Physician (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation - Physiatrist)

Veterans Health Administration • Tucson, AZ

19h • Onsite

About The Position

The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System is seeking a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician) for the Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC) Service Line. The physician will deliver patient-centered rehabilitative care to Veterans in inpatient and outpatient settings, provide inpatient physiatry consultations, and lead clinical care within the TBI/Polytrauma Program. The position reports directly to the Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS) for Geriatrics and Extended Care.

The physician will provide rehabilitation consultations for Veterans in acute care and Community Living Center settings; evaluate and manage functional impairments, mobility limitations, and complex rehabilitation needs; and serve as Medical Director for the TBI/Polytrauma Program. Program leadership includes clinical oversight, evaluation and management of complex traumatic brain injury sequelae, and coordination with interdisciplinary teams. The physician will develop individualized rehabilitation plans, collaborate with GEC and other clinical teams, and participate in quality improvement and program development.

This is an open continuous announcement that remains open until January 8, 2027. The position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no on-call requirement. It is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. No Physician Employment Contract is required, and there is no significant restriction on moonlighting. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to eligibility and application requirements; approved awards may be up to $200,000 for one to five years. The VA offers a total rewards package that includes competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases, paid time off, retirement, insurance, possible CME reimbursement, and malpractice protection with tail coverage.

Requirements

• Doctor of Medicine or an 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 alternative training and independent-practice pathway described in the announcement.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when recruiting qualified citizens is not possible under VA policy.
• Selected applicants must satisfy pre-employment requirements, including a background/security investigation and physical evaluation; applicants in testing-designated positions must undergo pre-employment urinalysis.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must meet applicable application and onboarding requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Board certification or board eligibility in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
• Completion of an ACGME-accredited PM&R residency.
• Experience with inpatient physiatry consultation services.
• Experience in TBI/Polytrauma program leadership or clinical management.
• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
• Commitment to Veteran-centered care and rehabilitation excellence.

Responsibilities

• Provide inpatient rehabilitation consultations for Veterans admitted to acute care and Community Living Center settings.
• Evaluate and manage patients with functional impairments, mobility limitations, and complex rehabilitation needs.
• Serve as Medical Director for the TBI/Polytrauma Program, providing clinical oversight and program leadership.
• Evaluate and manage complex traumatic brain injury sequelae, including cognitive, physical, and behavioral rehabilitation needs.
• Coordinate care with interdisciplinary polytrauma teams, including neurology, neuropsychology, therapy, nursing, and social work.
• Develop individualized rehabilitation plans to improve functional outcomes and quality of life.
• Collaborate with GEC, hospitalists, surgeons, therapists, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and program development within GEC.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program student loan repayment, subject to eligibility and approval; awards may be up to $200,000 for one to five years.
• Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, and regular salary increases.
• 50–55 days of paid time off per year, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and possible five-day 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 continue into retirement.
• Possible $1,000 per year CME reimbursement for full-time physicians with board certification.
• Free liability protection with tail coverage.
• Possible recruitment or relocation incentives, including a sign-on bonus, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

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