Physician (Regular Ft)- Director of Headache Center of Excellence (HCoE)

Veterans Health Administration • Baltimore, MD

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The VA Maryland Health Care System seeks a board-certified or board-eligible neurologist with subspecialty expertise in Headache Medicine to serve as Director of the Headache Center of Excellence (HCoE). The Director will guide clinical operations, education, quality improvement, research engagement, and multidisciplinary team development across VAMHCS and VISN 5.

The role provides expert evaluation and management of complex headache disorders through face-to-face encounters, telehealth, virtual modalities, and specialty consultations. The Director implements evidence-based headache protocols and emerging FDA-approved therapies; leads HCoE activities; coordinates with national HCoE leadership, VISN 5, DoD partners, and VACO program offices; and maintains performance dashboards, quality metrics, and reporting mechanisms. The position also supports HCoE designation and continuation of special-purpose funding.

The Director mentors trainees and interdisciplinary staff, leads continuing education on headache therapies and best practices, and oversees staffing, scheduling, referral pathways, and program growth. The role collaborates with Neurology Service leadership on strategy, workforce, and budget priorities and participates in committees related to pain management, telehealth, quality improvement, and service operations.

The position is based in the VA Maryland Health Care System. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The posting describes competitive salary, an annual performance bonus and regular salary increases; 50–55 days of paid time off annually; federal pension and 401(k); federal insurance programs; possible CME reimbursement; and free liability protection with tail coverage. There is no physician employment contract or significant restriction on moonlighting. Eligible appointees may qualify for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to program rules.

Requirements

• Board-certified or board-eligible neurologist with subspecialty expertise in Headache Medicine.
• 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 an applicable alternative pathway specified in the announcement.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• U.S. citizenship, except where appointment of non-citizens is permitted under VA policy.
• Satisfy applicable background/security investigation, drug testing, onboarding, identification, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated leadership directing or developing headache programs or clinical divisions, ideally within an academic or federal healthcare system.
• Experience teaching and mentoring residents, fellows, medical students, and other healthcare professionals, with a strong commitment to education.
• Active involvement in clinical, translational, or outcomes-based headache research, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, grants, or conference presentations.
• Familiarity with and implementation of current headache therapies, including interventional procedures and interdisciplinary care models.
• Experience in quality improvement, program development, and implementation of evidence-based protocols.
• Understanding of the healthcare needs of veterans and prior experience in VA or federal healthcare settings.
• Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including pain management, neurosurgery, mental health, primary care, rehabilitation, and pharmacy.
• Proficiency with electronic health record systems and data-driven approaches to care improvement.
• Familiarity with VA policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and manage complex headache disorders.
• Deliver care through face-to-face encounters, telehealth, virtual modalities, and specialty consultations.
• Implement evidence-based headache protocols and emerging FDA-approved therapies.
• Direct all activities of the Headache Center of Excellence at VAMHCS.
• Coordinate with national HCoE leadership, VISN 5, DoD partners, and VACO program offices.
• Develop and maintain performance dashboards, quality metrics, and reporting mechanisms.
• Ensure compliance with HCoE requirements for designation and continuation of special-purpose funding.
• Mentor residents, fellows, nurse practitioners, and interdisciplinary staff.
• Lead continuing education on novel headache therapeutics and best practices.
• Oversee program staffing, scheduling, referral pathways, and operational growth.
• Collaborate with Neurology Service leadership on strategic planning, workforce needs, and budget priorities.
• Participate in committees relevant to pain management, telehealth expansion, quality improvement, and service operations.

Benefits

• 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 up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many programs can be carried into retirement.
• Possible $1,000 per year CME reimbursement for qualifying full-time physicians with board certification.
• Free liability protection with tail coverage.
• Potential Education Debt Reduction Program reimbursement of up to $200,000, subject to eligibility and program approval.

What This Job Offers

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