Opening Physician Department Veterans Affairs (Orthopedic Surgery) w/Recruitment-Incentive-EDRP Harl

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Staff Physician, Orthopedic Services

The Staff Physician in Orthopedic Services plays a vital role in delivering patient care, educating patients and their families, and engaging in relevant clinical research within the Orthopedic department. This position involves providing thorough care for patients experiencing orthopedic-related health issues, encompassing all aspects of outpatient care. Additional duties may include mentoring medical students and residents, as well as overseeing other healthcare providers. The majority of the physician's time will focus on patient care and education, with the remainder dedicated to performance improvement initiatives, innovative research aimed at enhancing patient outcomes, and activities necessary to maintain expertise in advanced orthopedic practices. Most responsibilities will be carried out at the Health Care Center in Harlingen, with some travel required to various locations within the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System.

• Responding to and completing orthopedic care consultations.
• Conducting comprehensive, detailed, and targeted initial history and physical examinations.
• Ordering diagnostic tests, including laboratory analyses, X-rays, electromyography (EMG), and electrocardiograms (EKGs).
• Collaborating with other medical disciplines as needed to finalize patient evaluations.
• Implementing health promotion and disease prevention strategies, including patient education and shared decision-making.
• Surgical proficiency in orthopedic procedures, particularly arthroscopic surgery, is preferred; documentation of recent procedures will be required.
• Engaging in regional and national orthopedic program initiatives.
• Instructing students from various medical fields and specialties.

• Issuing medical orders and prescriptions for non-controlled substances.
• Documenting patient care in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
• Recording detailed initial history and physical examinations necessary for evaluations in electronic tools.
• Obtaining patient consent and documenting procedures performed.
• Providing education and counseling to patients and families regarding preventive care, medical conditions, and prescribed treatments.
• Reviewing and updating policies and operational standards.
• Guiding chronic patient management protocols, including coordinating with the prosthetics department to address patient needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

• Recruitment/Relocation Incentives: Potential sign-on bonuses for highly qualified candidates.
• Salary: Competitive compensation, with annual performance bonuses and regular salary increases.
• Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid leave annually, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and a possible 5-day paid absence for continuing medical education (CME).
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (with a 5-year vesting period) and a federal 401K plan with contributions of up to 5% from the organization.
• Insurance: Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance options (many can be carried into retirement).
• Licensure: Must hold one full and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state or territory.
• CME: Potential reimbursement of up to $1,000 per year (must be full-time and board-certified).
• Malpractice Coverage: Free liability protection with tail coverage included.
• Contract: No physician employment contract and no significant restrictions on moonlighting.
• Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.