Psychiatrist (Addiction Medicine)

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. Eligible candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program approval – 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 application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the basic requirements and any additional requirements 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 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 in allopathic or osteopathic medicine.
• 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 U.S. State, Territory, 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 program leading to eligibility for board certification.
• Approved residencies include those accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
• Or one year of post‑medical school training (internship, first year of residency, or transitional year) approved by ACGME or AOA followed by two years of post‑training independent practice in the United States.
• Or non‑U.S. residency training followed by a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the United States, including duties related to the position.
• Residency exceptions: Physicians currently enrolled in accredited residency programs and who would otherwise meet the basic requirements can be appointed as “Physician Resident Providers” (PRPs). PRPs must be fully licensed physicians and may only be appointed on an intermittent basis. PRPs are not independent practitioners and will not be privileged.
• Additional PRPs consideration: Surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs.
• In rare circumstances, the Facility Director may submit a memo to the VISN Director for approval of exceptions to the residency training requirement.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Preferred experience: Board certified in Addiction Psychiatry (ABPN).
• Physical requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction, including standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, turning, and traveling up and down flights of stairs.

Duties

• This is an open continuous announcement.
• Qualified applications will be forwarded to the hiring manager on a weekly basis.
• Psychiatrists certified in Addiction Psychiatry or Addiction Medicine are expected to provide health‑care services to veteran patients at the Fayetteville NC VA Coastal Healthcare System.
• Services are required from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
• Services include, but are not limited to, performing initial psychiatric evaluations, conducting medication‑management clinics, and providing treatment in collaboration with a multidisciplinary Pain Management Clinic team for veterans with complex/chronic pain and opioid use disorder on a predominantly outpatient basis.
• Patients requiring ancillary services such as psychological evaluation, substance‑abuse treatment, or psychotherapy for combat‑related trauma are referred to services within the Behavioral Health Service Line (BHSL) when appropriate.
• Clinical duties are outlined in the incumbent’s clinical privileges noted during credentialing.
• Initial psychiatric evaluation of veterans to establish diagnosis and management plan, develop treatment plan including medication management, order pertinent laboratory and radiology tests, and disposition of patients.
• Obtain appropriate consultation from specialists and ancillary services and communicate pertinent information to other health‑care providers.
• Enter diagnostic and treatment information and related reports into the computerized patient record system (CPRS) on the day of the visit.
• Documentation must satisfy Department of Veteran Affairs and local VAMC policies and procedures and meet external accreditation agency requirements for safe patient‑care delivery.
• The physician must possess computer skills to access CPRS; orientation to CPRS will be provided.
• Prescribe medications for patients in accordance with the established drug formulary at this facility; variance from the formulary should occur only when clinically indicated and in compliance with established procedures.
• Serve as treatment and consulting psychiatrist‑prescriber on the Pain Management Clinic team.
• Administrative requirements for referral or transfer to another medical facility will be completed by Health Administration Service personnel and approved by the Chief of Staff or designee prior to transfer to a non‑VA facility.
• Perform services within VA policies, procedures, and regulations of the Medical Staff By‑Laws of the VAMC.
• Provide psychiatric consultation to other services at the VAMC and associated community clinics when required.
• Other duties as assigned.
• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.
• Contact the EDRP Coordinator – Cheryl Lahair – at for questions or assistance.

Benefits

• Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Available to highly qualified candidates.
• Relocation Incentive: Available to eligible candidates.
• EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply for incentive.
• Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, and 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, and up to 5 days of paid absence for CME).
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% contributions by VA.
• Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care plan; many programs can be carried into retirement.
• Licensure: One full and unrestricted license from any U.S. 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 through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.