Career Center

Education and length of practice are considered through a formal pay-setting process to determine the final compensable salary (Base Pay + Market Pay) The Ophthalmology Section is the branch of medicine that concerns itself with the diagnosis and mechanics of disease related to the eye. The section is staffed by Ophthalmologists, Health Technicians and residents Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed. Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Residency Training: Physicians must have completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification. (NOTE: VA physicians involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status.) Approved residencies are: (1) Those approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), b) OR [(2) Those approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA),OR (3) Other residencies (non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of five years of verified practice in the United States), which the local Medical Staff Executive Committee deems to have provided the applicant with appropriate professional training and believes has exposed the physician to an appropriate range of patient care experiences. Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs and who would otherwise meet the basic requirements for appointment are eligible to be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs). PRPs must be fully licensed physicians (i.e., not a training license) and may only be appointed on an intermittent or fee-basis. PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged; rather, they are to have a "scope of practice" that allows them to perform certain restricted duties under supervision. Additionally, surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs. Proficiency in spoken and written English. Additional Requirement: Preferred Experience: Board Certified or Board Eligible in Ophthalmology Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-2 Physician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: This position requires light to moderate lifting (15-45 lbs); light carrying (15 lbs and under); reaching above shoulder; walking; bending; stopping, and some lifting in the direct care of patients; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; hearing (aid permitted); emotional stability; mental stability; working closely with other and working alone. ["Ophthalmologists' responsibilities include being able to admit, workup, and treat either surgical or medical patients presenting with illness or injuries of the eye. Ophthalmologists are responsible for providing the patient with risks, benefits and alternative treatments and securing the informed consent of the patient/family needed before conducting invasive procedures. He/She evaluates the patient to assess any changes in the physical status, lab values and vital signs of the patient prior to surgery. Appropriate notes are written in the patient's medical records, times, dates, and signed. Ophthalmologists provide inpatient and outpatient consultations and preoperative patient and Operating Room evaluations. Participates in various hospital committees, department and hospital in service programs and acquire CME's as required. Work effectively with patients, families, coworkers, and other health care professionals treating them with respect and dignity. Familiar with and adheres to the Medical Staff Bylaws of this facility. Complies with information security policy and procedures. The Ophthalmologists provide patient care which is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient. The surgeon must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served within the Surgical Service. The Ophthalmologists must demonstrate the knowledge of the changes associated with aging and possess the ability to provide care based upon agerelated factors as specified on the competence assessment checklist. Ophthalmologists perform minor and major surgical procedures. They are expected to use the best available procedures and perform them at or above national statistical levels. He/she is responsible for regular postoperative follow up, patient teaching and wound care upon discharge orders in the chart in a timely manner. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases\nPaid Time Off: 49-54 days of annual paid time offer per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 10 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME)\nRetirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA\nInsurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)\nLicensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory\nCME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement\nMalpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided\nContract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting Work Schedule: TBD"]