Physician (Hospitalist)

Summary

We are seeking a Hospitalist (Board Certified in Internal Medicine) to join our team in Columbia - MO. At the VA, your work will carry purpose as you provide care to Veterans while enjoying strong federal benefits and stability. This is an open-continuous announcement and will remain open until June 21, 2027, or until vacancies are filled. Qualified applicants will be referred as they become available from the opening date of the announcement.

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 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 be appointed only when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
• Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine.
• Degree obtained from a school approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year the course of study was completed.
• Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification.
• Residency authentication: (1) Approved ACGME or AOA accredited residency; (2) One year of post‑medical‑school training followed by two years of independent practice; or (3) Non‑U.S. residency program followed by at least three years of verified independent practice in the U.S.
• Residents currently enrolled in accredited residency programs eligible to be appointed as “Physician Resident Providers” (PRPs). PRPs must be fully licensed physicians and may be appointed on an intermittent basis.
• PRPs are not independent practitioners and will not be privileged; they may perform restricted duties under supervision.
• Exceptions may be granted by the Facility Director with approval from the VISN Director for physicians whose record warrants such action.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Must be board certified in internal medicine. Recent graduates must be board eligible with intent to become board certified within one year of hiring.
• Must have completed a pre‑employment physical and meet the following physical requirements: lifting 15–44 pounds; pushing, walking, and standing 3–5 hours; rapid mental and muscular coordination; near and far vision requirements; depth perception and basic color discrimination; hearing aid permissible.

Duties

• Provide general internal medicine care of inpatient services in keeping with good clinical practice and standards of the Hospitalist Section and Medicine Service at the Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital.
• Participate in educational activities related to the Internal Medicine residency program.
• Collaborate with physician extenders and nursing care providers throughout the hospital.
• Serve as a resource for primary care providers to ensure a smooth transition of patients from inpatient to outpatient settings.
• Provide expertise in multispecialty and patient‑care related discussions.
• Provide inpatient general internal medicine consultation services to non‑medicine teams, including direct supervision and education of medical consultation house staff.
• Perform inpatient internal medicine attending services, including clinical procedures within your specialty area on general medicine teams.
• Serve on committees as requested by the Medical Center Director, Chief of Staff, or Deputy Chief of Staff.
• Follow medical‑staff bylaws and complete all medical records timely through CPRS in accordance with VA policies and regulations.
• Participate in ongoing process improvements within your area to promote quality, efficiency, patient safety, and timely access to care for veterans.
• Participate in inter‑hospital transfers of patients as needed.
• Provide medical diagnostic evaluation and initial assessment of patients, including focused history, physical examinations, and pertinent laboratory investigations.
• Complete admission history and physical (H&P) or a short‑form admission note as appropriate.
• Perform basic procedures expected of any board‑eligible internist (lumbar puncture, thoracentesis, paracentesis).
• Supervise residents, students, fellows, or teams assigned to your area of responsibility.
• Accept other related duties as assigned or prescribed by the Chief of Staff.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with an 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 up to 5 days paid absence for CME).
• Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance (many federal programs can be carried into retirement).
• Full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory (CME reimbursement of up to $1,000 per year for full‑time board‑certified physicians).
• Free liability protection with tail coverage; no physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.
• Work schedule: 6 AM–6 PM.
• Recruitment incentive (sign‑on bonus): not authorized.
• Malpractice coverage: free liability protection with tail coverage provided.
• Commit to medical‑staff bylaws and timely completion of medical records via CPRS.