Physician - Hospitalist (Nocturnist)

Summary

VA Central California Health Care System is currently seeking a full‑time Physician – Hospitalist – Nocturnist. The incumbent reports to the Chief Hospitalist of the Specialty Care Service team and plays a critical role in delivering high‑quality, veteran‑centered care.

Basic Qualifications

• 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 equivalent (allopathic or osteopathic) from an approved school for the year of completion
• Current full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. state, territory, Commonwealth or District of Columbia
• Completed residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty program leading to board certification (including ACGME or AOA accredited programs)
• Alternative pathways: one year of post‑medical‑school training followed by two years of independent practice, or non‑U.S. residency training followed by at least three years of verified independent practice in the United States
• Residents currently enrolled in an ACGME/AOA accredited residency program who meet the basic requirements may be appointed as Physician Resident Providers (PRPs) on an intermittent basis and under supervision
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Board certified or eligible in Internal Medicine (ABIM is preferred)
• American Heart Association BLS/ACLS certification is preferred
• Reference to qualification standards:
• Physical requirements: must meet VA physical standards, pass a physical examination before placement, and be capable of lifting 15–44 pounds, reaching above the shoulder, walking and standing for 3–5 hours, and performing rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Designated drug testing position with random testing for illegal drug use after appointment

Responsibilities

• Provide overnight inpatient care and supervise residents and trainees assigned to night duty
• Attend all overnight admissions and perform cross‑coverage for all medical inpatients
• Evaluate and respond to acute overnight clinical issues, collaborating with nursing, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, and ancillary departments
• Complete timely documentation, including admission notes, event notes, and cross‑cover assessments
• Ensure complete handoff to the daytime Hospitalist team
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Chief Hospitalist

Benefits

• Competitive base salary with annual performance bonuses and regular salary increases
• Paid time off: 50–55 days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 Federal holidays, and up to 5 days for CME)
• Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care insurance (many programs remain in effect through retirement)
• Full, unrestricted medical license required from any U.S. state or territory
• Potential CME reimbursement up to $1,000 per year (must be full‑time with board certification)
• Free malpractice coverage with tail protection
• No employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting