Become a Urology Leader with the VA Black Hills Health Care System
Finding a clinical environment that perfectly balances advanced surgical practice with an exceptional quality of life can be a major challenge in today's healthcare landscape. Many urologists find themselves bogged down by private practice overhead, restrictive non-compete contracts, insurance negotiations, and high-premium malpractice liabilities.
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a compelling alternative. The VA Black Hills Health Care System is currently seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Urology Physician to serve our nation’s heroes in Fort Meade and Hot Springs, South Dakota. This full-time position allows you to focus exclusively on clinical excellence and patient well-being, supported by an exceptional compensation package, robust loan assistance, and the unparalleled lifestyle of Western South Dakota.
About the Agency: VA Black Hills Health Care System
The VA Black Hills Health Care System (VABHHCS) operates as a critical network under the VA Midwest Healthcare System (VISN 23). Dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who served, VABHHCS consists of multi-campus facilities located in Fort Meade and Hot Springs, alongside community-based outpatient clinics in Rapid City and surrounding regions.
Our team of approximately 1,300 professionals is pioneering the Whole Health System of Care. This revolutionary medical model empowers and equips Veterans to take charge of their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. By fostering therapeutic relationships in healing environments, VABHHCS integrates clinical specialties with community support networks to deliver highly personalized, life-changing treatment plans.
Nestled in Western South Dakota, the region is celebrated for its natural wonders, including Mount Rushmore, deep pine forests, and high-quality outdoor recreation. South Dakota features no state income tax and ranks consistently as one of the happiest and safest states in America, making it a dream destination for individuals and families alike.
Job Responsibilities
As an integral member of the Surgical Care Integrated Clinical Community (ICC), you will perform comprehensive urological care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. You will lead outpatient clinics, perform surgical operations, and manage inpatient consultations.
Primary Clinical Duties:
- Urologic Procedures: Perform basic and advanced urologic procedures, including cystoscopy, ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy, transurethral resections (TURP/TURBT), bladder biopsy, ureteral stent insertion, retrogrades, and orchiectomies.
- Outpatient Clinical Care: Evaluate, diagnose, and treat chronic and acute urological disorders. Advise on disease prevention and healthy living strategies.
- Electronic Medical Records: Maintain complete, precise, and timely electronic health documentations utilizing the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
- Inter-Facility Travel: Split time dynamically between the Fort Meade and Hot Springs VA Medical Centers to meet regional patient needs.
- Equipment Quality Control: Participate in the monitoring, maintenance, calibration, and proper reprocessing of Reusable Medical Equipment (RME).
- Collaboration & Leadership: Deliver clinical orientation for newly hired personnel, participate in performance improvement plans, and support disaster preparedness frameworks.
Position Requirements
To ensure the highest standard of specialized care for our Veterans, applicants must meet the following federal qualifications:
- Citizenship: Candidates must be United States citizens. Non-citizens are eligible for consideration only if no qualified U.S. citizens are identified.
- Medical Degree: A Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an accredited school.
- Residency Training: Completion of an accredited urology residency program (approved by the ACGME or AOA) that qualifies the physician for board certification eligibility.
- Active Licensure: A current, active, and completely unrestricted license to practice medicine in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
- Language Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Physical Capability: Candidates must pass a pre-employment physical showing the strength, mobility, and manual dexterity required for urological procedures (such as standing for up to 4 hours per day and lifting up to 44 pounds with assistive devices).
- Immunizations & Screenings: Complete a pre-employment drug screening and participate in the mandatory annual seasonal influenza immunization program.
Salary & Total Compensation Comparison
The VA offers a highly competitive salary range ($325,000 to $400,000 annually) determined through a formal peer-review pay-setting process. When combined with federal benefits, the total reward package often exceeds typical private-sector offerings.
| Benefit / Feature | VA Black Hills Health Care System | Typical Private Sector Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary Range | $325,000 – $400,000 / year | Varies; often dependent on volume/billing |
| Malpractice Insurance | Free federal coverage with lifetime tail | High premiums; costly tail coverage |
| Paid Time Off | 50 – 55 days annually | 15 – 25 days average |
| Employment Contract | None; zero non-compete clauses | Strict restrictive covenants common |
| Student Loan Repayment | Up to $200,000 (via EDRP) | Rarely offered or highly restricted |
| Retirement Model | Pension + TSP 401(k) with 5% match | Simple 401(k) match only |
Unmatched Federal Benefits
Working for the Veterans Health Administration provides access to premier benefits designed to secure your financial future and optimize your work-life balance.
1. Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)
This urology position is fully approved for the EDRP. Eligible physicians can receive tax-free student loan reimbursements of up to $200,000 over a active period of one to five years. Applications must be completed and submitted within the first four months of your appointment.
2. Industry-Leading Paid Time Off
- 26 Days of Annual Vacation earned each year.
- 13 Days of Sick Leave with unlimited accumulation.
- 11 Paid Federal Holidays.
- Up to 5 Days of paid administrative leave to attend Continuing Medical Education (CME) seminars.
3. Lifetime Retirement and Health Security
Secure your future with the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) three-tiered retirement program, which includes a traditional defined benefit pension plan (vesting at 5 years) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching. Outstanding health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance policies are also available, many of which can be carried directly into retirement.
Application Steps & Tips
To apply for this vacancy (Announcement ID: CBSY-12958669-26-SD), follow these guidelines:
- Access the Portal: Log into USAJOBS and search for the position title. Click the "Apply Online" link.
- Download the Clinical Resume Template: You must download the standard one-page Clinical Resume Document from the official VA Careers site. Upload this completed document into the restricted 'Resume' upload slot. Do not modify its default structure.
- Upload your complete CV: Place your unrestricted, multi-page Curriculum Vitae in the 'Other' document folder. This is where you should list all credentials, publications, and professional surgical volume.
- Submit Supporting Proof: If you are a current VA employee, upload your most recent non-award SF-50. If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, submit your DD-214.
Pro-Tip: This is an Open Continuous Announcement. Qualified applicants are referred to the hiring manager every two weeks. Apply as early as possible to ensure your application is reviewed in the upcoming hiring cycle.
The Urology Physician position with the VA Black Hills Health Care System represents more than just a job; it is an opportunity to lead a dedicated care team, enjoy an unmatched work-life balance, and make a profound daily impact on the lives of military Veterans. With a competitive compensation package of up to $400,000, robust loan assistance, and the beautiful backdrop of South Dakota, this role is the ideal place to grow your career. Apply today and join our mission of healing those who served.
Why This Physician - Urology Job Matters
Practice medicine where your clinical skills honor America's heroes. Step into a premier urology practice with the VA Black Hills Health Care System in South Dakota, offering up to $400,000 per year, no restrictive covenants, and up to $200,000 in student loan repayment assistance.
Physician - Urology Job Overview
The VA Black Hills Health Care System is seeking a dedicated, full-time Urologist to join the Surgical Care Integrated Clinical Community. Operating in both inpatient and outpatient settings across Fort Meade and Hot Springs, South Dakota, this role combines compassionate patient care with a state-of-the-art practice environment. As part of the VA's commitment to holistic health, you will help design and execute personalized health plans for Veterans, free from the burdens of private sector billing overhead and restrictive employment contracts. This position features a highly competitive salary, an industry-leading paid time off package, and eligibility for the federal Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
Requirements for Physician - Urology
- United States Citizenship (non-citizens are considered only if no qualified citizens are available).
- A Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an accredited institution.
- Completion of an approved residency training program in urology leading to board certification eligibility.
- An active, current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- A valid state driver's license, as travel between Fort Meade and Hot Springs VA Medical Centers is required.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination, background investigation, and drug screening.
- Agreement to a two-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician - Urology
- Board certification in Urology by the American Board of Urology or the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery.
- Prior clinical experience operating within a multi-disciplinary hospital network.
- Familiarity with the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) or similar electronic health record platforms.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Highly competitive base pay with regular salary increases and annual performance bonuses.
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) providing up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
- ✓50 to 55 days of total paid time off annually (including 26 days of annual leave, 13 sick days, 11 federal holidays, and potential paid administrative leave for CME).
- ✓Traditional federal pension vesting after only 5 years of service.
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401(k) model with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance programs that can carry into retirement.
- ✓No restrictive covenants or non-compete clauses, allowing flexibility for external activities.
- ✓Complete, comprehensive federal malpractice liability protection with lifetime tail coverage.
💡 How to Apply Physician - Urology Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician - Urology Job
- Navigate to the official job posting or click the 'Apply Online' link to log into or create your USAJOBS account.
- Download the mandatory standard Clinical Resume Document from the official VA Careers site.
- Complete the Clinical Resume Document and upload it into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document field on USAJOBS.
- Upload your comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) or full-length resume into the 'Other' document upload field.
- If applicable, upload supporting documents such as your DD-214 (for Veteran's Preference eligibility) or your most recent non-award SF-50 (for current federal employees).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire and submit your answers before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Do not modify the format of the standard Clinical Resume Document. It must be uploaded exactly as designed into the designated 'Resume' slot.
- Utilize the unlimited-page 'Other' document upload slot to showcase your entire CV, academic background, publication record, and clinical certifications.
- When detailing your clinical experience, explicitly mention urological procedures you perform independently (e.g., cystoscopies, biopsies, resections) to ensure qualification verification.
- If claiming Veteran's Preference, ensure your DD-214 is highly legible and clearly displays your character of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the travel requirement for this Urology Physician position?
This position requires the ability to travel and coordinate care between the Fort Meade and Hot Springs VA Medical Centers. A valid driver's license is required.
How does the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) work?
The EDRP is a student loan reimbursement program that can provide up to $200,000 over a one-to-five-year period, subject to program approval and policy guidelines. Eligible candidates must submit their application within four months of appointment.
Are physicians under a restrictive employment contract at the VA?
No. VA physicians are not subject to restrictive employment contracts or non-compete agreements, and they enjoy free liability protection with full tail coverage.
Can non-U.S. citizens apply for this position?
Yes, but non-citizens will only be considered for appointment if there are no qualified U.S. citizens available to fill the opening in accordance with VA Policy.
Do I need to hold a South Dakota medical license to apply?
No. Because the VA is a federal system, you can practice at our facilities with any active, unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth.
What is the clinical work schedule?
The standard shift schedule runs Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, allowing for highly predictable hours and superb personal time.
Is moonlighting permitted?
Yes. Because there are no restrictive employment contracts, VA physicians are free to participate in external professional activities, provided they do not conflict with federal duties. ---