Physician (Chief of Rheumatology)

Veterans Health Administration • Salisbury, NC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Section of Rheumatology at the Salisbury VA Medical Center in Salisbury, NC is seeking a physician leader with training and expertise in adult Rheumatology to oversee operations at its three sites of care (Salisbury, Charlotte and Kernersville). The Salisbury VAMC is a complexity 1a facility. The medicine specialty program consists of a broad array of services with over 100 specialists and consistently ranked in the top 10 by volume of encounters in the VHA.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship
• Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in allopathic 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.
• 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, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Nice To Haves

• MD/DO with fellowship training Rheumatology.
• Board certification (ABIM) preferred; board eligibility considered.
• Active, unrestricted medical license in the U.S.
• Proven leadership experience in multi-site or complex health systems.
• Commitment to education, outcomes, and continuous improvement.
• Sleep Medicine training/certification desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Strengthens and facilitates communication among members of the Rheumatology Section and with other Medicine Service supervisors.
• Reviews and monitors the clinical privileges of Rheumatology staff in consultation with the provider.
• Recommends disciplinary action for professional staff conduct detrimental to the service and veteran.
• Provide leadership and oversight of provider coding practices for billing purposes.
• Establishes and manages a quality assurance/improvement plan for the Rheumatology section in coordination with quality management.
• Monitors and approves all leaves of absence for Rheumatology staff members.
• Clinically and administratively directs and supervises the clinical Rheumatology staff.
• Responsible for ensuring that high-quality medical care is consistently provided in the Rheumatology outpatient clinics and inpatient consults.
• Responsible for developing, monitoring, and enforcing clinical practice standards, policies and procedures for Rheumatology providers.
• Maintains clinical privileges in the areas of his/her expertise and in all areas required to carry out the duties of his/her assignments/responsibilities within Medicine Services.
• Demonstrate sound decision-making skills, both clinical and administrative, which bring credit to the profession and serve to enhance the distinctive and contributory role of physicians.
• Participates in the formal education of the residents, fellows and medical students by presenting teaching rounds, lectures, conferences, etc.
• Participates in grading sessions for medical students and GME trainees assigned to their services.
• Demonstrates and trains medical students/resident, fellows in medical procedures that are required to provide optimal patient care appropriate to their expertise.
• Assists in the development and implementation of education and training programs for medical students and fellows and residents, rotating through Medicine Service and accountable Clinical Services.
• Supports the medical Center-wide research mission.
• Assists in conducting studies regarding treatment modalities, outcomes and other aspects of patient care when appropriate.
• If involved in an ongoing research project, abides by all VA regulations governing research protocols/policies and/or procedures.
• Encourages participation in clinical research among other staff members.
• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for Rheumatology services across Salisbury, Charlotte, and Kernersville.
• Deliver and supervise complex inpatient and outpatient care, consults, and procedural services.
• Ensure high-quality, outcome-focused care through process improvement initiatives, data-driven practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Advance education and scholarship as a clinician-educator-research leader; supervise trainees; foster research and quality improvement projects aligned with section goals.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases
• 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)
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
• 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory
• Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification)
• Free liability protection with tail coverage provided
• No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager