Physician Department Veterans Affairs; Orthopedic Surgery) w​/EDRP Harlingen, TX

The Staff Physician, Orthopedics Services is responsible for patient care, patient/family education, and participation in any indicated clinical research in the Orthopedic Service. The staff physician provides comprehensive care for patients who have illnesses within the scope of Orthopedics. 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 Staff Physicians 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 Orthopedic care. Most of the work takes place at Health Care Center at Harlingen some travel may be required to meet the needs at various sites of VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System.
Clinical Duties include but are not limited to:

• Responding to and completing consults received for the evaluation of orthopedic care

• Performing comprehensive, detailed, targeted, initial history and physical examinations

• Ordering diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests, X-rays, electromyography (EMG), electrocardiograms (EKGs) and other tests

• Consulting with other disciplines, as necessary, to complete the patient evaluation

• Carrying out health promotion and disease prevention activities including education and shared decision-making

  • Surgical competence in Orthopedic procedures (Arthroscopic Surgery) is desirable and documentation of procedures within the past 12 months will be requested reflective of the scope of privileges requested

• Participating in VISN and national level efforts in Orthopedic programs

• Teaching students of various fields and specialties, etc.

Administrative Duties include but are not limited to:

• Writing Medical Orders and prescriptions for non-controlled substances

• Documenting care provided in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS)

• Documenting detailed, targeted, initial history and physical examination required for evaluation in the electronic tool(s)

• Obtaining consent and documents procedures performed f

• Providing education and counseling of patients and families in preventive care, medical conditions, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs

• Reviewing and revising policies and scope of practice/standards of operation

• Reviewing and guiding protocols in chronic patient managements to include coordinating efforts with prosthetics department to meet patients needs and maintain fiscal responsibility, etc.

Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus):May be authorized for highly qualified individuals
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
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 08:00am - 04:30pm