Physician (Compensation/Pension Chief)

The New Mexico VA Health Care System is seeking a dynamic Physician to serve as the Compensation & Pension Employee Health Section Chief. This role involves conducting comprehensive medical examinations to support the VBA in determining disability compensation ratings. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until January 08, 2027. Applicants will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available.

Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city, offers a unique combination of rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant community. With 310 days of sunshine a year, low humidity, and four distinct seasons, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents enjoy unparalleled access to activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing, along with iconic attractions like the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande bosque. 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 The provider should possess the expertise and competency to perform the following duties which include but are not limited to: Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to conduct thorough history and physical examinations of often complicated medical conditions and contentions. Conducts examinations and provides examination reports and opinions used by the Veterans Benefits Administration. Perform examinations on special Veteran populations including Gulf War Registry, Environmental Hazards Registry and other legally required examinations. Provide reports that include thorough records review, comprehensive history, and detailed physical examinations, as well as interpretation of appropriate diagnostic studies. Provide medical opinions that are well reasoned and worded to enable adjudication by non-medical adjudicating officials of the Veterans Benefits Administration and courts. Conducts, completes and releases all reports in a timely manner and within established quality guidelines. Develop and maintain familiarity with the disability process and serve as subject matter expert to other services in the facility. Engage in DMA related and quality review procedures and conduct other C&P related duties as outlined by the Section Chief. Work collaboratively with other providers in the section. Engages in continuous process improvements in support of a high reliability organization. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM

U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.