Physician-Pain Medicine (Physical Integrated Medicine Service)

Veterans Health Administration • Charleston, SC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in downtown Charleston is hiring a Physician-Pain Medicine for its Physical Integrated Medicine Service. The physician evaluates, diagnoses, and manages Veterans with acute, chronic, and cancer-related pain using evidence-based, VA/DoD guideline-concordant treatment plans. The role includes performing interventional pain procedures consistent with granted privileges, safely managing pain medications, collaborating with an interdisciplinary care team, and educating Veterans and families about pain and treatment options.

This is an open continuous announcement. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and will remain on file until September 30, 2027; qualified applicants may be considered as vacancies become available. The stated work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., subject to change based on agency needs. The position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA describes a comprehensive total rewards package that includes competitive salary, annual performance bonuses, regular salary increases, paid time off, retirement benefits, federal insurance programs, possible CME reimbursement, and malpractice protection with tail coverage. Recruitment or relocation incentives are authorized. There is no physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Doctor of Medicine or an 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 a qualifying alternative training and independent-practice pathway described in the announcement.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation or examination.
• Meet applicable background and security investigation requirements; selected applicants must complete the online onboarding process and required application documentation.
• Applicants selected for a testing-designated position are subject to pre-appointment urinalysis; refusal results in denial of VA employment.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA health care personnel.
• May be required to serve a probationary period.

Nice To Haves

• 1–2 years of experience in a clinical setting.
• Experience performing interventional pain procedures, such as epidural steroid injections, facet or medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation or implantation, consistent with granted privileges.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, diagnose, and manage Veterans with acute, chronic, and cancer-related pain using evidence-based, VA/DoD guideline-concordant treatment plans.
• Perform interventional pain procedures, such as epidural steroid injections, facet or medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation or implantation, consistent with granted privileges.
• Prescribe and manage pain medications safely, following the Opioid Safety Initiative and using PDMP checks, risk assessments, and urine drug monitoring.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team that includes primary care, behavioral health, physical therapy, pharmacy, and Whole Health, and consult with referring providers.
• Complete timely and accurate CPRS documentation and meet access, productivity, and performance metrics.
• Maintain credentialing, privileging, OPPE/FPPE, licensure, board certification, and required training.
• Participate in quality improvement, peer review, and patient safety activities.
• Educate Veterans and their families about pain conditions, treatment options, and self-management.
• Precept or supervise trainees and advanced practice providers, as applicable.

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 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 $1,000 per year CME reimbursement for full-time physicians with board certification.
• Free liability protection with tail coverage.
• Recruitment or relocation incentives are authorized.
• No physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.

What This Job Offers

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