ASHHRA Career Center

The VA Texas Coastal Bend Health Care System is seeking a full-time Physician (Pain Management) responsilbe for patient care, patient/family education, and participation in any indicated clinical research in Pain. A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation. 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. Education: 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. Licensure and Registration: 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: Those approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), b) OR Those approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA),OR 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. Physical Requirements: See outlined below. English Language Proficiency. Physicians appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7402(d) and 7407(d). Preferred Experience: Board certified or board eligible preferred in internal medicine, PM&R, Anesthesia, Family Practice, or Neurology and fellowship trained in Pain. Interest and participation in academic research and education is highly desirable but not necessary. Candidate should possess leadership skills in coordination of activities of various ancillary staff, house staff, other clinical professionals, and students. 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: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Use of fingers; Walking (4-6hours); Standing (4-6hours); Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted). ["The Pain specialist provides comprehensive care for patients who have illnesses within the scope of acute and chronic pain. The scope of these activities covers all phases of ambulatory care. Other responsibilities may include education of medical students and residents and/or supervision of other providers. The majority of the Pain specialist's time is devoted to patient care and education, with the remaining time set aside for performance improvement activities, creative research to improve patient care, activities sufficient to maintain proficiency in state-of-the-art pain care. Most of the work will take place at one campus of VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend HCS(VCB), but some travel may be required to meet the needs at various sites of VCB. Pain specialist should have experience in managing patients within the full spectrum of pain disorders and other organ systems as they contribute to pain. Further, the Pain specialist should demonstrate knowledge of preventive medicine and primary care as related to Pain (e.g. complications of disorders & treatments, side effects of medications used), the role of non-physician health care professionals and health care evaluation. Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: In addition to observance of Federal, national and local regulations, policy, and accreditation requirements governing this Health Care System, this position encompasses the following examples of responsibilities overseen by a Pain Specialist. The Pain Specialist requires appropriate time mapping and resources to ensure they are empowered to meet expected proficiencies in administration, clinical practice, education, and research. Administrative: Writes Medical Orders and prescriptions for non-controlled and controlled substances, as necessary, for the care of the patient in accordance with Federal and State law. Documents care provided in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) in accordance with Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System requirements. Documents the detailed, targeted, initial history and physical examination required for evaluation in the electronic tool(s) required by VA. Obtains consent and documents procedures performed for which the Pain specialist is responsible. Provides education and counseling of patients and families in preventive care, medical conditions, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs. Review and revise policies and scope of practice/standards of operation to meet the needs of the National VA and VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System mandates Review and guide protocols in chronic patient managements including coordinating efforts with prosthetics department to meet patients needs and maintain fiscal responsibility Clinical: Responds to and completes consults received for the evaluation of Pain, including: Performs a comprehensive, detailed, targeted, initial history and physical examination in compliance with national guidelines. Orders diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests, X-rays, electromyography (EMG), electrocardiograms (EKGs) and other tests. Consults other disciplines, as necessary, to complete the patient evaluation Carries out health promotion and disease prevention activities including education and shared decision-making. Participate in all VISN and national level efforts in Pain programs Non-routine duties: Teach students of various fields and specialties Required Certifications: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation (ACLS if moderate sedation privileges requested) Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Authorized Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Authorized, See details in \"Education Section\" Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting"]

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