Neurologist (Headache Medicine) — Director, Headache Center of Excellence

Quick Facts

• Role: Director, Headache Center of Excellence (HCoE)

• Specialty: Neurology with subspecialty expertise in Headache Medicine

Description

The role is for a board-certified or board-eligible neurologist to serve as Director of the Headache Center of Excellence. You will lead clinical operations and program growth, deliver expert care for complex headache disorders, and coordinate education, quality improvement, and research engagement across the organization and VISN. The position also includes multidisciplinary team development and compliance with Headache Center of Excellence designation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert evaluation and management of complex headache disorders

• Deliver care via face-to-face encounters, telehealth, virtual modalities, and specialty consultations

• Implement evidence-based headache protocols and emerging FDA-approved therapies

• Direct all activities of the Headache Center of Excellence at the facility

• Coordinate with national HCoE leadership, VISN leadership, DoD partners, and VACO program offices

• Develop and maintain performance dashboards, quality metrics, and reporting mechanisms

• Ensure compliance with HCoE requirements for designation and continuation of SP funding

• Mentor residents, fellows, nurse practitioners, and interdisciplinary staff

• Lead continuing education on novel headache therapeutics and best practices

• Oversee staffing, scheduling, referral pathways, and operational growth

• Collaborate with Neurology Service leadership on strategic planning, workforce needs, and budget priorities

• Participate in committees related to pain management, telehealth expansion, quality improvement, and service operations

Requirements

• Board certification required

• Headache Medicine subspecialty expertise

• MD or equivalent degree (allopathic or osteopathic) from an approved school

• Current full and unrestricted license to practice medicine

• Completion of residency training approved for board certification eligibility

• English proficiency (written and spoken)

• U.S. citizenship (non-citizens only if VA cannot recruit qualified citizens)

• Subject to background/security investigation

• Seasonal influenza vaccination requirement

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus

• Paid time off: 50–55 days/year (annual leave, sick leave, federal holidays; possible CME-related paid absence)

• Traditional federal pension and federal 401K with up to 5% contributions

• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care insurance options

• CME reimbursement possible ($1,000/year) with board certification and full-time status

• Free malpractice liability protection with tail coverage provided

• No physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting