Lead Eye Care for Veterans: Associate Chief of Surgery Opportunity in West Palm Beach
The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center is seeking an experienced, visionary physician to take on the role of Associate Chief of Surgery for Eye Care. This position is perfect for a board-certified ophthalmologist who is passionate about clinical leadership and committed to serving those who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
In this dual-focus role, you will:
- Supervise and mentor a clinical team of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and eye technicians.
- Oversee the quality of eye care across all hospital and satellite facilities.
- Coordinate the 24/7 on-call surgical schedule.
- Manage equipment procurement and safety regulations for surgical and clinic areas.
- Devote 80% of your time to direct patient care and surgical procedures.
Requirements
- Education: MD or DO from an accredited school.
- Licensure: Unrestricted license in a U.S. state or territory.
- Certification: Board Certification in Ophthalmology is required.
- Physical: Ability to meet the physical demands of the role (lifting, walking, and manual dexterity).
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a highly competitive federal total rewards package.
| Feature | Benefit Detail |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $276,992 – $400,000 |
| Annual Leave | 26 Days |
| Sick Leave | 13 Days |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401k (5% match) |
| Malpractice | Fully Covered (with tail) |
Application Tips
To ensure your application is competitive, use the specific VA clinical resume template provided on their careers portal. Your resume should emphasize both your surgical expertise and your experience with medical administration.
If you are an ophthalmology expert ready to pivot into an influential leadership role, the West Palm Beach VA offers a unique balance of patient care and strategic management. Apply today to make a difference in the lives of our Veterans.
Why This Physician (Ophthalmology) - Associate Chief Of Surgery For Eye Care Job Matters
Lead eye care excellence for our nation's heroes. Join the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center as our Associate Chief of Surgery for Eye Care and shape the future of veteran visual health.
Physician (Ophthalmology) - Associate Chief Of Surgery For Eye Care Job Overview
The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center is actively recruiting for a highly skilled Physician (Ophthalmology) to serve as the Associate Chief of Surgery for Eye Care. This leadership role balances clinical expertise with operational management, ensuring that Veterans receive world-class diagnostic and surgical services. You will supervise a dedicated team of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and eye technicians while maintaining 80% clinical effort to provide high-quality direct patient care.
Requirements for Physician (Ophthalmology) - Associate Chief Of Surgery For Eye Care
- U.S. Citizenship or qualified non-citizen appointment eligibility.
- Degree of Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine from an accredited institution.
- Current, full, and unrestricted medical or surgical license in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Completed residency training in an ACGME or AOA accredited core specialty program.
- Board Certification in Ophthalmology.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination.
- Ability to pass a drug screening and background security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Ophthalmology) - Associate Chief Of Surgery For Eye Care
- Experience in clinical personnel management and conflict resolution.
- Proven track record in developing and maintaining residency or externship educational programs.
- Expertise in operational planning and surgical scheduling optimization.
- Demonstrated leadership in healthcare quality assurance and patient safety initiatives.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with annual performance bonuses.
- ✓Comprehensive paid time off: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays.
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401k with up to 5% matching.
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance coverage.
- ✓Malpractice liability protection with tail coverage.
- ✓CME reimbursement of up to $1,000 annually.
- ✓Relocation and recruitment incentives available.
💡 How to Apply Physician (Ophthalmology) - Associate Chief Of Surgery For Eye Care Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Ophthalmology) - Associate Chief Of Surgery For Eye Care Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Download and complete the mandatory Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA career link.
- Upload the Clinical Resume to the two-page restricted 'Resume' field.
- Upload your full CV into the 'Other' documents field.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights both clinical experience and any past management or leadership duties.
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to avoid delays in processing.
- Apply early; the vacancy may close early if a selection is made.
- Verify that your medical licensure documentation is current and easily accessible for verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the clinical vs. administrative time breakdown?
The selected physician will spend approximately 80% of their time providing direct clinical care, including inpatient consults, surgical procedures, and outpatient clinic sessions.
Are there opportunities for moonlighting?
Yes, there are generally no significant restrictions on moonlighting, provided it does not interfere with your duties at the VA.
Do I need to disclose my criminal history?
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the VA does not request criminal history information until a tentative job offer has been extended.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to provide high-quality care to our military veterans. The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center serves a wide network of veterans across South Florida, operating a comprehensive facility that includes a 108-bed Community Living Center and a specialized Blind Rehabilitation Service.