Chief of Neurosurgery at the St. Louis Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System

Job Description

Job Description

Department

Neurosurgery Department

Track

Clinician

Rank

Assistant Professor

Title

Chief of Neurosurgery at the St. Louis Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System

Position Overview

The Chief of Neurosurgery at the St. Louis Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System holds a faculty leadership role within the Taylor Department of Neurosurgery at Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM). This position entails comprehensive administrative, clinical, educational, and supervisory responsibilities for the Neurosurgery Section at the VA. Key duties include overseeing complex spinal surgical care, coordinating multidisciplinary services, ensuring optimal clinical outcomes, and advancing the academic mission through teaching and research activities.

This role reports operationally to the Associate Chief of Staff for Surgical Services at the VA and academically to the Chair of Neurosurgery at Washington University School of Medicine.

In this capacity, the selected candidate will assess, diagnose, and treat Veterans suffering from spinal and peripheral nerve disorders. Collaboration with Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), nursing staff, and technicians will be essential to maintain efficient clinic operations and ensure timely follow-up. The Chief will also serve as the attending neurosurgeon for hospitalized patients at the VA, coordinating care with inpatient teams. Responsibilities include performing intricate spinal procedures, such as spinal reconstruction and advanced management of degenerative, traumatic, and neoplastic spine conditions. Leading multidisciplinary perioperative teams, including anesthesiology, surgical nursing, APPs, and OR technical staff, is also a critical aspect of this role. The Chief will respond swiftly to urgent and emergent neurosurgical consultations and participate fairly in the VA neurosurgery call schedule.

Essential Qualifications

• Completion of a residency program in neurosurgery accredited in the U.S.
• Board certification or eligibility in neurosurgery.
• Completion of a fellowship in spinal neurosurgery.
• Eligibility to practice medicine in the U.S.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strategic leadership capabilities, with experience in managing a surgical practice and a proven track record of collaborative clinical leadership aimed at program growth and development.