Pulmonary Disease Job at Veterans Health Administration in San Antonio, TX

Are you ready to elevate your career and make a lasting impact on the health of our nation's veterans? The South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) is searching for a visionary and dedicated Pulmonary/Critical Care Physician to take on the significant role of Pulmonary Section Chief. Lead a passionate and skilled team in the vibrant and welcoming city of San Antonio, Texas, where your expertise and leadership will shape the future of veteran healthcare.

In this pivotal role, you will supervise a talented team of physicians, nurses, and advanced practice providers while continuing to engage in hands-on clinical work. This is a unique chance to shape the future of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine within the VA system, promoting the highest standards of patient care, education, and administration.

Position Information

• Type: Permanent - Full Time
• Location: San Antonio, Texas
• Compensation: $315,000 - $351,000 (plus incentives)
• Incentives: Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), Relocation, Sign-On Bonus

Opportunity Highlights

Comprehensive Job Description: As the Pulmonary Section Chief, you will supervise physicians, nurses, and advanced practice providers, while maintaining clinical duties. Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing outpatient pulmonary clinics, outpatient bronchoscopy, inpatient pulmonary consults, and the medical intensive care unit.
• Promoting the VA's educational mission by supporting trainees and trainee programs.
• Communication with higher levels of administration to achieve patient care metrics.

Work Environment: This role involves a blend of inpatient and outpatient duties within South Texas VA—a facility that is rapidly growing and providing exceptional care for a predominantly older, male veteran population with significant medical comorbidities.

Team Structure: You will lead a team comprising 5 Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), 11 physicians, and 4 Registered Nurses (RNs). Collaboration is essential with Respiratory Therapy departments and Medicine Service Leadership.

Facilities and Equipment:

• State-of-the-art pulmonary function testing, including methacholine challenge.
• Interventional pulmonary program with robotic bronchoscopy and bronchoscopic lung volume reduction.
• Robust Lung Cancer Screening program, situated in the San Antonio Medical Center.

Opportunities for Professional Development: Benefit from close ties to the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), with ample opportunities for research funding, educational involvement, and support for new researchers.

Patient Population: Common conditions treated include asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and interstitial lung disease.

Quality of Life Information: Enjoy a favorable work-life balance with robust benefits, typical work hours of Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm, and limited on-call duties.

Community and Location Benefits: San Antonio offers a culturally rich environment with a high quality of life. Known for its friendly residents, lower cost of living, and vibrant economy supported by a substantial military presence, a growing tech sector, and a robust healthcare industry. It's an ideal place for both working and living.

Excellent VA Benefits

• Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS): FERS offers a comprehensive retirement package that includes three components: a basic benefit plan, Social Security benefits, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The basic benefit plan is akin to a pension plan where you receive monthly payments upon retirement, calculated based on your salary and years of service. Additionally, you contribute to Social Security and receive those benefits upon retirement to supplement your income.
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): The TSP is a tax-deferred retirement savings plan similar to a 401(k) in the private sector. It offers federal employees the opportunity to save and invest part of their income with matching contributions from the VA. You can choose from various investment options, allowing you to tailor your retirement savings according to your financial goals. The VA matches your contributions up to 5%, significantly boosting your retirement savings.
• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): The EDRP is designed to assist VA employees with qualifying student loan debt. As part of this program, you may receive up to $200,000 in reimbursement over a five-year period. This is $40,000 Tax Free Per year for up to five years.
• Generous leave policies: Annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid federal holidays.
• Health Insurance: Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, including dental and vision.
• Life Insurance: Coverage options under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).

Basic/Preferred Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship: The physician must be a U.S. citizen.
• Licensure: The physician must have a full, unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
• Education and Training:
• A degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine.
• Completion of residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an approved specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification.
• Board Certification: Pulmonary Critical Care.
• Physical Requirements: The physician must meet physical requirements as per VA policies and be willing to undergo a physical examination.
• Background and Security Clearance: Must successfully pass background investigation and obtain the appropriate security clearance.
• English Language Proficiency: Physicians must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Veterans' Preference: Preference eligible veterans are given consideration for employment according to the Veterans' Preference laws