Advance Your Career as a Chief of Orthopedic Surgery with the VA

Are you a skilled surgeon looking to transition into a high-impact leadership role? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a visionary Chief of Orthopedic Surgery to join the team at the Harry S. Truman Veterans Memorial Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. This position offers a rare combination of clinical autonomy, academic engagement, and the chance to directly improve the lives of our nation's veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As the Section Chief of Orthopedics, you will act as a key leader within the Surgical Service. Your responsibilities include:

Leadership & Guidance: Setting the strategic direction for the orthopedic service and ensuring high standards of care.
Clinical Expertise: Performing surgical procedures and providing expert consultation for both inpatients and outpatients.
Academic Mentorship: Serving as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri, supervising residents, fellows, and other health trainees.
Operations Management: Overseeing clinic staffing, participating in medical center committees, and meeting surgical performance measures.

Comparison: Private Practice vs. VA Leadership

Feature	VA Leadership (Chief Role)	Typical Private Practice
Liability	Free coverage with tail included	Often expensive, paid by provider
Contracts	No restrictive employment contract	Often contains non-competes
Retirement	Federal Pension + 401(k)	Self-funded
Work-Life Balance	Structured, predictable hours	Often unpredictable/on-call heavy

Requirements

Candidates must hold a degree in medicine (MD or DO) from an accredited school and maintain a full, unrestricted license to practice in any U.S. State or territory. Furthermore, candidates must have completed an ACGME or AOA-approved residency and possess current Board Certification in Orthopedic Surgery.

Salary and Benefits

The VA provides a robust total rewards package designed to support the long-term well-being of our physicians. You can expect a competitive annual salary ranging from $300,000 to $400,000, based on experience and internal pay-setting processes. Benefits include over 50 days of paid time off, comprehensive health insurance options, and a secure retirement plan.

Application Tips

To ensure your application stands out, follow these tips:

Use the specific VA clinical resume format provided in the job announcement.
Clearly articulate your experience in resident supervision and clinical leadership.
Ensure your documentation regarding medical licenses and board certifications is up to date.
Apply early to ensure your credentials are reviewed as the agency begins the selection process.

If you are ready to combine your clinical passion with leadership and academic teaching, the Harry S. Truman VAMC is waiting for you. Apply today to help us uphold our mission to care for those who have served.

Why This Chief Orthopedic Surgeon (Pcs Authorized) Job Matters

Lead the future of orthopedic care and mentor the next generation of surgeons while serving those who served our nation in the heart of Missouri.

Chief Orthopedic Surgeon (Pcs Authorized) Job Overview

The Harry S. Truman Veterans Memorial Hospital is seeking a dedicated and visionary Chief of Orthopedic Surgery to lead our surgical team in Columbia, MO. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine advanced clinical practice with academic leadership as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri. You will provide critical orthopedic care to our veteran population while steering service-wide performance and mentoring residents and fellows in a state-of-the-art facility.

Requirements for Chief Orthopedic Surgeon (Pcs Authorized)

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment waivers apply).
Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
Current, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. State or territory.
Completion of an ACGME or AOA accredited residency in Orthopedic Surgery.
Board Certification is required for this Chief-level position.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
Must meet requirements for credentialing and suitability investigations.

Preferred Qualifications for Chief Orthopedic Surgeon (Pcs Authorized)

Demonstrated leadership experience in a clinical or hospital setting.
Academic experience, including teaching or supervising residents/fellows.
Strong background in both general orthopedic and musculoskeletal surgery, including major joint reconstruction.
Proven track record in hospital committee participation and administrative performance improvement.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with annual performance bonus potential.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
✓Federal pension plan and 401(k) with up to 5% employer matching.
✓50-55 days of total paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
✓Professional liability protection with tail coverage.
✓Education/CME support and academic affiliation opportunities.
✓Relocation assistance (PCS) is authorized for qualified candidates.

💡 How to Apply Chief Orthopedic Surgeon (Pcs Authorized) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Chief Orthopedic Surgeon (Pcs Authorized) Job

Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
Download and complete the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA.
Prepare your comprehensive CV/Resume and required documentation (license, medical degree, board certification).
Upload the Clinical Resume to the designated field and your full CV to the 'Other' documents section.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire and submit your application package before the deadline.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly reflects your board certification status, as it is a mandatory requirement for this role.
Double-check that you have uploaded both the specific Clinical Resume document and your full, detailed CV.
If you are a veteran, include your DD214 and any applicable SF-15 forms to claim preference.
Review your application for completeness; minor errors or missing documentation can lead to disqualification.
Monitor your email frequently after submission for notifications regarding your status or interview requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is board certification required for this position?

Yes, board certification is a mandatory requirement given the leadership responsibilities associated with the Section Chief role.

Does this role include academic teaching responsibilities?

Yes. Due to the residency supervision involved, the incumbent is expected to serve as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri, maintaining a strong relationship with their Orthopedic Surgery department.

Are there on-call requirements?

Yes, the position participates in a shared rotation for night and weekend on-call coverage.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Yes, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) assistance is authorized for this position.

Can I continue moonlighting?

There are no significant restrictions on moonlighting, provided it does not conflict with your VA duties.

Is a background check required?

Yes, a background/security investigation and drug screening are mandatory for federal employment.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing comprehensive care to millions of veterans. At the Harry S. Truman VAMC, we pride ourselves on being a centerpiece for veteran health in Missouri, serving over 40,000 veterans through our main hospital and eight community-based outpatient clinics. We are a complexity level 1c facility, committed to delivering compassionate, whole-health care.