Physician - Cardiology Section Chief

Veterans Health Administration • Indianapolis, IN

22h

About The Position

The Cardiology Section Chief provides strategic, clinical, and administrative leadership for the cardiology section within the cardiovascular service line. The role is responsible for excellence in patient care, education, and research and for expanding a coordinated statewide program in partnership with academic affiliates. The Chief reports to the Cardiovascular service line leader and serves as a principal clinical advisor to executive leadership through the Deputy Chief of Staff.

The position leads patient care, teaching, and research in Cardiology and Cardiac Procedure (PTCA) Clinics, the Electrophysiology and Intervention Catheterization Labs, and inpatient care units. Duties are 30% administrative and 70% clinical. The Chief participates in and oversees performance improvement, system redesign, and required utilization management and quality management activities, and addresses identified deficiencies in facility performance measures and standards of care. When trained and credentialed, the incumbent also serves as a staff Cardiologist on the Cardiology Consult Service, in outpatient clinics, and in procedural areas such as the Cath Labs, EP Lab, and Transesophageal Echo Lab.

The Chief prepares and maintains physician and weekend call schedules for the Cardiology Clinic and Consult Service, Cath Lab schedules, and Interventional/EP call schedules. The role oversees staffing and supervision of Cardiology/Interventional fellows assigned to VA consults, cath labs, and clinics, and engages with VA offices, academic affiliates, and community partners in support of VA's mission to train future physicians. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, with some weekends and holidays for inpatient coverage.

Requirements

• Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine from an approved institution.
• Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Completion of qualifying residency training in an accredited core specialty training program, or an alternative training and independent-practice pathway specified in the announcement.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and meet the position's physical requirements.
• Selected applicants are subject to a background/security investigation and, for testing-designated positions, pre-appointment urinalysis.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must be able to meet the physical demands of frequent standing, walking, bending, stair climbing, pushing, lifting light materials, and reaching; have manual dexterity and keyboarding skills; and have vision correctable to 20/40.
• Must be able to work amid constant noise, work closely with others and independently, maintain emotional stability, use computer screens and pager and phone equipment, operate a motor vehicle, and adapt to telehealth technologies and changes in clinical assignment.
• Selectively registered for the Selective Service if a male born after December 31, 1959.

Nice To Haves

• Board certification in Cardiology.
• Five or more years of leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, clinical, and administrative leadership for the cardiology section.
• Lead patient care, teaching, and research within Cardiology and Cardiac Procedure Clinics, Electrophysiology and Intervention Catheterization Labs, and inpatient care units.
• Participate in and oversee performance improvement and system redesign activities.
• Participate in required utilization management and quality management activities and address deficiencies in facility performance measures and standards of care.
• Serve as a staff Cardiologist on the Cardiology Consult Service, outpatient clinics, and procedural areas when trained and credentialed.
• Prepare and maintain staff physician and weekend call schedules for the Cardiology Clinic and Cardiology Consult Service, Cath Lab schedules, and Interventional/EP call schedules.
• Oversee staffing and supervision of Cardiology/Interventional fellows assigned to VA consults, cath labs, and clinics.
• Engage with VA offices, academic affiliates, and community partners, including supporting physician training.
• Serve as a principal clinical advisor to executive leadership.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program eligibility, subject to program requirements and approval; award amount may be up to $200,000 for an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, and regular salary increases.
• 50–55 days of paid time off per year, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and a possible five-day paid CME absence.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k), with VA contributions up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Possible $1,000 annual CME reimbursement for full-time employees with board certification.
• Free liability protection with tail coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree