Become a Staff Neurologist at Northport VA Medical Center: A Career of Impact and Academic Excellence on Long Island

For medical professionals in neurology, finding a position that balances high-level clinical work, meaningful academic mentorship, and an exceptional lifestyle can be an elusive pursuit. Private practice often demands administrative burdens and long hours, while traditional academic institutions may lock you into rigid clinical schedules and geographic non-compete clauses.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) offers a compelling alternative. We are seeking a highly skilled Staff Neurologist to join our team at the Northport VA Medical Center on the scenic North Shore of Long Island, New York. This position represents an incredible opportunity to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care to America's Veterans, shape the future of medicine through an academic appointment with the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook, and enjoy a compensation package that ranks among the best in the public sector.

About the Agency: The Northport VA Medical Center

As the largest integrated healthcare network in the United States, the Veterans Health Administration 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."

The Northport VA Medical Center (VAMC) is a cornerstone of this mission on Long Island. Located on a peaceful campus in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, the Northport healthcare system is a highly advanced clinical facility. In addition to our main inpatient medical and surgical services, our system features:

Five vibrant Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) across Long Island.
An on-site, 140-bed Community Living Center (CLC) including a subacute rehabilitation center.
Dedicated treatment facilities for the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation program.
A state-of-the-art, newly renovated Emergency Department.
Integrated subspecialty and diagnostic centers, including our on-site Sleep Medicine team offering full-night sleep evaluations.

By joining the Northport VAMC, you enter a collaborative clinical culture that emphasizes whole-health care, patient accessibility, and cutting-edge medical technology.

Clinical Scope & Job Responsibilities

As a Staff Neurologist at the Northport VA Medical Center, you will provide comprehensive outpatient and inpatient clinical consultations. Your days will be intellectually engaging and clinically diverse, balancing clinical practice with academic instruction.

Key responsibilities include:

Comprehensive Patient Care: Conducting neurological assessments, diagnostic test evaluations (including MRI, CT, EEG, and lumbar punctures), and developing individualized management plans utilizing modern therapeutic strategies.
State-of-the-Art Tele-Health Integration: Utilizing advanced digital health tools. Northport is a Primary Stroke Center and participates actively in the VA National Tele-Stroke Program, offering rapid acute ischemic stroke assessments. Additionally, you will work with the VA National Tele-Epilepsy Program and the VA National Tele-EEG Program, utilizing cutting-edge on-site technologies like Ceribell for ambulatory EEGs.
Academic Teaching and Mentorship: Precepting and supervising neurology residents from our academic affiliate, SUNY Stony Brook. Candidates will receive an academic faculty appointment, helping to lead the next generation of neurologists through clinical instruction, bedside rounds, and case presentations.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working in lockstep with regional VISN specialty providers in areas such as Movement Disorders, Epilepsy, ALS, Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Multiple Sclerosis, and Neurosurgery to guarantee a continuum of exceptional care.
On-Call Supervision: Sharing in a rotating, primarily offsite on-call schedule where you will supervise the on-call resident managing urgent consults.

Key Qualification Requirements

To be considered for this prestigious Medical Officer (0602) role within the VM pay grade, candidates must meet the federal qualification standards under Title 38:

U.S. Citizenship: Highly qualified U.S. citizens are given first consideration. (Non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens are unavailable).
Medical Degree: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from an accredited allopathic or osteopathic school, or equivalent foreign medical school graduation verified by the ECFMG.
Unrestricted Licensure: An active, current, and full medical license from any U.S. State, Territory, or Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Residency Training: Completion of an accredited residency program approved by the ACGME or AOA leading to board eligibility in Neurology.
Board Status: ABPN Board Certification or Board Eligibility with projected certification within a reasonable timeframe.
Language & Health: Complete proficiency in spoken and written English, combined with the ability to pass a background security check and pre-employment physical examination.

Salary Overview and Compensation Comparison

This position offers a highly competitive annual salary ranging from $200,000 to $264,000, with pay levels established through a formal, peer-reviewed federal pay-setting process that factors in your previous experience and accomplishments.

When evaluating this salary, it is essential to look at the "Total Rewards" package. Federal benefits significantly increase the overall value of your compensation relative to private sector opportunities:

Benefit Category	Northport VA Medical Center	Typical Private Practice
Malpractice Insurance	100% Free (Comprehensive federal liability protection with lifetime tail coverage)	Out-of-pocket premiums ranging from $10,000 to $40,000+ annually
Employment Covenants	None (No restrictive contracts, geographic non-competes, or limits on outside moonlighting)	Strict non-compete clauses that restrict local practice changes
Student Loan Repayment	Up to $200,000 tax-free over 5 years via the EDRP	Rarely offered, or capped at minor, taxable amounts
Paid Time Off (PTO)	50 to 55 Days (26 Annual, 13 Sick, 11 Holidays, + 5 CME Days)	Typically 15 to 25 days of combined, highly regulated PTO
Retirement & Pension	Dual Benefit: Traditional Pension (5-year vesting) + TSP 401(k) with up to 5% match	Standard 401(k) match only; defined-benefit pensions are exceptionally rare

Unparalleled Federal Benefits

Choosing a career with the VA is an investment in your financial future and personal well-being. Selected candidates can access:

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): This student loan reimbursement program provides up to $200,000 in tax-free reimbursement for your student loan debt over a period of one to five years.
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to premium federal health, dental, and vision programs, plus term life and long-term care insurance policies—many of which can be carried directly into retirement.
Retirement Security: Enjoy peace of mind with a traditional federal pension plan that vests fully after only five years of service, alongside the TSP 401(k) featuring up to 5% matching contributions.
Continuous Education (CME): Up to $1,000 in yearly CME reimbursement is available for full-time, board-certified physicians, in addition to five days of paid administrative leave for conference attendance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

Applying for a federal physician role requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your application is processed successfully:

Obtain the Standard Template: Download the official one-page standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers portal. Do not modify its structure.
Upload Your Standard Resume: Upload this completed, one-page template specifically into the 'Resume' upload field on USAJOBS. This field is limited to two pages and is parsed by the initial applicant screening system.
Provide Your Complete CV: Upload your comprehensive, multi-page curriculum vitae (CV) into the 'Other' document upload section on USAJOBS. There is no page limitation on this field, and this document will be thoroughly reviewed by the clinical search committee.
Submit Online: Click 'Apply Online' on the official USAJOBS posting, log in, connect your documents, and complete the comprehensive online occupational questionnaire.
Deadline: Complete your submission before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on September 30, 2026 (note that the position may be filled earlier if highly qualified candidates are identified).

Application Expert Tips:

Detail Your Credentials: Ensure your full CV explicitly displays your board certification status (ABPN), every active medical license (including state and license numbers), and complete residency training history.
Highlight Academics: Because this position involves residency precepting and a SUNY Stony Brook appointment, highlight any prior experience you have in clinical education, mentoring, or grand rounds presentations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can non-citizens apply for this role?

Yes, but with limitations. In accordance with federal policy, non-citizens are only appointed when there are no qualified U.S. citizens available to fill the vacancy.

Q: Is there assistance for relocations?

Recruitment and relocation incentives (sign-on bonuses) may be offered to highly qualified, eligible applicants. This will be discussed during the interview and formal pay-setting process.

Q: What is the work schedule for this position?

This is a full-time role with a standard Monday through Friday schedule, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It includes shared, rotating on-call responsibilities, which are primarily managed offsite.

Q: Are there any clinical specialties of focus for this team?

While we are seeking a general staff neurologist, those with fellowship training in stroke, epilepsy, neuromuscular medicine, or movement disorders are highly encouraged to apply, as they will have opportunities to work closely with national specialized telehealth networks.

Conclusion: Make Your Next Move Meaningful

The Staff Neurologist position at Northport VA Medical Center is more than a medical job; it is a mission of healing, clinical leadership, and academic engagement. You will practice medicine at the highest standards in an environment that prioritizes patient wellness over billing cycles, while simultaneously teaching the neurologists of tomorrow on Long Island's stunning North Shore.

If you are ready to enjoy a rewarding medical practice with unparalleled job security, competitive compensation, and the deep satisfaction of serving our nation's heroes, start your application process today.

Why This Neurologist Job Matters

Elevate your neurology career while serving America's heroes. Join the Northport VA Medical Center, enjoy a prestigious academic appointment with SUNY Stony Brook, and secure up to $200,000 in student loan repayment!

Neurologist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an exceptional, board-certified or board-eligible Staff Neurologist to join the Veterans Health Administration team at the Northport VA Medical Center on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island, New York. In this rewarding role, you will provide comprehensive, evidence-based neurological care to our nation's Veterans, mentor future specialists through our academic affiliation with SUNY Stony Brook, and leverage state-of-the-art diagnostic and tele-health systems. Enjoy an exceptional work-life balance, federal pension benefits, free liability coverage, and an unmatched medical practice environment with absolutely no restrictive employment covenants.

Requirements for Neurologist

United States Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy).
Degree of doctor of medicine (M.D.) or an equivalent degree (D.O.) resulting from an accredited course of allopathic or osteopathic medicine.
Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
Completion of residency training in an accredited core specialty training program (approved by ACGME or AOA) leading to eligibility for board certification.
Board Certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), or Board Eligible with projected certification within a reasonable period.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program (mandatory for all VHA health care personnel).

Preferred Qualifications for Neurologist

Fellowship training in specialized clinical areas such as Stroke, Epilepsy, Neuromuscular Medicine, or Movement Disorders.
Experience performing EMGs/NCVs and interpreting Electroencephalograms (EEGs).
A strong background or active interest in academic medicine, including clinical teaching and precepting residents.
Experience utilizing Tele-Health/Tele-Neurology platforms in clinical practice.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) student loan reimbursement of up to $200,000.
✓Generous Paid Time Off: 50 to 55 days of paid time off per year (including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 federal holidays, and potential 5-day CME administrative leave).
✓Traditional Federal Pension (fully vested after just 5 years of service).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
✓Premium Federal Health, Dental, Vision, Term Life, and Long-Term Care Insurance programs (carriable into retirement).
✓Continuing Medical Education (CME) reimbursement of up to $1,000 annually (for full-time, board-certified physicians).
✓Free malpractice/liability protection with full lifetime tail coverage.
✓Exceptional practice freedom: No restrictive physician employment contracts and no geographic non-compete clauses.

💡 How to Apply Neurologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Neurologist Job

Download the mandatory one-page standard Clinical Resume Document from the official VA Careers portal.
Upload the unmodified, one-page standard Clinical Resume Document directly into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document field on USAJOBS.
Upload your complete, unrestricted CV or detailed professional resume into the 'Other' document upload section.
Access the USAJOBS job posting and click the 'Apply Online' button.
Log in or create your federal profile, connect your uploaded documents, and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Review your answers and submit your completed application package by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your primary CV explicitly detailed your board certification status (ABPN), every active medical license (including state and license numbers), and complete residency training history.
Do not modify or omit the standard Clinical Resume Document requirement; uploading it to the 'Resume' field is mandatory for the system's automated screening process.
List both paid and unpaid/volunteer clinical experience, as the VA counts all qualifying volunteer work toward your overall eligibility and qualifications evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range and how is it determined?

The base salary range for this VM-15 position is $200,000 to $264,000 per year. The final salary offer is set through a formal, peer-reviewed federal pay-setting process that evaluates your specific experience, qualifications, and clinical accomplishments.

Does this position offer student loan repayment assistance?

Yes. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which offers qualifying candidates up to $200,000 in tax-free student loan reimbursement over a 1 to 5-year period. Applications must be submitted within four months of your appointment.

What are the working hours and on-call expectations?

The position features a standard Monday through Friday schedule, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. There is a rotating on-call schedule, which is managed primarily offsite while supervising the on-call resident.

Are there academic opportunities associated with this position?

Yes. The Northport VA Medical Center serves as an active teaching site for the State University of New York (SUNY) Stony Brook residency program. An academic appointment with SUNY Stony Brook will be granted to the selected candidate.

Can I engage in moonlighting outside of my VA hours?

Yes. Unlike many private practice groups, there are no restrictive covenants or geographic non-compete clauses in VA employment contracts, and there are no significant restrictions on outside clinical moonlighting.