Advance Your Surgical Career: Become a Podiatrist at the VA Central California Health Care System

Are you a skilled podiatric surgeon looking to leverage your expertise in an environment that prioritizes patient care and clinical excellence? The VA Central California Health Care System in Fresno is looking for a dedicated Podiatrist (Surgery Rearfoot/Ankle) to join our surgical team. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to serving the men and women who have defended our country.

Job Responsibilities

The Podiatrist will serve as a key member of the surgical department, diagnosing and treating podiatric conditions with a focus on rearfoot and ankle surgical interventions. Key duties include:

Surgical & Clinical Care: Manage assigned OR time and clinic hours to provide timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
Mentorship: Supervise surgical residents and trainees, fostering the next generation of podiatric professionals.
Administrative & Quality Improvement: Participate in committee assignments, contribute to Joint Commission compliance, and support internal health systems requirements.
On-Call Services: Provide fair and equitable after-hours, weekend, and holiday call coverage as scheduled.

Comparison: Private Practice vs. VA Surgical Career

Feature	VA Surgical Career	Private Practice
Patient Focus	Mission-driven, Veteran-centered	Revenue-driven
Loan Repayment	EDRP (up to $200,000)	Varies by clinic
Schedule	Stable M-F hours	Often unpredictable
Benefits	Comprehensive Federal package	Often employer-dependent

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, candidates must:

Possess a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from an approved school.
Have completed an accredited residency program in podiatric surgery.
Maintain a full, unrestricted medical license in a U.S. state or territory.
Successfully pass a pre-employment physical exam.
Comply with the mandatory influenza vaccination policy.

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive annual salary range of $200,000 to $255,000. The final pay is determined through a formal pay-setting process that accounts for your unique experience and qualifications.

Benefits

The VA offers a total rewards package that goes beyond a paycheck. As a VA employee, you can expect:

EDRP: Eligibility for student loan repayment under the Education Debt Reduction Program.
Insurance: Extensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) benefits.
Growth: Continuous learning opportunities and an environment that values professional development.

Application Tips

Use the VA Template: Use the specified clinical resume template provided by the VA to ensure you meet formatting requirements.
Highlight Your Skills: Be descriptive regarding your residency and surgical experience; the agency cannot make assumptions about your abilities.
Review Your Documents: Ensure your license and certificates are scanned clearly.

Providing medical care to our nation's heroes is one of the most fulfilling career paths a podiatrist can take. If you are ready to combine your surgical expertise with a mission of service, we encourage you to apply to the VA Central California Health Care System today.

Why This Podiatrist (Surgery Rearfoot/Ankle) Job Matters

Advance your surgical career in California with the VA—where exceptional podiatric expertise directly impacts the lives of those who served our nation.

Podiatrist (Surgery Rearfoot/Ankle) Job Overview

The VA Central California Health Care System in Fresno is seeking a dedicated Podiatrist (Surgery Rearfoot/Ankle) to join our multidisciplinary surgical team. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive podiatric care, including surgical interventions, to our nation's Veterans. You will work within a supportive, state-of-the-art facility, collaborating with experienced medical professionals to ensure high-quality patient outcomes. This role is ideal for a surgeon committed to excellence, patient advocacy, and clinical leadership.

Requirements for Podiatrist (Surgery Rearfoot/Ankle)

Possession of a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from an accredited school of podiatric medicine.
Completion of an accredited residency training program in podiatric surgery.
Active, full, and unrestricted license to practice podiatry in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
Must be able to meet physical demands including lifting 15-44 lbs, standing/walking for extended periods, and manual dexterity requirements.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Podiatrist (Surgery Rearfoot/Ankle)

Board certification or board eligibility in rearfoot and ankle surgery.
Experience in an academic or teaching environment supervising residents and trainees.
Proven track record in quality improvement and research within a surgical setting.
Active engagement in professional committee work and emergency preparedness initiatives.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
✓Professional work-life balance with a Monday-Friday schedule.
✓Opportunity to participate in research and academic training programs.
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.

💡 How to Apply Podiatrist (Surgery Rearfoot/Ankle) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Podiatrist (Surgery Rearfoot/Ankle) Job

Prepare your resume, specifically using the standard VA clinical resume format.
Register for an account on the USAJobs portal if you do not have one.
Gather necessary documentation including your podiatry license, CV, and transcripts.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 25, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and thorough in describing your clinical experience to ensure full credit.
Ensure your resume includes all required clinical information to meet federal standards.
Monitor the initial cut-off dates for referral to increase your chances of early consideration.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and in the requested formats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?

Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP. You must apply within four months of your appointment date to be considered for this student loan repayment assistance.

Are there specific physical requirements for this position?

Yes, candidates must be able to perform tasks such as lifting 15-44 pounds, prolonged standing/walking (3-5 hours), and possess the fine motor skills and depth perception necessary for surgical work.

What is the typical work schedule?

The position is a standard Monday through Friday schedule, typically from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with participation in on-call rotations.

Is this a virtual position?

*A: No, this is an onsite position located in Fresno, California.*

What is the closing date for this application?

*A: The position is open until September 25, 2026, with recurring referral cut-off dates.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. The VA Central California Health Care System (VACCHCS) is a pillar of health in the region. Located in Fresno, our facility is part of the VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN21) and provides advanced primary, secondary, and tertiary care. Our campus includes a 57-bed acute care center and a 54-bed Community Living Center, ensuring that we offer a holistic, whole-health approach to our Veterans' needs.