Physician; Hospitalist EDRP

Summary

The Amarillo VA Health Care System in Amarillo, Texas is seeking a part‑time Physician (Hospitalist). The role involves managing admissions, discharges, daily follow‑up, and consultative care for Medicare hospital patients. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).

To qualify for this position you must meet the basic requirements listed below and any additional requirements (if applicable) specified in the job announcement. Applicants pending completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but cannot be hired until all requirements are met. Current VA physicians who met the appointment standards at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the 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:
  
  Doctor of Medicine (or equivalent) with allopathic or osteopathic credentials from an accredited institution.
• Licensure and Registration:
  Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or District of Columbia.
• Residency Training:
  Completed residency approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to board certification eligibility.
• Approved residencies include:
  • ACGME‑approved programs.
  • AOA‑approved programs.
  • Other non‑U.S. residency programs followed by at least five years of verified U.S. practice deemed acceptable by the local Medical Staff Executive Committee.
• Physician Resident Providers (PRPs):
  Residents in ACGME/AOA programs who meet basic requirements may be appointed as PRPs on an intermittent or fee‑basis. PRPs are not independent practitioners and are not privileged; they operate under a defined scope of practice and supervision.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds), use of fingers, walking, standing, both legs required, specific visual and hearing capabilities (hearing aid permitted).
• English Language Proficiency:
  Proficiency in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. §§ 7402(d) and 7407(d).
• Preferred Experience:
  
  Board Certified in Internal Medicine; 2+ years Hospitalist experience;
  Internal Medicine resident teaching experience.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit VA Qualification Standards.

• Support the medical staff in the inpatient clinical practice.
• Evaluate patients thoroughly, gather appropriate clinical, laboratory, and other data to determine care plans.
• Interpret and evaluate clinical data to determine diagnosis and clinical status.
• Prescribe appropriate and timely treatment and apply indicated therapeutic procedures.
• Recognize and assess changes in behavior, symptoms, signs, and other patient facts; modify treatment plans as needed.
• Maintain BLS/ACLS certification as required by bylaws.
• Develop and maintain rapport with patients and relatives, ensuring informed participation in treatment.
• Recognize when consultation is needed and utilize facility or clinic specialty skills.
• Promptly record physical and other examinations and changes in patient status.
• Report unusual incidents to the appropriate official.
• Maintain accurate, clear, and complete clinical records and discharge plans.
• Use the Computerized Patient Record System and complete and sign all progress notes and orders daily.
• Educational responsibilities (teaching/coordination) including mentoring residents, trainees, or employees; guide educational activities, counsel learners, encourage participation, solicit evaluations, develop curricula, and assess educational needs using audits and data.

• Part‑time schedule (details to be determined by agency).
• Competitive salary with annual performance bonus and regular salary increases.
• Paid Time Off: 50–55 days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, plus up to 5 days CME).
• Retirement:
  Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA contribution.
• Insurance:
  Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long‑term care; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Licensure:
  One full and unrestricted U.S. state or territory license.
• Continuing Medical
  
  Education:
  
  Possible reimbursement of $1,000 per year (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.

• Eligible for the EDRP (Student Loan Repayment). Contact the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance at vhaedrpprogramsupport. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply for the incentive.