Chief of Staff Physician

Quick Facts

• Full member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting to the Medical Center Director
• Leads high-quality, patient-centered medical care through innovation, equity, and continuous improvement

Description

The Physician Chief of Staff (COS) serves as a senior executive leader responsible for aligning medical services with VA priorities for access, quality, transparency, equity, and the Veteran experience. The role drives quality, safety, regulatory compliance, clinical program development, education and workforce partnerships, and data-driven innovation across the organization. The COS also represents the facility in VISN/network workgroups and serves as a medical liaison to external and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic clinical leadership and oversee resource allocation and clinical performance improvement
• Incorporate emerging technologies (telehealth, digital health, data analytics) into care delivery and performance initiatives
• Foster a high-reliability, safe culture and ensure compliance with VHA Directives, Joint Commission standards, and OIG/OMI and other accreditation requirements
• Monitor medical staff compliance with bylaws, facility policies, standards of care, and federal/state regulations
• Implement and sustain High Reliability Organization (HRO) principles, Just Culture, and evidence-based practice
• Design, develop, and evaluate clinical programs (Whole Health, behavioral health, women’s health, rural health access)
• Enhance integration of care across the continuum, focusing on care coordination and population health management
• Lead education, academic affiliations, interprofessional learning, and lifelong workforce development
• Act as medical liaison to VISN 1 North Atlantic Network, HAS 1.3, community partners, federal agencies, Veteran advocacy groups, and academic affiliates
• Advance Veteran-centered service excellence and shared decision-making
• Use data analytics and digital health tools for performance monitoring, decision support, risk management, and quality improvement
• Promote innovation in clinical care, research, and workforce management to support modernization goals

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
• Full, unrestricted medical license in a U.S. state/territory/commonwealth or DC
• Completed accredited residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (with limited exceptions as described)
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Complete VA onboarding and pre-employment processes, including acceptable ID documentation and a pre-employment physical evaluation
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
• Selectively Service registration if applicable (males born after 12/31/1959)
• May be required to complete a probationary period
• Complete all required application documents
• For testing designated positions: pass urinalysis screening for illegal drug use

Benefits

• Competitive salary with annual performance bonus and regular salary increases
• 50–55 days paid time off per year (annual leave, sick leave, Federal holidays, and possible CME-related paid absence)
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% contributions
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care insurance options
• Possible $1,000/year CME reimbursement (with full-time status and board certification)
• Free liability protection with tail coverage
• Monday–Friday schedule (8:00am–4:30pm) with on-call responsibilities as needed
• No physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting