Summary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit their EDRP application within four months of appointment. The award amount (up to $200,000) and 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 are ineligible to apply.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet the basic requirements listed below and any additional requirements (if applicable) specified in the job announcement. Applicants pending completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected, but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed physicians 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.
- 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 a school approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the study was completed.
- Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a US State, Territory, Commonwealth, or 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. Approved residencies include ACGME and AOA programs, and other residencies with at least five years of verified practice in the United States deemed appropriate by the local Medical Staff Executive Committee.
- Physician Resident Providers (PRPs): Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs who otherwise meet the basic requirements are eligible for appointment as PRPs. PRPs must be fully licensed physicians, may only be appointed on an intermittent or fee‑basis, are not independent practitioners, and will perform restricted duties under supervision.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Preferred Experience: Over 5 years of experience as a Gastroenterologist with strong proficiency in performing upper GI endoscopies and colonoscopies.
- Physical Requirements: Pre‑employment physical required; lifting 15‑44 pounds; pushing (approx 2 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands; walking and standing 3‑5 hours; kneeling; rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision 13‑16 inches with Jaeger 1‑4; far vision 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other; depth perception and basic color discrimination; hearing aid permitted.
Duties
- The 2‑page resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series.
- We are seeking a Gastroenterologist to join our team in Poplar Bluff, MO.
- Major duties include: Provide comprehensive GI care for outpatients, inpatients, and nursing home patients; diagnose, treat, and manage gastrointestinal diseases including Hepatitis C; perform endoscopic procedures (EGD, PEG, colonoscopies, paracentesis) and administer conscious sedation; offer consultative services to the VA Medical Center and associated CBOCs; collaborate with physicians, nurses, and staff under the PACT model; report to the Associate Chief of Staff for Specialty Care; work schedule Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am‑4:30 pm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases; 50‑55 days paid time off per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays, and up to 5 days paid absence for CME); traditional federal pension with 5‑year vesting; federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution; comprehensive health/dental/vision/term life/long‑term care insurance; free liability protection with tail coverage; CME reimbursement up to $1,000 per year for full‑time board‑certified physicians; loan repayment opportunities through EDRP; no employment contract limiting moonlighting.
- Recruitment Incentive: Authorized sign‑on bonus for eligible candidates.
- EDRP Eligibility: Authorized for eligible candidates; former participants ineligible for incentive.
- Licensure: One full and unrestricted license from any US State or Territory.