Physician (Primary Care)

Summary

The 2‑page resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information – refer to "Required Documents" below. The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System's Primary Care Service is seeking an experienced and dynamic Primary Care Pain Physician. Ideal applicants are those who want to contribute to the achievement of quality care standards – as well as the growth and development of a VA academic hospital program. You must be an excellent communicator and team player.

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 physician(s) 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.
• Doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree from a school approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs 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 (Family Medicine or Internal Medicine) leading to eligibility for board certification.
• (NOTE: VA physicians involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status.) Approved residencies are:
  • (1) Those approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
  • (2) Those approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
  • (3) Other residencies (non‑U.S. training followed by a minimum of five years of verified practice in the United States) deemed appropriate by the local Medical Staff Executive Committee.
• Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs and who would otherwise meet the basic requirements for appointment are eligible to be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs).
• PRPs must be fully licensed physicians (not a training license) and may only be appointed on an intermittent or fee‑basis.
• PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged.
• Rather, they are to have a scope of practice that allows them to perform certain restricted duties under supervision.
• Additionally, surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Preferred Experience: Board certified or board eligible in Addiction Medicine (if not, applicant plans to achieve that within the conditional hiring period) and Internal Medicine or Family Medicine.
• Alternative pain management skills such as osteopathic manipulation, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, healing touch, comfortable prescribing suboxone, experience with joint injections, trigger point injections, fellowship trained in pain management and addiction, one‑year post‑residency pain management training.
• Physical Requirements: Must pass a pre‑employment physical examination as required by VA Handbook 5019. This examination is administered by VA Occupational Health. The position requires moderate lifting up to 44 lbs, carrying objects up to 15 lbs, frequent reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, hands and legs, use of cranes and motor vehicles, walking & standing up to 8 hours, bending and climbing, and ability to hear whisper. The incumbent must be physically, emotionally and mentally stable to efficiently perform the essential functions without hazard to themselves or others.

Duties

• This is an open continuous announcement that will remain open until filled.
• Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
• Eligible applicants will be referred each week for consideration until a selection is made.
• This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program.
• You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.
• Approval – award amount (up to $200 000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the application.
• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus), Authorized Education Debt Reduction Program, Student Loan Repayment, Authorized.
• Former EDRP participants are not eligible to apply for EDRP.
• Contact the VISN 8 Compensation Center of Excellence at View email address on click.appcast.io for questions/assistance.
• Pay: Competitive salary – annual performance bonus – regular salary increases.
• Paid Time Off: 50–55 days of paid time off 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 401(k) with up to 5 % contribution by VA.
• Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).
• Licensure: One 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.
• The incumbent serves in the primary care medicine service as an ambulatory care physician/provider for patients who require care within the assigned clinic structure within the Department.
• The incumbent is responsible for managing patients to include examination, medical care management, coordination of consultation, referral of patients, development and operation of quality assurance and utilization programs including peer reviews, community clinic physicians and services and physicians in Bay Pines Healthcare System Services.
• Coordinates preventive health care needs according to guidelines established by VA and sound medical practice.
• Measurement of clinical performance is based upon quality reviews, completion of clinical reminders in CPRS, participation in medical center committees, and other methods.
• An active knowledge of the patient care processes of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Healthcare System and its clinics is maintained.
• Active knowledge of the medical records system (CPRS) is essential.
• This shall include using the computerized medical record system for progress notes, orders, and medical record review and completion of such records in a complete and timely manner.
• The incumbent shall have knowledge of and abide by Healthcare System Bylaws, VHA Rules and Regulations and familiarize with existing VA‑specific clinical guidelines.
• Physicians have a responsibility to accommodate patient emergent needs.
• Phone calls, administrative form completion and other patient requests are to be completed in a timely manner – in most cases within one week.
• Supervision of Physician Assistants (PA), students and residents may be part of the physician’s responsibility.
• This shall include annual review of performance with submission of a written report summarizing the clinical performance of the individual(s) supervised.
• This includes review of medical records, patient care, drug prescribing, and consultation requests.
• All new patients and any patient with a significant change in clinical status should be reviewed between PA, student, resident, and physician.
• The incumbent is directly responsible to the Service Chief of Primary Care at the Bay Pines VAMC.
• The physician will work collaboratively and under the direction of their assigned Section Chief.
• Administrative assignments may be assigned by the Section Chief or self‑generated.
• Work is reviewed for timely delivery of health evaluative services and high‑quality exams consistent with standardized practices.
• Physicians will participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and function as a team member.
• Physicians will be active in the management of the primary care profiles to ensure appropriate timeliness of care and continuity of care, including maintenance of health and treatment of illness.
• Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 8am‑4:30pm (Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisor.
• The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility/patient care needs).