Physician - Ophthalmologist

Veterans Health Administration • Fresno, CA

9d

About The Position

The Physician - Ophthalmologist evaluates and treats patients with diseases requiring eye surgery and/or other treatment for palliation or cure, and provides consultation and care to patients and staff. The physician is expected to communicate courteously with internal and external customers, protect confidential patient and employee information, work safely, and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the Medical Center's Performance Improvement program. The role also requires applying knowledge of aging and human growth and development, assessing and interpreting patient data, and incorporating age-specific needs into patient care. Other duties may be assigned.

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; eligible applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and candidates may be considered as vacancies arise. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. No Physician Employment Contract is required, and there is no significant restriction on moonlighting.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program eligibility and approval. The EDRP application must be submitted within four months of appointment. The program office determines the award, which may be up to $200,000, and the eligibility period, which may range from one to five years. Former EDRP participants are not eligible to apply. Recruitment or relocation incentives are not authorized.

Applicants must meet the physician qualification requirements, including a qualifying medical degree, an unrestricted medical license, and qualifying residency training or an allowed equivalent pathway. Additional conditions include U.S. citizenship except where VA policy permits appointment of non-citizens, English proficiency, pre-placement testing and immunization evaluations, and completion of onboarding and required application documents. A physical examination is required, and the role is designated for drug testing, including random testing after appointment.

Requirements

• Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine from an institution meeting the stated accreditation or approval requirements.
• 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 alternative training and independent-practice pathway permitted by the announcement.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when recruiting qualified citizens is not possible under VA policy.
• 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.
• Successful completion of required background and security investigation and online onboarding.
• Completion of a pre-placement physical examination and ability to meet the position's physical standards.
• Agreement to required drug testing, including pre-appointment urinalysis and random testing after appointment.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Completion of all application requirements listed in the announcement's Required Documents section.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and treat patients for diseases that require eye surgery and/or treatment to achieve palliation or cure.
• Provide consultation and care for patients and staff.
• Relate appropriately and courteously to internal and external customers.
• Maintain the confidentiality of patient and employee information.
• Function and work in a safe manner.
• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to and understanding of the Medical Center's Performance Improvement program.
• Apply knowledge of changes associated with aging and principles of human growth and development.
• Assess and interpret patient data and incorporate age-specific factors and needs into patient care activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), with a potential award of up to $200,000 for an eligibility period of one to five years, subject to approval and eligibility.
• Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, and regular salary increases.
• 50–55 days of paid time off per year, comprising 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and a possible five-day paid absence for CME.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and 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 can be carried into retirement.
• Possible reimbursement of $1,000 per year for CME, for full-time physicians 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