Reclaim Work-Life Balance: Become a Part-Time VA Urologist in Augusta, Georgia

In the modern medical landscape, burn-out has become an all-too-common reality for clinical specialists. Urology, with its demanding patient volumes and frequent emergency call-outs, is no exception. However, an extraordinary opportunity has emerged for board-eligible or board-certified urologists to trade administrative headaches and long corporate hours for a fulfilling, part-time federal clinical role.

The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, is seeking a part-time Physician (Urologist) to join its distinguished surgical service. Operating on a highly flexible 20-hour weekly schedule, this position offers an unmatched combination of clinical autonomy, substantial compensation, and comprehensive federal benefits. For physicians seeking to transition out of private practice, scale down their clinical hours, or pursue academic and personal interests without abandoning their specialty, this position represents the pinnacle of medical career design.

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About the Agency: Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the nation's largest integrated healthcare network, committed to fulfilling President Abraham Lincoln’s promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military." Operating under the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center serves a critical population of veterans across the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA)—a vibrant 13-county region bridging Eastern Georgia and Western South Carolina.

Nestled along the banks of the scenic Savannah River, Augusta, Georgia, is perhaps best known globally as the home of the legendary Masters Golf Tournament. Beyond the pristine fairways of Augusta National, the city offers a diverse and thriving economy, rich historical districts, a bustling downtown culinary scene, and exceptional outdoor recreation. Residents enjoy close proximity to major metropolitan destinations, including Atlanta, Columbia, and Charlotte, coupled with a highly affordable cost of living and a top-tier regional healthcare infrastructure. Working at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center means serving a deeply grateful, mission-driven patient base within a community that actively champions its local military and veteran populations.

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Job Responsibilities: Clinical Autonomy and Patient-Centered Care

As a part-time Urologist within the Surgical Care Line, you will focus on delivering evidence-based, compassionate care to Veterans experiencing a broad spectrum of genitourinary conditions. Free from the commercial pressures of private practice, you will have the freedom to prioritize direct clinical outcomes and patient education over high-volume billing targets.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Comprehensive Outpatient Clinics: Evaluate and manage common and complex urological conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urologic malignancies, hematuria, nephrolithiasis, erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and recurrent urinary tract infections.
• Minor Outpatient Procedures: Perform diagnostic and therapeutic interventions directly within the clinic setting, including cystoscopy, prostate biopsies, and complex catheter placements.
• Inpatient and Emergency Consultation: Provide urologic consults for hospitalized veterans on a scheduled or as-needed basis during your assigned shift hours.
• Virtual Health Integration: Leverage state-of-the-art VA telehealth technologies—including Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) and VA Video Connect (VVC)—to expand access for rural and underserved veterans who cannot travel to the facility.
• Quality and Peer Collaboration: Collaborate with the Chief of Staff and the Chief of Surgical Care Line to implement clinical quality assurance measures, conduct focused peer reviews, and participate in systemic process improvement initiatives.

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Requirements

To be considered for this excepted service position, applicants must meet the strict federal credentialing standards for Title 38 medical officers.

Basic Requirements:

1. U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed if it is determined that no qualified United States citizens are available to fill the opening.
2. Medical Degree: A Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an approved, accredited institution.
3. Licensure: An active, current, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
4. Residency Training: Completion of an accredited residency program in Urology accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
5. Language Proficiency: Must be fully proficient in spoken and written English.
6. Physical Fitness: Applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment physical assessment and clinical drug screening.

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Salary Overview & Compensation Comparison

The compensation for this part-time Urology position is exceptionally competitive, commanding a salary range of $350,000 to $400,000 annually, which is pro-rated based on your final scheduled weekly commitment. The Department of Veterans Affairs utilizes a formal, peer-driven pay-setting board to determine your starting salary within this range, taking into account your clinical experience, board certifications, and professional accomplishments.

To understand the true value of this offering, it is helpful to contrast the structural compensation and practice environment of a VA part-time position with that of traditional corporate healthcare or private practice:

Practice Dimension	VA Part-Time Urology Career	Typical Private or Corporate Practice
Salary Structure	Stable, guaranteed salary with annual bonuses; no productivity metrics	Based on RVU generation, patient volume, and insurance collections
Liability Protection	Comprehensive malpractice coverage under the FTCA; free tail coverage	Expensive premiums with fluctuating rates; costly tail coverage policies
Contractual Freedom	No non-compete clauses; full moonlighting flexibility outside of hours	Restrictive non-compete covenants; strict limitations on outside work
Work Hours	Fixed, reliable 20-hour weekly schedule with minimal administrative drag	Heavy 50+ hour work weeks with demanding night and weekend on-call cycles
Student Loan Support	Direct assistance through the Education Debt Reduction Program	Rarely offered; typically limited to standard relocation allowances

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Total Rewards & Benefits Package

While the primary salary is impressive, the Department of Veterans Affairs' "Total Rewards" package elevates this position to an unrivaled career opportunity. Even on a part-time basis, physicians enjoy access to exceptional federal safety nets and work-life incentives:

• Unparalleled Time Off: Full-time physicians receive 50 to 55 days of paid time off annually. Part-time physicians enjoy a generous, prorated share of these leave categories, including annual vacation leave, sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and dedicated CME leave.
• Comprehensive Malpractice Coverage: As a federal physician, you are fully covered under the Federal Tort Claims Act. This means you pay zero malpractice premiums, and complete tail coverage is provided at no cost, saving you tens of thousands of dollars annually.
• Robust Retirement Plans: Gain peace of mind with a dual-retirement safety net. This includes a traditional federal pension (vesting after only five years of service) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which functions like a corporate 401(k) with up to a 5% matching contribution from the agency.
• Financial Incentives: Recruitment incentives (such as sign-on bonuses) may be authorized for highly qualified candidates. Furthermore, this position is approved for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides tax-free reimbursement for qualifying medical school loan debt.

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Strategic Application Tips

Navigating the USAJobs application portal requires careful attention to detail. Follow these strategic steps to ensure your application successfully clears the initial automated and HR screens:

1. Master the "Resume Upload" Workaround

Because the VA's online application system utilizes a standard two-page restriction for document processing, submitting a detailed, multi-page curriculum vitae (CV) can be challenging. To bypass this:

• Download the official VA one-page Clinical Resume Document template.
• Fill out this basic template and upload it to the mandatory "Resume" slot.
• Upload your comprehensive, unrestricted multi-page CV (detailing your full surgical history, residency milestones, and licenses) into the "Other" document slot. This ensures the hiring managers have access to your full professional story.

2. Standardize Your Work History

Federal HR specialists must verify that you meet the minimum time-in-grade and specialty qualifications. Ensure your CV lists the exact start and end dates (Month/Year) and the average weekly hours worked for every previous medical role. Failing to document this clearly can result in an automatic "Unqualified" designation.

3. Claim Veterans' Preference

If you have served in the United States Military, ensure you upload a legible copy of your DD-214 showing your character of discharge. If applicable, submit an SF-15 form with supporting documentation to ensure you receive proper civil service hiring preferences.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How often are applications reviewed during this continuous recruitment period?
A: Because this is an Open Continuous Announcement, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The primary cut-off for referral occurs on the 1st of each month. Submitting your application early ensures you are considered in the immediate monthly cycle.

Q: Am I restricted from practicing medicine outside of my 20-hour VA shift?
A: Unlike corporate or private healthcare contracts, the VA does not require you to sign a non-compete covenant. You are permitted to engage in moonlighting, private practice, or consulting outside of your scheduled VA shift hours, provided there is no conflict of interest.

Q: What is the process for credentialing and pay-setting?
A: Once tentatively selected, you will complete an online onboarding and credentialing process. A formal pay-setting board composed of senior VA physicians will evaluate your education, certifications, and clinical experience to determine your exact placement on the VM-15 pay scale.

Q: Are there travel requirements associated with this position?
A: No, this position is located directly at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, with no routine regional travel required. Some patient consults will be conducted virtually from the medical center via the VA's integrated video platforms.

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If you are a Urologist seeking to escape the escalating administrative demands, billing stress, and crushing work hours of private and corporate practice, this part-time opportunity at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center is your gateway to a balanced, deeply meaningful career. By dedicating 20 hours a week to caring for the men and women who served our country, you will secure an exceptional salary, comprehensive retirement and liability benefits, and the professional freedom to focus purely on the art of medicine.

Step into a role where your clinical expertise is valued, your personal life is respected, and your patients are true heroes. Submit your application today before the next monthly referral deadline.