Advance Your Psychiatric Career at the Syracuse VA Health Care System
Are you a dedicated psychiatrist seeking a career that balances high-level clinical practice with a profound sense of purpose? The VA Syracuse Health Care System is currently accepting applications for a Staff Psychiatrist to join our mission-driven team. This position offers the rare opportunity to work in an environment where patient outcomes and provider well-being are both prioritized.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Psychiatrist, your primary focus will be providing compassionate, evidence-based care to our Veteran population. Responsibilities include:
- Clinical Excellence: Delivering comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and ongoing management for both inpatient and outpatient populations.
- Collaborative Care: Serving as a vital member of a multidisciplinary team, ensuring the highest standards of mental health outcomes.
- Leadership and Academic Mentorship: Supervising residents, fellows, and students in alignment with our university affiliation.
- Administrative Diligence: Maintaining accurate medical records and ensuring compliance with Syracuse VA Medical Center bylaws and federal regulations.
Requirements
To be considered for this vital role, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: An MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state or territory.
- Training: Completion of an accredited residency program in psychiatry.
- Certification: Board Certification in Psychiatry.
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
Quick Comparison: Private Practice vs. VA
| Feature | Private Practice | VA Physician Role |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | Variable | Competitive/Transparent |
| Benefits | Varies | Comprehensive Federal |
| Malpractice | Expensive | Provided (Free) |
| Debt Relief | Rarely Included | EDRP Available |
Salary Overview
The salary for this position is highly competitive, ranging from $265,000 to $300,000 annually. Compensation is determined by a formal pay-setting process that accounts for your expertise, qualifications, and the specific needs of the department.
Benefits
Working for the VA means more than just a paycheck; it means long-term security. You will receive:
- Paid Time Off: 26 days of vacation, 13 sick days, and 11 paid holidays annually.
- Retirement: Participation in the federal pension system and a 401k-style thrift savings plan with government matching.
- Insurance: A variety of federal health, dental, and life insurance plans that can follow you into retirement.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly reflects your clinical tenure and board certification status. We strongly recommend downloading the specific VA clinical resume template provided on their careers website to ensure your application meets all technical requirements.
Joining the VA Syracuse Health Care System is a career move that combines professional excellence with the honor of serving our nation's heroes. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to contribute to a culture of clinical excellence and compassion, we invite you to apply today.
Why This Physician - Psychiatrist Job Matters
Advance your psychiatric career by providing transformative mental health care to our nation’s heroes at the Syracuse VA Health Care System.
Physician - Psychiatrist Job Overview
The VA Syracuse Health Care System is seeking a dedicated and board-certified Psychiatrist to join our clinical team. This role is focused on delivering high-quality, whole-person mental health care to Veterans, encompassing both outpatient and inpatient clinical duties. We offer a highly competitive compensation package, robust benefits, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who served our country.
Requirements for Physician - Psychiatrist
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions may be considered if qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
- Current, full, and unrestricted medical license in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Completed ACGME/AOA accredited residency training in psychiatry.
- Board Certification in Psychiatry.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation.
- Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician - Psychiatrist
- Experience in academic medicine or clinical supervision of medical students and residents.
- Strong collaboration skills for multidisciplinary team environments.
- Proven experience in delivering full-spectrum psychiatric care within a hospital or clinic setting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary and annual performance bonuses.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
- ✓Generous PTO: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- ✓Federal retirement pension and 401k-style savings plan with matching.
- ✓Professional development and CME reimbursement.
- ✓Malpractice coverage with tail protection.
💡 How to Apply Physician - Psychiatrist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician - Psychiatrist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your resume and specific clinical documentation.
- Download the VA standard Clinical Resume document.
- Submit your application and complete the required occupational questionnaire.
- Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your board certification and years of clinical experience.
- Apply early; this announcement may close prior to the scheduled date if the position is filled.
- Double-check all required forms to avoid omissions that could delay your application.
- Be prepared to provide proof of residency completion and medical licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for qualifying participants.
Can I work in private practice while employed by the VA?
The VA has limited restrictions on moonlighting, provided it does not conflict with your primary duties or the needs of the department.
Is this position open to recent graduates?
While we welcome experienced professionals, residents currently in training may be eligible for certain appointments under specific conditions.
How often is the application reviewed?
This is an open continuous announcement, and qualified candidates are referred to the hiring manager on a weekly basis.
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 and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As a Psychiatrist within the Veterans Health Administration, you become part of a national network providing world-class, integrated mental health care to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.