Physician (Chief of Primary Care)

Full Job Description

The Chief of Primary Care at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Primary Care Service Line.

This role encompasses the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of primary care services to ensure that veterans receive high-quality, patient-centered care.

The Chief of Primary Care works collaboratively with other service lines and administrative staff to achieve the medical center's mission and goals.

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.

Preferred Experience: Board certification in a primary care specialty (e.g., Internal Medicine, Family Medicine).

Substantial experience in clinical leadership roles, preferably within the VA or a similar healthcare system.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. Major Duties:

Key Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Clinical Leadership: Provide strategic leadership and direction for all primary care services.

Promote a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in clinical practices. Lead efforts to implement evidence-based practices and ensure adherence to clinical guidelines.

Operational Management: Oversee the daily operations of the Primary Care Service Line, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.

Develop and implement policies, procedures, and protocols to enhance primary care services. Monitor and manage key performance indicators to achieve optimal clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Quality Improvement and Compliance: Lead quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care, safety, and satisfaction.

Ensure compliance with all regulatory, accreditation, and VA standards. Conduct regular reviews and audits to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.

Team Leadership and Development: Recruit, retain, and mentor a high-performing team of primary care providers and support staff.

Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages professional growth and development. Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback to staff for continuous improvement.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with other service line chiefs and departments to ensure integrated and coordinated care.

Participate in interdisciplinary committees and workgroups to address system-wide initiatives and challenges. Promote effective communication and teamwork across all levels of the organization.

Patient Advocacy and Engagement: Advocate for patient-centered care and ensure that patients' needs and preferences are represented in care planning and delivery.

Engage patients and families in their care through education, communication, and support. Address patient concerns and feedback in a timely and empathetic manner.

Resource Management: Develop and manage the budget for the Primary Care Service Line, ensuring the efficient use of resources.

Monitor financial performance and implement strategies to enhance cost-effectiveness. Advocate for necessary resources and infrastructure to support primary care services.

Strategic Planning: Lead the development and execution of strategic plans for the Primary Care Service Line. Identify opportunities for growth and innovation in primary care delivery.

Align primary care strategies with the overall mission and goals of the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.

Community Outreach and Partnerships: Establish and maintain strong relationships with community healthcare providers and organizations.

Develop partnerships to enhance access to primary care services for veterans. Represent the Primary Care Service Line in community meetings and events.

Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect and analyze data related to primary care utilization, outcomes, and satisfaction.

Prepare reports for leadership, highlighting achievements, trends, and areas for improvement. Use data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives. Other duties as assigned.

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

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 Work Schedule: Monday - Friday