Physician (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation)

Veterans Health Administration • Albuquerque, NM

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Albuquerque NMVAHCS Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI/D) Center provides acute rehabilitation and lifelong comprehensive sustaining care for Veterans with SCI/D. The Center includes a 26-bed inpatient ward, comprehensive outpatient clinic, telehealth program, SCI/D Home Care program, therapy department with adaptive-equipment training devices for community re-entry, and a dedicated therapy pool. The Albuquerque Zia SCI Center serves as a VA referral center for the Southwest region, serving approximately 400 Veterans with SCI/D. It is affiliated with the University of New Mexico and provides rotations for medical students and residents in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Neurology, Internal Medicine, and Family Practice.

The physician manages an inpatient and outpatient patient panel and provides a full range of assessment and care for people with acute and chronic spinal cord injuries or disorders. The role includes patient care delivered using telemedicine, participation in continuous improvement activities, and compliance with CARF and Joint Commission requirements. The physician collaborates with interdisciplinary team members in meetings and treatment-planning conferences to coordinate comprehensive care.

Medical practice must comply with Joint Commission and CARF standards, VA policies and procedures, clinical practice guidelines, VISN standards, national statutes and regulations, medical-record documentation requirements, mandatory continuing education, and HIPAA policies. Other duties are assigned by the Chief, Spinal Cord Injury, based on the physician’s experience and expertise. The position includes rotating weekend and holiday call among three physicians. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; telework is not available.

This is an open continuous announcement through January 8, 2027. The initial referral cut-off is October 30, 2026, with subsequent referrals every two weeks or as vacancies arise. Approved positions may be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and approval. Applicants selected for an EDRP-eligible position will be notified in their conditional offer and must apply within four months of appointment. The program office determines approval, award amount (up to $200,000), and eligibility period (one to five years). Former EDRP participants may not apply. No Physician Employment Contract is required, and there are no significant restrictions 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 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 an accepted alternative training and independent-practice pathway specified in the announcement.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Meet applicable pre-employment screening, background/security investigation, onboarding, and physical-evaluation requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Physically and mentally able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Manage an inpatient and outpatient patient panel.
• Assess and provide care for patients with acute and chronic spinal cord injuries or disorders in inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Participate in patient care using telemedicine.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities and support CARF and Joint Commission compliance.
• Participate effectively in team meetings and treatment-planning conferences.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to coordinate comprehensive patient care.
• Ensure medical practice complies with Joint Commission and CARF standards, VA policies and procedures, clinical practice guidelines, VISN standards, applicable statutes and regulations, documentation requirements, mandatory continuing education, and HIPAA policies.
• Share rotating weekend and holiday call with two other physicians.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Chief, Spinal Cord Injury, consistent with experience and expertise.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), potentially providing up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for eligible, approved applicants.
• Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, and regular salary increases.
• 50–55 days of paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, federal holidays, and possible paid CME absence.
• Traditional federal pension after five years of vesting and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• 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.
• No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.

What This Job Offers

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