Physician (Chief of Radiology)

Veterans Health Administration • Augusta, GA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chief of Radiology serves as the executive medical leader of the Diagnostic Imaging Service at VA Augusta Health Care System. The role provides clinical, administrative, educational, and research oversight for radiology and imaging operations at the Downtown and Uptown campuses and supporting Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Athens, Statesboro, and Aiken. The Chief is responsible for high-quality, timely, and safe imaging services in accordance with VHA policy, American College of Radiology standards, Joint Commission requirements, and federal law. The position reports directly to the Chief of Staff and serves on the Medical Executive Committee.

The role includes direct interpretation of diagnostic imaging studies and oversight of service operations, staff, workload, coverage, contracts, equipment planning, graduate medical education, and research and quality improvement activities. The work schedule is 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., subject to change based on agency needs.

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 training program leading to board-certification eligibility, or another qualifying pathway described in the announcement.
• Board certification by the American Board of Radiology or American Osteopathic Board of Radiology.
• At least five years of post-residency clinical practice as a radiologist.
• At least three years of progressively responsible administrative experience, including supervisory experience.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Compliance with applicable background and security investigation, pre-employment drug testing for testing-designated positions, and pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Registration with Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Ability to meet the listed physical requirements, including standing, walking, light lifting and carrying, assisting patients with positioning and transfers, computer use, communication, and working with biohazardous materials.

Responsibilities

• Interpret diagnostic imaging studies, including radiography, CT, MRI, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine, and interventional procedures, consistent with credentialed privileges and subspecialty training.
• Maintain an active clinical practice with productivity consistent with VHA guidance and Radiology RVU expectations.
• Provide on-call and after-hours coverage as required, and coordinate supplemental coverage and contingency operations with the National Teleradiology Program.
• Interpret, communicate, and document critical and non-routine findings in accordance with applicable practice parameters and policies.
• Ensure compliance with radiation safety standards, MRI safety zones, contrast administration protocols, and applicable sedation policies.
• Oversee the Diagnostic Imaging Service, including budget formulation and execution, staffing, position management, equipment lifecycle planning, and space utilization across both campuses.
• Supervise staff radiologists and radiology residents and fellows, and coordinate oversight of imaging technologists, nursing staff, schedulers, and support personnel.
• Establish, monitor, and enforce the Radiology Service coverage schedule, including subspecialty, weekend, holiday, and after-hours coverage.
• Coordinate equitable workload distribution using RVU tracking, PACS workload data, and subspecialty assignment methodology, and address productivity and workload equity concerns.
• Liaise with the Chief of Staff, the ACOS for specialty services, the ADPCS for imaging nursing coordination, and other clinical service chiefs on imaging operations.
• Manage contracts and service agreements affecting the Imaging Service, including teleradiology and interpretation agreements.
• Coordinate capital equipment planning with Biomedical Engineering and Facilities Management for CT, MRI, ultrasound, and interventional imaging platforms.
• Serve as accountable executive for the Radiology graduate medical education program in collaboration with Academic Affiliations, the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, and the residency program director.
• Support research and quality improvement projects in coordination with the ACOS for Research & Development.
• Provide mentorship and career development for staff radiologists, fellows, and residents.

Benefits

• Recruitment incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Relocation incentive is authorized.
• 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 and federal 401(k), with VA contributions up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many programs may 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