Physician (Section Chief, Pulmonary)

Department of Veterans Affairs • Louisville, KY

42d

About The Position

The Section Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine is responsible for overseeing and leading a comprehensive team providing inpatient and outpatient care. The Section Chief is expected to have extensive clinical experience, particularly within the ICU, and will also be responsible for administrative, educational, and research responsibilities.

Requirements

• Extensive clinical experience, particularly within the ICU
• Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory

Responsibilities

• Clinical Care: Provide expert consultation and advanced care in pulmonary and critical care medicine, including but not limited to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, interstitial lung diseases, and sleep disorders.
• Manage all aspects of the intensive care unit (ICU), including direct patient care, consultation services, and oversight of ICU policies and procedures.
• Perform and supervise advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, and airway management.
• Clinical ICU Responsibilities: Conduct daily rounds in the ICU, including multidisciplinary rounds with nursing staff, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers.
• Lead the ICU team in developing and implementing individualized care plans for critically ill patients.
• Oversee the management of complex mechanical ventilation strategies and the use of advanced hemodynamic monitoring techniques.
• Coordinate and perform critical care procedures such as central venous catheterization, arterial line placement, endotracheal intubation, and bedside ultrasound.
• Ensure the early recognition and management of sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and other life-threatening conditions.
• Provide emergency care and resuscitation efforts as needed, including leading code blue and rapid response teams.
• Ensure continuity of care by coordinating with other specialists and transitioning patients to appropriate levels of care (e.g., step-down units, general wards) as required.
• Engage in family meetings and discussions to communicate patient status, goals of care, and advance care planning.
• Leadership and Administration: Lead the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine section, ensuring high standards of clinical care are maintained.
• Collaborate with hospital administration to develop and implement policies and protocols that enhance patient care, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.
• Develop, oversee, and manage the section's budget, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Education: Provide training, mentorship, and supervision to medical students, residents, and fellows in pulmonary and critical care medicine.
• Participate in continuing medical education (CME) programs and ensure staff are up-to-date with the latest medical knowledge and best practices.
• Research: Promote and participate in clinical research to advance the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine.
• Encourage staff and trainees to engage in research activities and support their scholarly pursuits.
• Quality Improvement: Lead and participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes.
• Monitor and evaluate patient care practices, implementing changes as needed based on evidence-based guidelines.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Foster collaborative relationships with other departments and specialties to ensure comprehensive patient care.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and hospital committees.

Benefits

• Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases
• Paid Time Off: 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)
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
• Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
• CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification)
• Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided
• Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Administration of Human Resource Programs
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees