Deputy Chief of Cardiology (Physician)

Quick Facts

• Role: Deputy Chief of Cardiology (Physician)
• Focus: Administrative oversight of cardiology services plus general noninvasive cardiology clinical care

Description

This role supports the Chief of Cardiology with cardiology section administrative functions and ensures timely, high-quality access to cardiology care across the medical center catchment area. The incumbent also serves as acting Chief in the Chief’s absence, oversees and mentors cardiology staff, and participates in OPPE/FPPE, peer review, credentialing/privileging, and quality & patient safety initiatives while supervising learners. In addition to leadership duties, you will provide general cardiology clinical responsibilities, including evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, diagnostic test interpretation, documentation, and patient follow-up.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chief of Cardiology with operational planning, staffing, scheduling, workload, and performance monitoring
• Oversee cardiology care delivered at Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) to ensure timely access to care
• Act as Chief of Cardiology in the Chief’s absence; supervise and mentor cardiology staff
• Participate in OPPE/FPPE, peer review, credentialing, privileging, and quality/patient safety initiatives
• Work with learners (students, residents, fellows) with the academic affiliate for teaching and supervision
• Perform cardiovascular history and physical exams; record clinic data and progress notes in the computerized medical record
• Evaluate, consult, diagnose, and manage acute, chronic, and long-term cardiovascular conditions with emphasis on prevention and health promotion
• Interpret ECGs, ambulatory rhythm monitors, stress tests, echocardiograms, and other relevant diagnostic tests
• Order diagnostic tests, medications, and labs; develop assessment and treatment plans per protocols and guidelines
• Provide preventive care and patient education (including counseling on nutrition, smoking cessation, immunizations, and screenings)
• Provide timely follow-up on test results and patient communications (view alerts, secure messages, phone and E-consults)
• Consult other specialties as appropriate (e.g., interventional cardiology, cardiac electrophysiology, cardiac surgery)

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus
• Paid time off: 50–55 days/year (annual leave, sick leave, federal holidays, and possible CME absence)
• Retirement: federal pension and federal 401K with up to 5% contributions
• Comprehensive insurance options (health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care)
• Malpractice liability protection with tail coverage
• CME reimbursement possible ($1,000/year) for board-certified full-time physicians

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship (non-citizens only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited per VA policy)
• MD (or equivalent) degree from a VA-approved allopathic or osteopathic program
• Current full and unrestricted medical license to practice medicine or surgery
• Completion of an accredited core specialty residency training program leading to board certification eligibility (or other VA-approved training pathways)
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Background/security investigation and pre-employment physical evaluation
• Seasonal influenza vaccination requirement

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

• May be eligible for student loan repayment assistance; eligibility and award amount (up to $200,000) are determined after EDRP application review
• Submit the EDRP application within four months of appointment
• Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply