Physician - Chief of Medicine​/Geriatrics

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval and 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 review of the EDRP application.

Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

To qualify for this position you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements 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 VA physicians who met 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.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree
• The degree must have been obtained from a school approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed
• Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State/Territory/Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia
• Residency Training:
  Physicians must have completed residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification
• Approved residencies: (ACGME) or (AOA) or other residencies as specified by the local Medical Staff Executive Committee
• Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs may be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs)
• PRPs must be fully licensed physicians and may only be appointed on an intermittent or fee-basis
• PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged
• Scope of practice is under supervision
• Additionally, surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• Physical Requirements:
  
  See VA Directives and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service

• The Chief of Medicine/Geriatrics will have medical oversight of the in-patient units - Urgent Care Clinic - Community Living Center and Home Based Primary Care to include quality of care - patient experience - SAIL metrics (readmission - infection control - and other metrics) - and out-patient medical sub-specialties clinics
• The candidate must have demonstrated knowledge in caring for the Veteran population - the ability to work with an interdisciplinary team - and demonstrate excellent customer service skills
• The incumbent will be based at the Altoona VA Medical Center. Duties include a strong interpersonal, mentoring, and diplomatic skill set with an understanding of Department of Veterans Affairs operations
• Providing leadership and strategic vision for medicine inpatient activities and clinics
• Collaborates with executive leadership - managerial and clinical leaders in formulating local Medical Center Policy - resource planning for manpower - equipment and space
• Guide the development and implementation of programs such as medical practice - professional standards - personnel issues - quality - and performance improvement
• Recommend clinical privileges for each member of the service
• Recruiting and hiring clinicians and monitoring provider performance and medical outcomes
• Engage in clinical service activities in his/her area of specialization
• The Chief of Medicine sits on a number of important committees at the medical center and VISN levels; attendance and participation are essential
• Participates in the development and implementation of Medical Center policy affecting patient care and services
• Collaborate in developing - implementing - and evaluating philosophy - objectives - policies - and standards essential for delivering optimal care to patients
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Staff of the Altoona VA Medical Center

• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package
• VHA Physician Total Rewards
• Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment)
• EDRP Authorized:
  Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply
• Pay:
  Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases
• Paid Time Off: 50-55 days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays, possible 5 day CME absence)
• Retirement:
  Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
• Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted…