recognized leader and resource across the organization.
- Professional Growth:
- Shape program development, participate in teaching/mentorship, and affect system-wide best practices.
- Work-Life Balance:
- Enjoy a regular daytime schedule: M-F, 7:30am-4:00pm-promoting well-being in and out of the workplace.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Board-certified/eligible in Family or Internal Medicine
- Active, unrestricted US medical license
- Demonstrated physician leadership experience
- Deep commitment to Veteran-centered, team-based care
- Passion for working with individuals living with mental illness and/or homelessness
- Excellent interpersonal and teaching skills
- Preferred: Mental health experience and interest in advancing integrated care.
Outstanding VA Benefits
- Competitive Compensation: $265,000-$290,000/yr, plus annual bonus and regular salary increases
- Recruitment /Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Approved Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment Program)
- Generous Paid-Time Off: 50-55 days annually including 26 vacation days, 13 sick days, 11 federal holidays, and up to 5 days CME leave
- Comprehensive Federal Benefits: Retirement pension (5 years vesting) + 401k (VA contributes up to 5%) Health, vision, dental, life, and long-term care insurance (many benefits carry into retirement)
- Professional Support: $1,000/year CME reimbursement, malpractice insurance with tail coverage, and no physician employment contract No significant restrictions on moonlighting
- Relocation Assistance Possible
- Live and Work in Sunny Tucson: Enjoy an affordable, vibrant city rich in culture, arts, outdoor recreation, and year-round sunshine.
Join Arizona's flagship VA health system and lead a team at the forefront of caring for America's heroes.
Contact Information
virginia.deutsch@va.gov