Elevate Your Clinical Practice: Physician (Gastroenterology) Career with VA South Texas Health Care System

Finding a clinical environment that balances elite patient care, academic collaboration, and professional lifestyle autonomy is a rarity in modern medicine. Too often, physicians find themselves trapped in complex billing structures, high malpractice overhead, and geographic non-compete clauses that restrict professional growth.

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a compelling alternative. A new opening for a Physician (Gastroenterology) with the VA South Texas Health Care System in San Antonio, Texas, presents an opportunity to step away from administrative commercial pressures and focus entirely on clinical excellence. Providing comprehensive gastrointestinal care to our nation's military veterans, this full-time role offers an annual salary ranging from $350,000 to $400,000, robust federal benefits, and up to $200,000 in tax-free student loan reimbursement.

About the Agency: VA South Texas Health Care System

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare network in the United States, and the VA South Texas Health Care System (STVHCS) stands as one of its crown jewels. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, STVHCS is a highly complex Level 1a medical facility servicing an expansive 35-county region.

Comprised of major inpatient hubs—including the renowned Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital in San Antonio and the Kerrville VA Hospital—the system employs over 5,900 professionals dedicated to providing high-quality care to over 114,000 registered Veterans.

Academic Integration and Research

STVHCS is deeply integrated with local educational institutions, maintaining a strong, active academic affiliation with UT Health San Antonio. Staff physicians frequently participate in training programs, teaching medical students, residents, and gastroenterology fellows. For practitioners who thrive in intellectually stimulating environments, the facility's extensive clinical research, geriatric training, and specialized rehabilitation centers offer an ideal professional ecosystem.

Job Responsibilities & Clinical Scope

As a staff Gastroenterologist, you will enjoy clinical autonomy while working in a multidisciplinary environment. The position balances direct patient care with administrative and teaching tasks.

Clinical Practice

Comprehensive Patient Care: Deliver high-quality inpatient consults and outpatient evaluations, focusing on compassionate care for patients with complex gastrointestinal and hepatological conditions.
Endoscopic Procedures: Perform routine diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures, including Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopies. Note: Advanced interventional capabilities such as EUS and ERCP are not required for this role.
On-Call Rotation: Support inpatient and consult services during off-hours, including scheduled nights, weekends, and federal holidays on a rotational basis.

Administrative & Quality Oversight

Peer Reviews and Medical Audits: Participate actively in internal hospital committees, peer review processes, and staff meetings to maintain high clinical standards.
Encounters and Consult Management: Efficiently document patient interactions and manage consultative workflow within the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
Continuous Quality Improvement: Contribute to VHA initiatives like system redesign, Patient Centric Care programs, and patient safety oversight.

Complete Candidate Requirements

To meet the basic eligibility standards for this medical officer position, candidates must satisfy several core requirements outlined by federal regulation:

U.S. Citizenship: Only U.S. citizens may be appointed, except in rare circumstances where qualified citizens are unavailable.
Medical Licensure: Hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Medical Degree: Possess an M.D. or D.O. degree from a school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). Foreign medical graduates must hold equivalent certification verified by the ECFMG.
Residency and Fellowship Training: Have completed an accredited residency and fellowship program in Gastroenterology approved by the ACGME or AOA.
Language Proficiency: Must be fully proficient in both spoken and written English.
Physical & Medical Clearances: Successfully pass a comprehensive pre-employment physical examination, undergo background/suitability investigations, and participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Salary Overview & Financial Incentives

The VHA utilizes a structured, formal pay-setting process to establish compensation based on your unique combination of clinical experience, academic achievements, and board certification status.

To help you contextualize this financial package, the table below highlights how the VA compensation package compares to typical private practice models:

Compensation & Benefits Category	VA South Texas Health Care System	Typical Private Practice Environment
Base Salary Range	$350,000 - $400,000 annually	Variable (often eat-what-you-kill model)
Student Loan Assistance	Up to $200,000 via EDRP (tax-free)	Rarely offered or highly restrictive
Malpractice Coverage	Fully covered with lifetime tail protection	High annual premiums / expensive tail
Paid Time Off (PTO)	50 to 55 days annually (all-inclusive)	Often limited to 3-4 weeks total
Non-Compete Restrictions	None (freedom to moonlight or consult)	Strict geographic non-compete clauses
Retirement & Pension	Dual-benefit: Traditional Pension + 401(k)	401(k) only (variable matching)

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

This position is fully authorized for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), one of the most lucrative student loan reimbursement programs in the healthcare industry. Eligible candidates can receive up to $200,000 in tax-free student loan payments over a five-year period. Application materials must be submitted within the first four months of your appointment to qualify.

Comprehensive Benefits and Total Rewards

The financial incentives are just one aspect of the VHA’s total rewards program. The comprehensive federal benefits package provides extensive security for you and your family both during your career and into retirement:

Unmatched Paid Time Off: Enjoy 26 days of annual leave, 13 sick leave days, 11 paid federal holidays, and up to 5 days of authorized absence to attend Continuing Medical Education (CME) seminars.
Comprehensive Health Insurance: Access premier federal health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance programs, many of which can be carried directly into retirement.
Unrestricted Practice Environment: With a single active license, you can practice in any VA facility nationwide, easing potential future relocations.
Retirement Security: Benefit from a three-tiered retirement program consisting of Social Security, a traditional defined-benefit federal pension (vesting after only 5 years), and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)—a 401(k)-style account with immediate matching up to 5%.

Application Tips & Document Strategies

Applying for a federal position requires careful attention to detail. This role is posted under an Open Continuous Announcement closing on August 14, 2026. Applications are reviewed periodically as vacancies arise, so early submission is highly recommended.

The Standard CV vs. Clinical Resume Strategy

The application portal features a page-restricted document upload field for your resume. To ensure your full professional history is reviewed without being cut off, follow this specific process:

Download the standard, single-page Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers portal.
Do not modify the document's layout. Upload this single-page form directly into the designated 'Resume' upload field.
Upload your complete, unrestricted CV—detailing all your publications, teaching history, clinical complexity exposure, and procedural numbers—into the unrestricted 'Other' document upload field.

Documenting Your Credentials

Military History: If you are a military veteran claiming preference points, you must upload a copy of your DD-214 showing an honorable discharge characterization.
REAL ID Compliance: Effective May 7, 2025, any state-issued identification or driver's license used during the onboarding and security clearance phase must be fully REAL ID compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is board certification in Gastroenterology required to apply?

Board certification is highly preferred, but board-eligible candidates who have completed an accredited fellowship program are fully eligible and encouraged to apply.

Q2: What are the typical daily working hours for this position?

This is a full-time position scheduled from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. However, clinical requirements will dictate rotational weekend, night, and holiday on-call coverage.

Q3: Does the VA limit outside clinical consulting or moonlighting?

No. Unlike private practices that utilize strict non-compete clauses, the VA does not restrict your ability to engage in moonlighting, external consulting, or private practice, provided these activities do not conflict with your core duty hours.

Q4: Are advanced interventional endoscopic procedures required?

No. Proficiency in basic diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy (such as EGD and colonoscopy) is expected, but advanced procedures such as ERCP or EUS are not required for this role.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Medical Career in San Antonio

San Antonio offers a exceptional quality of life, rich historical heritage, a diverse culinary scene, and a highly affordable cost of living. Working with the VA South Texas Health Care System allows you to build a highly respected clinical and academic career while enjoying a secure, supportive work environment.

If you are ready to transition your practice to an environment focused on patient outcomes rather than commercial billing, apply for this gastroenterology role today. Provide world-class care to the nation's heroes while securing a rewarding personal and professional future.

Why This Physician (Gastroenterology) - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized, Edrp Authorized Job Matters

Transform Veteran healthcare in San Antonio! Earn $350k - $400k annually, secure up to $200k in student loan repayment, and enjoy an unrivaled 50-55 days of paid time off with no restrictive non-compete clauses.

Physician (Gastroenterology) - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized, Edrp Authorized Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an exceptional, compassionate full-time Gastroenterologist to join the VA South Texas Health Care System in San Antonio, Texas. In this role, you will provide vital clinical care to our nation's Veterans in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This position offers a premium compensation package, including a salary up to $400,000, recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates, and access to the lucrative Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). With no restrictive covenants and a complete absence of malpractice overhead, this opportunity provides a highly rewarding medical career coupled with an exceptional work-life balance.

Requirements for Physician (Gastroenterology) - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized, Edrp Authorized

United States Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens are unavailable).
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from an approved, accredited school.
Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Completion of an accredited residency/fellowship training program in Gastroenterology approved by the ACGME or AOA.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
Ability to pass a background security investigation.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Gastroenterology) - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized, Edrp Authorized

Board Certification or Board Eligibility in Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Recent clinical experience delivering high-complexity inpatient and outpatient care for GI and hepatology patients.
Proficiency in performing general endoscopic procedures (EUS and ERCP are not required).
Prior medical experience within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
Recent exposure to or experience working in an academic education environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary range of $350,000 to $400,000 with regular pay increases.
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) offering up to $200,000 in tax-free student loan repayment.
✓Generous Paid Time Off: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, plus up to 5 days for Continuing Medical Education (CME).
✓Traditional federal pension (vested after 5 years of service).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
✓Excellent healthcare, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance programs (transferable into retirement).
✓Complete malpractice liability coverage with lifetime tail protection provided at no cost.
✓No restrictive non-compete agreements, allowing for clinical autonomy and moonlighting opportunities.
✓Potential recruitment or relocation incentives authorized for highly qualified candidates.

💡 How to Apply Physician (Gastroenterology) - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized, Edrp Authorized Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician (Gastroenterology) - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized, Edrp Authorized Job

Click the official apply link to access the job posting on USAJobs.
Log in to your existing account or create a new USAJobs profile.
Select your resume and upload all required supporting documents.
Download the standard Clinical Resume Template from the provided VA careers link, complete it, and upload this single-page document into the restricted 'Resume' upload field.
Upload your full, unrestricted curriculum vitae (C.V.) or long-form resume into the 'Other' document upload field to bypass page limitations.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package prior to the closing date on August 14, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your professional resume or C.V. explicitly highlights your experience in high-complexity clinical facilities (such as Level 1a facilities) and your board certification/eligibility.
Do not modify the mandatory one-page Clinical Resume Template. This must be uploaded exactly as required to prevent your application from being rejected for layout issues.
Veterans should attach a clear, legible copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy preferred) showing the character of service to claim preference points.
Because this is an open continuous announcement with periodic applicant referrals, submit your materials as early as possible rather than waiting for the final closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are EUS or ERCP procedures required for this position?

No, advanced endoscopic procedures like Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are not required. Competency in general endoscopic procedures is sufficient.

What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?

EDRP is a student loan reimbursement program administered by the VHA. It provides up to $200,000 over a period of one to five years to help qualifying employees repay their professional medical student loans.

Can non-U.S. citizens apply for this medical officer role?

Yes, non-citizens may be considered and appointed. However, this only occurs in accordance with VA Policy when no qualified United States citizens are available for the position.

Is there a restrictive non-compete covenant in this employment contract?

No. Physicians employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs do not sign restrictive employment contracts or geographic non-compete agreements, leaving you free to consult, write, or moonlight outside of your core hours.