The Orthopedic Physician is responsible for patient care, patient/family education, and participation in any indicated clinical research in the Orthopedic Service and provides comprehensive care for patients who have illnesses within the scope of Orthopedics. The scope of these activities covers all phases of ambulatory care. A relocation or recruitment incentive may be available for a highly qualified candidate. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been obtained from an institution whose accreditation was in place for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved schools are: Schools of medicine accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) for the year in which the degree was granted, or Schools of osteopathic medicine approved by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association for the year in which the degree was granted. For foreign medical graduates not covered in (1) or (2) above, facility officials must verify with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) that the applicant has met requirements for certification, and must obtain a copy of the ECFMG certificate, if claimed by the applicant. [If the applicant does not claim an ECFMG certificate, facility officials must still confirm that the medical school meets (or met) ECFMG eligibility requirements for the year the candidate graduated.] NOTE: The Under Secretary of Health or designee in the VHA Central Office may approve the appointment under authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405 of a physician graduate of a school of medicine not covered above if the candidate is to be assigned to a research, academic, or administrative position with no patient care responsibilities. The appointment will be made only in exceptional circumstances where the candidate's credentials clearly demonstrate high professional attainment or expertise in the specialty area. Licensure and Registration: Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Residency Training: Physicians must have completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification. (NOTE: VA physicians involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status.) Approved residencies are: Those approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), b) OR Those approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA),OR Other residencies (non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of five years of verified practice in the United States), which the local Medical Staff Executive Committee deems to have provided the applicant with appropriate professional training and believes has exposed the physician to an appropriate range of patient care experiences. Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs and who would otherwise meet the basic requirements for appointment are eligible to be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs). PRPs must be fully licensed physicians (i.e., not a training license) and may only be appointed on an intermittent or fee-basis. PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged; rather, they are to have a "scope of practice" that allows them to perform certain restricted duties under supervision. Additionally, surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs. Physical Requirements: See outlined below. English Language Proficiency. Physicians appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7402(d) and 7407(d). Preferred Experience: Demonstrated leadership responsibilities: Participation in staff meetings, hospital committees, and peer review process. Advanced skill and knowledge of Contemporary Specialty practice Advanced skills to provide a full range of evaluations to determine the type of degree of illnesses within the specialty scope Board certification by the American College of Orthopedic Surgery Completion of an accredited residency or equivalent experience in orthopedic surgery in an ACGME approved program, i.e., 3 years or more of clinical practice. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-2 Physician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds; light carrying, under 15 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (6hrs); Standing (6hrs); Repeated bending (2hrs); Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Mental/emotional stability; Ability to perform privileges; Independently performs physical exam as appropriate to position; Cognitive stability ["Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Clinical Responds to and completes consults received for the evaluation of orthopedic care including: Performs a comprehensive, detailed, targeted, initial history and physical examination in compliance with national guidelines. Orders diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests, X-rays, electromyography (EMG), electrocardiograms (EKGs) and other tests. Consults other disciplines, as necessary, to complete the patient evaluation Carries out health promotion and disease prevention activities including education and shared decision-making. Surgical competence in Orthopedic procedures (Arthroscopic Surgery) is desirable and documentation of procedures within the past 12 months will be requested reflective of the scope of privileges requested Participate in all VISN and national level efforts in Orthopedic programs Administrative Writes Medical Orders and prescriptions for non-controlled substances, as necessary, for the care of the patient in accordance with Federal and State law and approval of the supervising Physician. Documents care provided in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) in accordance with Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System requirements. Documents the detailed, targeted, initial history and physical examination required for evaluation in the electronic tool(s) required by VA. Obtains consent and documents procedures performed for which the physician is responsible. Provides education and counseling of patients and families in preventive care, medical conditions, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs. Review and revise policies and scope of practice/standards of operation to meet the needs of the National VA and VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System mandates Review and guide protocols in chronic patient managements including coordinating efforts with prosthetics department to meet patients needs and maintain fiscal responsibility Below are some of the benefits enjoyed by Physicians who work for the VA! VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards.\nPay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases\nPaid Time Off: 50-55 days of annual paid time offer 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)\nRetirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA\nInsurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)\nLicensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory\nCME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement\nMalpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided\nContract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting\nEducation Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Authorized, see details in 'Education section'\nRecruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Available for highly qualified candidate Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm\nBargaining Unit: This is a Bargaining Unit position\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]