Physician (Urology Section Chief)

Veterans Health Administration • San Juan, PR

12h • Onsite

About The Position

The Urology Section Chief provides leadership, oversight, and supervision for all Urology services at the VA Caribbean Healthcare System, a Level 1 High Complexity facility. The incumbent ensures high-quality, patient-centered urologic care; fosters interdisciplinary collaboration; oversees program development; manages clinical and administrative operations; and ensures compliance with VA, VISN 8, and regulatory standards.

The role directs and evaluates Urology programs, oversees credentialing and privileging, supervises section personnel, manages workforce and administrative functions, and serves as a liaison to VISN 8 and VHA Central Office. The Section Chief also oversees quality improvement activities and provides direct clinical care, including evaluation and management of urologic conditions, operative and non-operative care, consultations, and on-call coverage.

The regular work schedule is Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to VHA eligibility and approval. It is an Excepted Service position and does not confer competitive status. No Physician Employment Contract is required, and there is no significant restriction on moonlighting.

Requirements

• Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine from an appropriately approved or accredited school.
• 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 Urology residency training, or an applicable alternative training and independent-practice pathway described in the announcement.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• For this Puerto Rico position, proficiency in basic written and spoken Spanish is required.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Ability to meet pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation and physical examination; selected applicants in testing-designated positions must submit to urinalysis.
• Registration with Selective Service is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program and completion of annual Employee Health requirements are conditions of employment.
• Ability to meet the position's physical requirements, including visual acuity, hearing, speech, manual dexterity, and potentially prolonged periods of walking, standing, and other physical activity.
• More than five years of clinical experience as a practicing Urologist.
• Demonstrated experience in personnel management and oversight of clinic operations, including related administrative responsibilities.
• Experience leading service activities and managing key departmental administrative responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Direct, plan, develop, and evaluate Urology Section programs in alignment with VISN and VHA objectives.
• Maintain responsibility for credentialing and privileging Urology staff, including compliance with OPPE and FPPE requirements.
• Supervise physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, coordinators, and administrative staff in the Urology Section.
• Ensure staff competency, training, and adherence to VA and OSHA safety standards.
• Manage workforce planning, FTEE allocation, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and recruitment in coordination with Human Resources.
• Serve as liaison to VISN 8 and VHA Central Office on Urology-related issues, reporting requirements, and program initiatives.
• Participate in facility, VISN, and national committees or workgroups as assigned.
• Oversee quality improvement processes, including morbidity and mortality reviews, peer review activities, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate, diagnose, and manage urologic conditions for Veterans.
• Provide operative and non-operative care within granted clinical privileges.
• Participate in on-call responsibilities and provide consultations to inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services.
• Ensure appropriate documentation and adherence to evidence-based clinical standards.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate complex care plans.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program student loan repayment, with potential awards up to $200,000 subject to eligibility and program approval.
• 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 federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Possible $1,000 annual CME reimbursement for full-time physicians with board certification.
• Free liability protection with tail coverage.

What This Job Offers

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