Physician-Ophthalmology (Retina Specialist)

Ophthalmologist, Retina Specialist

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. The Ophthalmologist, Retina Specialist will perform primary clinical and surgical duties. The incumbent will be expected to manage and treat a wide variety of ophthalmic conditions to include anterior and posterior segment diseases, glaucoma, diabetic retinal disorders, macular degeneration, and some ophthalmic neurological disorders. The candidate selected will be required to provide retina subspecialty ophthalmologic care. Duties will include providing a full spectrum of eye care including but not limited to:

• Retina Surgery- membrane peels, vitrectomies, retinal detachments, macular degeneration, retinal injections
• Assessing and examining patients to diagnose and develop treatment plans.
• Performing surgical procedures related to injuries and diseases of the eye and the visual system.
• Performing surgeries with YAG, SLT, and/or Argon lasers.
• Managing medical disorders affecting vision, such as inflammatory, vascular, neurological and genetic disorders, thyroid eye disease, diabetes and strokes.
• The Ophthalmologist will be responsible for all patient orders including laboratory, imaging, pharmacy, prosthetics, and consults for specialty care to be completed through CPRS.
• Ophthalmologist will see patients individually and/or operate independently as well as staff resident clinics and staff residents in the operating room.
• Open encounter and open consult maintenance, CPRS documentation requirements, and monitoring of clinic management. Maintains involvement in matters concerning clinic productivity, relevant performance measures, Quality and Patient Safety oversight, as well as process improvements (system redesigns).
• The Ophthalmologist will establish professional working relationships with other clinical service providers within the center and outlying Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), providing telephone and e-consult consultations as needed and screening consults that are received for appropriateness prior to scheduling.
• The selected candidate will participate in a call pool with other same-specialty providers.
• The incumbent will report to the Section Chief, Eye Surgery Service or his designee.
• The Ophthalmologist shall be expected to cooperate with and participate in medical duties or functions related to quality of care, peer review, improvement and with other performance improvement activities at the direction of the Section Chief, Surgery Chief Service and the Chief of Staff.
• Show effectiveness in teaching and supervision of ophthalmology residents and assist in coordinating educational activities; comply with necessary trainee supervision requirements.
• The ophthalmologist will take Attending call afterhours and weekends.
• The incumbent directly reports to the Chief of Eye Care Services.
• Attend required staff meetings, communicate up and down the chain of command, assist in managing any surgical or clinical issues that arise within the service and at the direction of the Section Chief.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.

VHA Physician Total Rewards

Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases

Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of annual paid time offer per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME)

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory

CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement

Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided

Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting

Work Schedule: Part-time 15-20 hours per week