Physician (Orthopedic Surgery)

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.

The Staff Physician, Orthopedics Services is responsible for patient care, patient/family education, and participation in any indicated clinical research in the Orthopedic Service. The staff physician provides comprehensive care for patients who have illnesses within the scope of Orthopedics. The scope of these activities covers all phases of ambulatory care. Other responsibilities may include education of medical students and residents and/or supervision of other providers. The majority of the Staff Physicians time is devoted to patient care and education, with the remaining time set aside for performance improvement activities, creative research to improve patient care, activities sufficient to maintain proficiency in state-of-the-art Orthopedic care. Most of the work takes place at Health Care Center at Harlingen some travel may be required to meet the needs at various sites of VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System. Clinical Duties include but are not limited to: Responding to and completing consults received for the evaluation of orthopedic care Performing comprehensive, detailed, targeted, initial history and physical examinations Ordering diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests, X-rays, electromyography (EMG), electrocardiograms (EKGs) and other tests Consulting with other disciplines, as necessary, to complete the patient evaluation Carrying out health promotion and disease prevention activities including education and shared decision-making Surgical competence in Orthopedic procedures (Arthroscopic Surgery) is desirable and documentation of procedures within the past 12 months will be requested reflective of the scope of privileges requested Participating in VISN and national level efforts in Orthopedic programs Teaching students of various fields and specialties, etc. Administrative Duties include but are not limited to: Writing Medical Orders and prescriptions for non-controlled substances Documenting care provided in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) Documenting detailed, targeted, initial history and physical examination required for evaluation in the electronic tool(s) Obtaining consent and documents procedures performed f Providing education and counseling of patients and families in preventive care, medical conditions, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs Reviewing and revising policies and scope of practice/standards of operation Reviewing and guiding protocols in chronic patient managements to include coordinating efforts with prosthetics department to meet patients needs and maintain fiscal responsibility, etc. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): May be authorized for highly qualified individuals EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance 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, 08:00am - 04:30pm

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 examination. 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.