Primary Care Physician

Summary

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

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements and any additional requirements (if applicable) 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: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Degree: Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine
• Degree must have been obtained from a VA‑approved school for the year of completion
• Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. state, territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia
• Residency training: Physicians must have completed residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty program leading to eligibility for board certification
• Alternate residency options: (1) VA‑approved residency or fellowship completed in the United States; (2) One year of post‑medical‑school training followed by two years of independent practice in the U.S.; (3) Non‑U.S. residency training followed by at least three years of verified independent practice in the U.S.
• Residents currently enrolled in accredited programs that otherwise meet the basic requirements are eligible to be appointed as Physician Resident Providers (PRPs). PRPs must be fully licensed physicians and may only be appointed on an intermittent basis.
• PRPs are not independent practitioners and will not be privileged; they will have a scope of practice allowing certain restricted duties under supervision.
• In rare circumstances, the Facility Director may submit a memo to the VISN Director to request reasonable exceptions to the residency requirement for physicians whose overall record warrants such action.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Preferred Experience: Board certified and/or eligible in a primary‑care specialty (Internal Medicine or Family Medicine)
• Experience in primary care
• Physical Requirements: As detailed in VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including VHA Physician Total Rewards and other benefits.
• Closed to former EDRP participants; contact EDRP coordinator for questions.
• Clinical functions: Provide direct patient care as a member of an expanded healthcare team using the PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) model.
• Manage a patient panel of approximately 100–200 (VA PCMM targets).
• Provide patient‑centered care for routine primary care and urgent care in an outpatient setting.
• Facilitate and lead a team approach to ensure optimal care coordination and clinical collaboration.
• Monitor data and reports to promote health promotion and guide disease prevention management.
• Prescribe medications within scope of practice; order diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests, x‑rays, and electrocardiograms.
• Initiate and respond to consultations and special tests.
• Provide education and counseling to patients and families on preventive care, medical conditions, and treatments.
• Participate in team communications through daily huddles and electronic means.
• Serve as a surrogate for absent providers to handle view alerts, secure messages, and other correspondence.
• Complete patient forms and respond to communications in a timely manner.
• Monitor and manage assigned patient panel for key population health metrics.
• May involve supervising or collaborating with primary‑care mid‑level providers, including clinical oversight and peer reviews.
• Attend primary‑care staff meetings, departmental meetings, and medical staff meetings.
• Additional duties may include chart reviews, congressional duties, and other assignments.
• General compliance: Follow departmental and VHA policies for leave and attendance, timely documentation within 48 hours of visit, complete administrative work promptly, address clinical reminders as medically appropriate, and maintain quality care.
• Manage view alert backlog to remain below 200 for a 1.0 FTE provider.
• Protect sensitive electronic files in compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws and policies.
• Work schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with a minimum of 80 hours per bi‑weekly pay period. Duties may include evening, weekend hours, and ad hoc telework agreements.

Compensation and 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 possible 5 days paid absence for CME).
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% contributions by VA.
• Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care (many federal programs can be carried into retirement).
• Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory.
• CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full‑time with board certification).
• Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided.
• Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.