Physician-Cardiologist (Heart Failure) Opportunity with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Pittsburgh, PA

Are you a dedicated Cardiologist with specialized expertise in heart failure management? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) invites you to consider an impactful career opportunity at the Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System. This position offers a chance to provide exceptional care to our nation's Veterans, engage in teaching and research, and benefit from a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Join a team committed to honoring those who have served through compassionate, whole-health care.

About the Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated health system in the United States, serving over nine million Veterans annually. Our mission, "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors," guides every aspect of our work. The VA provides a wide range of medical, surgical, and extended care services, as well as vocational rehabilitation, education, and counseling services. The Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System is a vital part of this network, dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare and improving the lives of Veterans in the region.

Job Responsibilities

As a Physician-Cardiologist specializing in Heart Failure, your primary role will be to deliver advanced cardiac care. This includes:

Patient Management: Expertly managing patients with advanced heart failure, utilizing novel pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment modalities.
Clinical Practice: Participating in both inpatient and outpatient care, applying national and VA guidelines for screening, surveillance, and management of cardiovascular diseases.
Teaching and Supervision: Serving as an attending physician, supervising and teaching medical trainees, including University of Pittsburgh Internal Medicine residents and Cardiology fellows.
Consultation: Providing expert consultations to other healthcare providers, medical staff, and support teams on complex cardiology issues.
Procedures: Performing and interpreting various cardiac procedures such as echocardiography, right heart catheterizations, exercise and pharmacologic stress testing, Holter monitoring, and electrocardiograms.
Advanced Therapies: Assisting with the work-up and management of patients requiring Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) and heart transplants, and co-managing post-transplant/LVAD patients.
Quality Improvement: Participating in service-level and facility committees, quality assurance programs, and peer review processes to ensure the highest standards of care.
Telehealth: Engaging in the expanded use of clinical video telehealth and electronic consultations to enhance access to cardiology services.
Documentation: Maintaining accurate and timely electronic health records, including histories, physicals, and outpatient encounter notes.

Requirements

To be considered for this critical role, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required. Non-citizens may be appointed only if qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited.
Medical Degree: A Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or equivalent degree from an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school.
Medical License: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Residency Training: Completion of residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty, or an equivalent combination of approved residency and verified independent practice.
English Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written English.
Physical Fitness: Ability to meet physical demands, including moderate lifting, heavy carrying, reaching, use of hands, prolonged standing/walking, and rapid mental/muscular coordination. Near vision correctable and hearing aids are permitted.
Screening: Must pass a drug screening urinalysis and a pre-employment physical examination.
Background Check: Must be eligible for a background/security investigation.
Onboarding: Must complete an online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Probationary Period: Successful completion of a 2-year probationary period is required.

Preferred Qualifications

While not strictly required, candidates with the following will have a stronger application:

Formal fellowship training in heart failure.
Extensive experience with advanced pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic heart failure treatments.
Experience with LVAD and heart transplant evaluations and management.
Proficiency in performing and interpreting advanced cardiac diagnostic procedures.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $300,000 to $400,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The VA utilizes a formal pay-setting process to determine the final salary within this range.

Benefits

VA physicians enjoy a comprehensive and highly attractive benefits package designed to support work-life balance and long-term career satisfaction:

Benefit Category	Details
Paid Time Off	26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays annually. Possible 5-day paid absence for Continuing Medical Education (CME).
Retirement	Traditional federal pension (5-year vesting) and a federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by the VA.
Insurance	Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance. Many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
CME	Potential $1,000 annual reimbursement for CME (requires full-time employment and board certification).
Malpractice	Free professional liability protection with tail coverage provided by the VA.
Other Incentives	Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) for student loan repayment (up to $200,000). No physician employment contract with significant restrictions on moonlighting.

Application Tips

To ensure a successful application:

Detail Your Experience: Thoroughly document your experience in cardiology and specifically heart failure management on your CV/resume.
Use the Required Documents: Download and utilize the provided Clinical Resume Document for the designated upload field. Your comprehensive CV/resume should be uploaded separately.
Complete the Questionnaire Accurately: Answer all questions in the occupational questionnaire truthfully and completely. Any errors or omissions could affect your eligibility.
Apply Early: Submit your application well before the closing date of September 30, 2026, 11:59 PM ET, to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Veterans' Preference: If you are a Veteran, ensure you claim preference and submit all required supporting documentation (e.g., DD-214, SF-15) to receive due consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)? A: The EDRP is a student loan payment reimbursement program offered by the VHA. Eligible participants can receive loan repayment assistance of up to $200,000 over one to five years, subject to specific eligibility requirements and program approval by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.
Q: What are the typical work hours and call schedule? A: The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. However, weekend, evening, and holiday calls may be expected as part of the role.
Q: What is the salary range for this position? A: The annual salary range for this Physician-Cardiologist position is $300,000 to $400,000.
Q: What specific documents are required for the application? A: You must submit a CV and/or resume. A specific one-page Clinical Resume Document is required for one upload field, and your full resume/CV should be uploaded into the 'Other' document field. Additional documents may be requested later.
Q: Does the VA offer relocation assistance for this position? A: Relocation assistance is not explicitly mentioned for this role.

This Physician-Cardiologist (Heart Failure) position represents an outstanding opportunity to advance your career while making a tangible difference in the lives of Veterans. The Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System offers a supportive environment, challenging clinical work, and a commitment to professional development. If you are ready to serve those who have served, we encourage you to apply.

Why This Physician-Cardiologist (Heart Failure) Job Matters

Join the Department of Veterans Affairs and make a profound impact on the lives of our nation's heroes as a Physician-Cardiologist (Heart Failure) in Pittsburgh, PA. If you're passionate about advanced heart failure management and dedicated to providing exceptional care, this is your opportunity to serve.

Physician-Cardiologist (Heart Failure) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Physician-Cardiologist with specialized experience in heart failure to join their dedicated team. This full-time position offers the chance to provide comprehensive cardiac care, including managing advanced heart failure patients, leading clinical practice, and contributing to teaching and research initiatives. You'll work with a multidisciplinary team, utilizing cutting-edge treatments and applying national and VA guidelines to ensure the highest standard of care for our Veterans.

Requirements for Physician-Cardiologist (Heart Failure)

U.S. Citizenship required; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited.
Possess a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or equivalent degree from an allopathic or osteopathic medical school accredited at the time of completion.
Hold a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Completed residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty or an equivalent combination of approved residency and independent practice.
Demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written English.
Ability to pass a physical examination and meet physical requirements including moderate lifting, heavy carrying, reaching, use of fingers/both hands, walking/standing, and ability for rapid mental/muscular coordination.
Must be able to pass a drug screening urinalysis.
Must be eligible for a background/security investigation.
Must be able to complete an online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must successfully complete a 2-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician-Cardiologist (Heart Failure)

Formal fellowship training in heart failure.
Experience and training in advanced pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic heart failure treatment modalities.
Experience with novel advanced heart failure treatment modalities.
Experience in identifying and assisting with work-up of pre- and post- LVAD and heart transplant evaluations.
Ability to co-manage post-heart transplant and post-LVAD patients.
Experience in performing echocardiography, right heart catheterizations, exercise and pharmacologic stress testing, Holter monitor and electrocardiogram interpretation.
Experience in diagnosis and management of arrhythmias and ischemic heart disease.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with annual performance bonuses and regular increases.
✓Generous paid time off: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays annually, plus a possible 5-day paid absence for CME.
✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance, with many federal programs transferable into retirement.
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting and a federal 401K with up to 5% VA contributions.
✓Malpractice liability protection with tail coverage provided.
✓No physician employment contract with significant restrictions on moonlighting.
✓Possible $1,000 annual reimbursement for Continuing Medical Education (CME) for full-time, board-certified physicians.
✓Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) for student loan repayment, with potential awards up to $200,000 over one to five years (specific eligibility requirements apply).

💡 How to Apply Physician-Cardiologist (Heart Failure) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician-Cardiologist (Heart Failure) Job

Visit the USAJOBS website and log in or create an account.
Click 'Apply Online' to begin the application process.
Select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Upload the provided Clinical Resume Document (found at https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx) into the designated 'Resume' upload field.
Upload your full resume/CV into the 'Other' document upload field.
Submit your answers and application package by the closing date of September 30, 2026, by 11:59 PM ET.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume or CV is detailed and accurately reflects your experience, qualifications, and training relevant to cardiology and heart failure.
Carefully review and answer all questions in the occupational questionnaire; errors or omissions can impact your consideration.
Download and use the provided one-page Clinical Resume Document for the specified upload field, and place your comprehensive CV/resume in the 'Other' document field.
Pay close attention to the application deadline (September 30, 2026, 11:59 PM ET) and submit well in advance.
If you encounter technical difficulties applying online, use the provided link for assistance and include the Job ID.
Consider opting in to make your resume available to other hiring managers for similar positions, although this does not affect your application for this specific role.
Veterans should ensure they claim preference and submit all required documentation (DD214, SF-15 if applicable) to receive appropriate credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?

The EDRP is a student loan payment reimbursement program offered by the VHA. Eligible participants can receive loan repayment assistance of up to $200,000 over one to five years, subject to specific eligibility requirements and program approval by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.

What are the work hours and call expectations?

The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. However, weekend, evening, and holiday calls may be expected as part of the role.

What is the salary range for this position?

The annual salary range for this Physician-Cardiologist position is $300,000 to $400,000.

What documentation is required for applicants?

Applicants must submit a CV and/or resume. A specific one-page Clinical Resume Document is required for one upload field, and a full resume/CV for another. Additional documents may be requested later in the process.

Does this position offer relocation assistance?

Relocation assistance is not indicated as available for this position.