Physician (Neurology)

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 an 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 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 be appointed only 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 allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine from a school approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. state, territory, or Commonwealth, 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.
• Alternatively, one year of post‑medical‑school training approved by ACGME or AOA followed by two years of independent practice.
• Alternatively, non‑U.S. residency training followed by a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the United States.
• Respective exceptions for residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited programs (physician resident providers) are described in the original announcement.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Preferred experience: Board certified in neurology or related subspecialties (neuromuscular medicine, neuroimmunology, clinical neurophysiology, epilepsy).
• Physical requirements: visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, manual dexterity, potential long periods of walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, pushing, and lifting of at least 35 pounds; transferring/lifting patients and objects; donning protective equipment in isolation situations.

Duties

• Provide evidence‑based care in an outpatient clinical setting and consultation services in inpatient or emergent settings.
• Provide telehealth consultations as needed.
• Perform physical examinations, review medical data, and order routine diagnostic imaging studies and labs when indicated.
• Document observations, assessments, and changes in patient condition.
• Collaborate with health team members to facilitate positive patient care outcomes.
• Diagnose and treat adult patients with neurological diseases such as movement disorders, demyelinating disorders, dementia, epilepsy, headaches, muscle disorders, peripheral nerve issues, etc.
• Perform neurological procedures (NCS/EMG, EEG interpretation, Botox administration, and other care to increase Veteran access and care).
• Monitor patients’ progress throughout treatment, manage side effects, and adjust treatment plans as needed.
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive patient care and resolve issues related to the Neurology section, Medical Center ancillary operations, and VISN‑wide mandates.

Schedule & Compensation

• Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm plus on‑call duties for EDRP support.
• Competitive salary with potential annual performance bonus, regular salary increases.
• Paid time off: 50–55 days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 sick days, 11 paid federal holidays, plus up to 5 days paid absence for CME).
• Traditional federal pension (five-year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% contributions by VA.
• Health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care insurance (many federal programs transferable to retirement).
• Full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory required.
• Possible reimbursement of up to $1,000 per year for CME if full‑time with board certification.
• No physician employment contract; no significant restriction on moonlighting; VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.