Staff Physician/Orthopedic Section Chief

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 350,000 - 450,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education debt reduction program

Annual performance bonus

Comprehensive health insurance benefits

50-55 days of paid time off yearly

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Louis is seeking an accomplished orthopedic surgeon to serve as the Section Chief of Orthopedic Surgery. This role combines clinical expertise, administrative leadership, and education in a mission-driven environment.

The ideal candidate will provide strategic leadership and foster a culture of excellence while maintaining an active surgical practice. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package along with a competitive salary and significant paid time off.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must have a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the U.S.
• Must have completed residency training in an accredited program.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Orthopedic Surgery section.
• Provide high-quality orthopedic care to Veterans.
• Collaborate with Washington University in St. Louis.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Surgical techniques proficiency

Education

Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree

Board certification in Orthopedic Surgery

Job description

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval – 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 EDRP 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. Currently employed physician(s) in the 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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine
• The 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 State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States – or in 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
• Residencies may be approved by the ACGME or AOA, or other residencies (non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of five years of verified practice in the United States) that the local Medical Staff Executive Committee deems to provide appropriate professional training and suitable patient care experience
• Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs who otherwise meet the basic requirements for appointment are eligible to be appointed as Physician Resident Providers (PRPs)
• PRPs must be fully licensed physicians and may be appointed on an intermittent or fee‑basis
• PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged; they will have a scope of practice that allows them to perform certain restricted duties under supervision
• Additionally, surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Must be eligible for faculty appointment with Washington University
• Preferred Experience: Board‑certified orthopedic surgeon with comprehensive experience and fellowship training in one of the following subspecialties – Reconstruction, Shoulder & Elbow, Sports Medicine, or Trauma
• Demonstrated proficiency in advanced surgical techniques and evidence‑based practice
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: More information can be found in VA Handbook 5019.

Duties

• VA St Louis Health Care System seeks an accomplished orthopedic surgeon to lead as Section Chief of Orthopedic Surgery
• This role combines clinical expertise with administrative leadership and education in a collaborative, mission‑driven environment
• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including VHA Physician Total Rewards, recruitment/relocation incentive (sign‑on bonus) for highly qualified individuals, education debt reduction program, competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases, 50‑55 days of paid time off per year, traditional federal pension, 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution, and federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care insurance (many federal programs can be carried into retirement)
• Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any U.S. State or territory; CME reimbursement up to $1,000 per year for full‑time board‑certified physicians; malpractice covered by free liability protection with tail coverage
• No physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting
• The Section Chief serves as a key member of the Surgical Service and facility leadership – participating in strategic planning, policy development, and program growth to meet the orthopedic needs of the Veteran population
• A key component of this role is the academic partnership with Washington University in St. Louis; the Section Chief must have advanced fellowship training and be eligible for and maintain a faculty appointment at Washington University
• The Section Chief provides strategic and operational leadership, ensuring delivery of high‑quality, veteran‑centered orthopedic care while fostering a culture of professionalism, safety, and continuous improvement
• Provide comprehensive outpatient, inpatient, and operative orthopedic surgical care – including consultations, pre‑ and post‑operative management, and performance of a full range of procedures within subspecialty expertise
• Maintain an active surgical practice and participate in the general orthopedic call schedule in support of continuous, safe patient care
• Oversee section operations – including staffing, scheduling, access to care, documentation standards, quality metrics, and compliance with VA and accreditation requirements
• Supervise and mentor orthopedic surgeons, advanced practice providers, residents, and students to foster a positive, team‑based learning environment
• Collaborate with Washington University and other partners to support education, quality improvement, research, and program development that enhance Veteran musculoskeletal care
• Work schedule: Full‑time tour of duty to be negotiated upon selection.