Primary Care Physician

Quick Facts

• Works as part of a multi-disciplinary health care team delivering primary care to Veterans.
• Accountable to the Chief of Primary Care (or designee).
• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) may be available: reimbursement up to $200,000 depending on approval; EDRP application must be submitted within four months of appointment.

Description

The Primary Care Physician provides comprehensive assessment, diagnostic work-up, clinic intervention, and patient education within an outpatient primary care setting for both scheduled and unscheduled visits. The physician manages acute and chronic conditions for an assigned panel of Veterans and coordinates care across the multidisciplinary team, including ordering tests, initiating referrals, and updating treatment plans. Documentation is completed using the electronic comprehensive patient record system on the day of each encounter.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessment (history, physical exam) and provide patient education; distinguish normal vs. abnormal findings and respond to emergency health problems.
• Coordinate and provide patient care and services as part of a primary care multidisciplinary team.
• Order and evaluate diagnostic tests; recommend treatment and/or referrals.
• Validate effectiveness of previously implemented medical treatments.
• Initiate, evaluate, and change medication orders.
• Involve patients and family in care planning and in setting realistic, measurable health goals.
• Record/document clinical assessments, treatment decisions, plan of care, orders, diagnostic tests, and referral consults in the electronic health record (completed the day of encounter).
• Respond to computerized diagnostic alerts and health line requests (weekends excepted).
• Follow performance measure guidelines, including CPRS clinical reminders, access/timeliness standards, prescription order entry, VA formulary requirements, and customer service standards.
• Practice ethically, remain flexible to clinic demands, and maintain a harmonious, customer-service-oriented work environment.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship (non-citizens only if VA cannot recruit qualified citizens per VA policy).
• MD (or equivalent) degree from an approved allopathic or osteopathic school.
• Current, full, unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. State/Territory/Commonwealth or DC.
• Completion of approved residency training leading to eligibility for board certification (or meet listed exceptions).
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment for testing-designated positions.
• Selective Service registration required (for males born after 12/31/1959).
• Pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination.
• Complete online onboarding and pre-employment requirements, including acceptable identification (REAL ID compliant effective May 7, 2025).
• Seasonal influenza vaccination program participation required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Complete all application requirements in the announcement.
• EDRP applicants must submit the EDRP application within four months of appointment (and former EDRP participants are ineligible).

Benefits

• Competitive salary with annual performance bonus and regular salary increases.
• Paid Time Off: 50–55 days per year (26 annual leave, 13 sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays, and possible 5 days paid absence for CME).
• Retirement: traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% VA contribution.
• Insurance: federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many can be carried into retirement).
• CME: possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (full-time with board certification).
• Malpractice: free liability protection with tail coverage.
• Contract: no physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.
• Work schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm.