Physician-Neurology

Veterans Health Administration • Houston, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center serves as the primary health care provider for more than 151,000 Veterans in southeast Texas. Houston exudes a cosmopolitan and down-home vibe together that lets the residents of the country's fourth-largest city and third-largest county (Harris) know that there's no place quite like Houston. The city attracts visitors and transplants with a wonderful mix of world class arts, booming business, pro sports and award-winning cuisine. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards . Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): May be authorized for highly qualified applicants. Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Learn more . EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Sharon Rogers([email protected]) the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation.
• 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: Physicians must have completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training training program leading to eligibility for board certification.
• Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn VA's EMR.

Nice To Haves

• Board Certified/ board eligible in Neurology
• Multiple Sclerosis/Neuroimmunology Fellowship trained

Responsibilities

• Cover the Multiple Sclerosis(MS) clinic to include: (1) the care of adult patients with MS and other associated Neurological disorders, and (2) teaching residents, fellows, and medical students.
• Be part of an interdisciplinary team consisting of physicians from Neurology, Rehab, SCI, along with support staff from PT/OT/Speech/social work.
• Lead the Houston MS Regional Program and will be working with the MS Center of Excellence and National Neurology Program office in ensuring smooth operations of the Houston MS program.
• Be on the Ward and/or Consult services in two-week or four-week blocks.
• Assess the needs and plan intervention for individuals/families.
• Facilitate the delivery of care expected from an MS subspecialist and a general Neurologist.
• Perform initial histories and physical examinations.
• Screen outpatients to determine the need for further Neurological Care.
• Order diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, EEGs, EMGs and other electrodiagnostic tests.
• Perform and supervise Lumbar Punctures.
• Exercise medical decision-making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services.
• Exhibit leadership in initiating changes in patient care programs based on current concepts and findings from research and/or studies.
• Direct involvement in patient care, patient and family teaching, staff education and multidisciplinary consultations and collaborations.
• Participate in education of PA students, NPs, Fellows, Residents, and medical students and supervise mid-level practitioners as assigned.
• Consistently demonstrate expertise in diagnosing and treating seriously ill multi-symptomatic patients.
• Serve as a resource person for standards development.
• Initiate and expedite requests for consultations and scheduling special tests and studies.
• Provide education and counseling of patients and families in neurological conditions, and use of prescribed treatments and drugs; and other duties as assigned.
• Be proficient in other components of patient management such as charting, progress notes, signatures, preparation of consults, referrals, telephone consults with specialists at the Medical Center that are an integral part of the clinical team.
• Integrate both mandated health screening and guidelines for treatment into the practice.
• Complete clinic progress notes on the same day or within 24 hours of seeing a patient.
• Timely sign progress notes of patients seen by trainees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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)
• Free liability protection with tail coverage provided
• No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting
• Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification)

What This Job Offers

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