Physician (Orthopedic Surgeon)

Veterans Health Administration • Albuquerque, NM

3d

About The Position

The New Mexico VA Health Care System is seeking an Orthopedic Surgeon to join its Surgical Service team. The physician provides comprehensive orthopedic evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and surgical care for Veterans with musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, and supports resident education through academic affiliates. This is an open continuous announcement that will remain open until January 8, 2027. The initial referral cutoff date is October 30, 2026, with subsequent referrals at regular intervals or as additional vacancies arise until the position is filled.

The position includes a Monday–Friday schedule of 0700–1530, on-call duties, and the option of an alternative work schedule. The role may include a joint faculty appointment at the University of New Mexico, subject to the candidate having appropriate credentials for an Assistant Professor-level or higher appointment at the University of New Mexico Health Science Center.

VA describes a comprehensive total rewards package that may include competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases, paid time off, recruitment or relocation incentive, federal retirement and insurance programs, possible CME reimbursement, and malpractice liability protection with tail coverage. There is no Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.

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 an approved residency in an accredited core specialty training program leading to board-certification eligibility, or an applicable alternative training and independent-practice pathway described in the announcement.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Must meet applicable pre-employment screening and onboarding requirements, including background/security investigation and, for testing-designated positions, urinalysis screening.

Nice To Haves

• Credentials appropriate for a joint faculty appointment at Assistant Professor level or higher at the University of New Mexico Health Science Center.
• Board certification for faculty status may be required for VA physicians involved in academic training programs.

Responsibilities

• Ensure a high degree of quality patient care at all times.
• Independently solve problems creatively to meet the varying needs of patients in the Orthopedic Clinic and Operating Room, without direct supervisory guidance.
• Use independent professional judgment to diagnose complex orthopedic conditions and plan and execute treatment programs as treatment objectives change.
• Refer patients with multiple health problems to other providers within the facility and VISN when indicated.
• Consult with physicians and others, when requested, to augment patient care involving emergent and traumatic conditions and orthopedic manifestations of systemic conditions.
• Order appropriate diagnostic tests, prescribe medications or other items on the hospital formulary, hospitalize patients within the VISN as appropriate, and discharge patients from outpatient care when further care is no longer required.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and support resident education through academic affiliates.

Benefits

• 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 possible five-day paid CME absence.
• Recruitment or relocation incentive may be offered.
• 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 $1,000 per year CME reimbursement for full-time, board-certified physicians.
• Free liability protection with tail coverage.
• No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.

What This Job Offers

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