Physician - Anesthesiologist (Section Chief)

Veterans Health Administration•Fresno, CA

22h

About The Position

The Chief Anesthesiologist provides direct oversight of the Anesthesia Department and ensures patient care in outpatient clinics, inpatient settings, operating rooms, the Emergency Department, and other locations as deemed necessary by the Chief of Surgery or facility leadership. The role includes clinical, supervisory, administrative, quality, and compliance responsibilities. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to VHA eligibility requirements and application review. EDRP awards may be up to $200,000 for an eligibility period of one to five years; former EDRP participants are not eligible to apply. This is an open continuous announcement that remains open until September 30, 2027. The initial application referral cutoff is October 26, 2026, with subsequent cutoffs every two weeks. Qualified applicants may be considered as vacancies become available. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The role provides competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases, 50–55 days of paid time off per year, federal retirement benefits, federal insurance options, and possible CME reimbursement. Recruitment or relocation incentives are not authorized. There is no Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting. Applicants must meet the physician qualification requirements, including a qualifying medical degree, an unrestricted U.S. medical license, and approved residency training or an applicable alternative pathway. The position also requires proficiency in spoken and written English and completion of pre-placement testing and immunization evaluations. Physical requirements include lifting 15–44 pounds, pushing, reaching above shoulder level, use of fingers and both hands, walking and standing, kneeling, rapid mental and muscular coordination, depth perception, and the ability to distinguish basic colors and shades. A hearing aid is permitted.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine from an appropriately approved or accredited 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 program leading to board-certification eligibility, or an applicable alternative training and independent-practice pathway described in the announcement.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Completion of TB testing and immunization evaluations, including participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program for VA health care personnel.
Satisfactory completion of required background and security investigations and pre-employment drug testing; selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
Meet the physical standards of the position, including lifting 15–44 pounds; pushing; reaching above shoulder level; using fingers and both hands; walking and standing for 3–5 hours; kneeling; rapid simultaneous mental and muscular coordination; depth perception; and distinguishing basic colors and shades.
Submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment to be considered for the program; eligibility and awards are subject to VHA review.

Responsibilities

Provide direct oversight of the Anesthesia Department.
Ensure patient care in outpatient clinics, inpatient settings, operating rooms, the Emergency Department, and other locations designated by the Chief of Surgery or facility leadership.
Perform administrative duties designated by the Chief of Surgery.
Handle duties involving preventative medicine, emergency preparedness, Joint Commission requirements, and other internal and external health-system requirements designated by the Chief of Surgery.
Supervise and train anesthesia staff, students, residents, other trainees, and physician extenders.
Provide fair and equitable on-call services during daytime, after-hours, weekends, and holidays according to a mutually agreed, predetermined schedule.
Ensure Standard Operating Procedures and facility policies for the Anesthesia section align with current directives, VA policies, and VISN policies.
Represent the surgical department on relevant committees and working groups related to the area of expertise.
Perform other assigned duties, including call coverage, quality and compliance work, and administrative responsibilities.

Benefits

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), with potential awards up to $200,000, subject to eligibility and approval.
Annual performance bonus.
Regular salary increases.
50–55 days of paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, federal holidays, and possible paid CME absence.
Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting.
Federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement.
Possible $1,000 per year CME reimbursement for full-time physicians with board certification.
Free liability protection with tail coverage.
No significant restriction on moonlighting.