Physician - Chief of Medicine

Full Job Description

The Chief of Medicine will provide leadership and direction for the Medical Service staff and its programs, to include care in the acute inpatient units and Emergency Department at the Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

The incumbent must possess clinical knowledge that provides the ability to manage these programs and provide direct supervision to clinical providers, specifically in regard to efficient delivery of services, quality of service, and customer satisfaction.

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 the 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.

Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine.

The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools 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, or 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.

(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), b) OR [(2) Those approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA),OR (3) Other residencies (non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of five years of verified practice in the United States), which the local Medical Staff Executive Committee deems to have provided the applicant with appropriate professional training and believes has exposed the physician to an appropriate range of patient care experiences.

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 (i.e., 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.

Leadership/Manager Positions: Physician leadership and manager positions may be facility chiefs of staff, directors (i.e., medical center and Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN)); selected positions in VHA Central Office; and service chiefs or service line managers.

Positions are approved for these levels based on the scope and complexity of the assignment and the level of responsibility.

Preferred Experience: maintains both BLS and ACLS certification Leadership experience at least 1 year with supervisory experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: Applicants must meet physical standards for the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required. This is a designated drug testing position.

After appointment, you will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use. Requires lifting 15-44 pounds; pushing (approx.

2 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands; walking and standing from 3-5 hours and kneeling. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.

Must have depth perception and ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors. Hearing aid is permitted. Major Duties:

The Salem VAMC holds academic affiliations with a number of institutions, including the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (students and residents), the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (students, residents, and fellows), and the Jefferson College of Health Sciences (students).

As such, the incumbent is expected to support these affiliations through teaching and clinical activities that enhance the clinical learning environment at the Medical Center.

The incumbent will also support these affiliations by acquiring faculty appointments as required, serving as a Medical Center representative on affiliate academic committees as needed, and shaping policies and practices at the Medical Center as appropriate in order to meet affiliate or accrediting body requirements.

The Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center is a Joint Commission Accredited Level 1c facility providing comprehensive care to both ambulatory and critically ill patients through Primary Care, Tertiary Care, and Long-Term Care in areas of Medicine, Surgery, Mental Health, Extended Care and Rehabilitation, Spinal Cord Injury, along with Supportive and Social Services.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards.

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Approved for highly qualified applicant 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 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 (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 Chief of Medicine's duties will include, but are not limited to: Provides quality patient-centered patient care to presenting adults age 18-65 and older adults age 65+ as assigned by the Salem Veterans Affairs Chief Of Staff; stabilizes presenting patients under the age of 18 as required prior to transfer to an appropriate site of care.

Demonstrates sound decision-making skills, both clinical and administrative, which bring credit to the profession and serve to enhance the distinct and contributory role of physicians.

Facilitates the delivery of appropriate patient care in collaboration with other health professionals, medical center staff, and management.

Orders and interprets appropriate diagnostic tests necessary to complete the ED evaluation. Stabilizes all critically ill or injured patients.

Admits patients to the hospital or discharge them from the ED with appropriate follow-up. Discusses treatment plan(s) with patients and or family/caregivers (following COBRA and HIPM guidelines).

Exhibits leadership in suggesting and, with management approval, instituting changes in patient care programs based on current concepts and findings from clinical research and guidelines.

Keeps informed of developments in the management and treatment of diseases and illness through continuing medical education, both formal and informal.

Supports the safety, occupational health, and fire protection program by the application of approved standards, regulations, practices, and work methods.

Completes all medical record documentation in CPRS within prescribed timeframes. Utilizes problem solving methodologies to resolve problems that impact patient care or staff performance.

Plans, implements, and evaluates care based on the age specific requirements of the patient.

Participates in the formal education of medical students and residents by presenting teaching rounds, lectures, conferences, etc.

Participates in grading sessions for medical students and residents assigned to their service.

Demonstrates and trains medical students and residents in relevant medical procedures that are required to provide optimal patient care appropriate.

Assists in conducting studies regarding treatment modalities, outcomes, and other aspects of patient care. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.