Primary Care Physician

Full Job Description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & 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 ineligible to apply. 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 Certified (or Board Eligible) in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: This position requires: light to moderate lifting (15 - 44 lbs.); light carrying (15 lbs.

and under); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 2 hours); standing (up to 2 hours); kneeling (up to 1 hour); ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted); emotional stability; mental stability; working closely with others; and working alone.

Major Duties:

This announcement is open until filled. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Eligible applicants will be referred each week for consideration until the positions are filled. For additional information, please contact Heathre VariRiper at

497-2500. Battle Creek, MI, known as "Cereal City," is located in Calhoun County off I-94, midway between Chicago and Detroit.

The city has a rich history and promising future in food brands, research, and training, being home to Kellogg Company's world headquarters and other significant corporations like Post Cereals, Ralcorp, and Duncan Aviation.

The city is revitalizing its downtown for food science and innovation industries.

Battle Creek's Air National Guard Base, commercial airport, and industrial park are diversifying the economy and attracting global businesses in military, aviation, aerospace, and alternative energy sectors.

The city combines the serenity of country living with urban amenities, boasting numerous parks connected to Battle Creek and Kalamazoo rivers, offering outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and canoeing.

Various community festivals enhance the cultural and recreational offerings. Moreover, Battle Creek offers affordable living with a cost of living significantly lower than the national average.

It has 26 neighborhoods with diverse housing options, a linear park with 26 miles of trails, and a variety of dining and shopping venues.

With homes selling quickly and options for different budgets, the city is ideal for starting a career, raising a family, or retiring, thanks to its strong community and natural beauty.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized. Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized.

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) (Student Loan Repayment): Learn more.

EDRP: Authorized 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 Duties: Include diagnosing, treating and managing patients according to standard, usual and acceptable or customary methods and techniques in the outpatient and inpatient settings.

The incumbent is responsible for entering accurate, complete, timely progress notes for each episode of care in the patient's electronic record.

This is accomplished by utilizing the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).

The incumbent is responsible for the proper use, maintenance, and calibration of specialized equipment used in the assessment and care of patients.

The incumbent adheres to safety, health, and infection control standards, regulations and work practices, as well as ergonomic standards.

He/she reports any unsafe conditions to supervisor and/or appropriate officials.

The incumbent assists in orientation of new staff, and will provide patient and family education, including informed consent.

The incumbent maintains supplies, equipment and clinical areas to optimize safety and efficiency.

He/she demonstrates knowledge and maintains standards in the use and reprocessing of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME).

The Primary Care Physician is expected to participate in performance improvement activities, disaster preparedness, administrative duties, and other responsibilities assigned by the Associate Chief of Staff for Medical Service.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Hours may be extended based on the needs of the Medical Center and our Veterans.