Career Center

Summary

The Amarillo VA Health Care System is currently recruiting for a full time Physician (Neurologist) specializing in treating and managing neurological conditions of Veteran patients who are experiencing seizure disorders - multiple sclerosis - neurodegenerative disorders - migraines and much more. A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be considered for a highly qualified candidate. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP.

Qualifications

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 allopathic 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 accrediting bodies for graduate medical education - the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA) - in the list published for the year the residency - or fellowship if applicable - was completed
• OR (2) One year of post medical school training (internship - first year of residency - or transitional year residency) approved by ACGME or AOA followed by two years of post-training independent practice (performing under a full and unrestricted license) in the United States
• OR (3) Non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the United States (performing under a full and unrestricted license) performing duties related to the position they are applying for (United States fellowships would be creditable towards this requirement) - 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
• Exceptions: 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 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
• In rare and unusual circumstances - the Facility Director can submit a memo to the VISN Director through the VISN Chief Medical Officer - who may approve requests for reasonable exceptions to the residency training requirement for Physicians whose composite record of experience - accomplishments - performance - and qualifications warrant such action
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Preferred Experience: Board Certified/Board Eligible in Neurology
• 3 years or more of clinical practice
• 5 year's experience in diagnosis and treatment of patient population with Neurological conditions
• Experience with the administration of Botox injections - EMG's and TBI
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Light lifting - under 15 pounds
• light carrying - under 15 pounds
• Reaching above shoulder
• Use of fingers
• Both hands required
• Walking (8hrs)
• Standing (8hrs)
• Repeated bending (2-4hrs)
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Both eyes required
• Depth perception
• Ability to distinguish basic colors
• Ability to distinguish shades of colors
• Hearing (aid permitted)
• Mental/ Emotional Stability
• Ability to perform privileges Independently perform physical exam
• Cognitive Stability.

Duties

• The Neurologist is responsible for treating and managing neurological conditions patients who are experience seizure disorders - multiple sclerosis - neurodegenerative discorders - migraines - and much more.Additional duties include: Conduct neurologic consultations and follow-up care to the patients at the Amarillo VA Health Care System
• Work with primary care physicians on a consulting basis should a patient shows symptoms related to a neurological issue
• Diagnose neurological disorders and order diagnostic tests such as blood tests and imaging tests to aid in identifying neurological disorders
• Perform and evaluate the outcome of a Lumbar puncture - Tensilon test - and EEG
• Develop treatment plan(s) for patient and their specific condition
• Direct the activities of nurses and other medical technicians in the treatment of patients
• Evaluate patient progress
• Provide training to medical students or other staff members
• Actively continue education by staying up to date in the field to provide patients with the best care
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday (8:00 a.m
• - 4:30 p.m.) VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package
• VHA Physician Total Rewards
• Recruitment/Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Learn more
• EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact - the vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov - 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