Physician - General Radiologist (Body Imaging/Prostate MRI/Nuclear Medicine) - VA New York Harbor Healthcare System

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Physician specializing in General Radiology to join the esteemed team at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System. This critical role focuses on Body Imaging, Prostate MRI, and Nuclear Medicine, offering a unique opportunity to provide essential diagnostic services to the Veterans who have served our nation. If you are passionate about delivering exceptional patient care within a supportive and collaborative environment, this position presents a rewarding career path. Located in the vibrant city of New York, this onsite role ensures direct patient interaction and contribution to the well-being of our nation's heroes.

About the Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. The VA Health Care system provides a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative services to more than 8.3 million Veterans annually. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care through its network of hospitals, community clinics, and various healthcare facilities across the country. The VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, a part of the VHA, serves the diverse Veteran population in the New York metropolitan area, operating multiple medical centers and outpatient clinics. Its mission is deeply rooted in honoring America's Veterans by providing exceptional healthcare and a commitment to their well-being.

Job Responsibilities

As a Staff Radiologist at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of diagnostic imaging duties. This is an onsite position, requiring your presence at the facility, and is not a teleradiology role. You will work within a Veteran-centered, dynamic, team-oriented, and collaborative setting, rotating between different campuses to meet the needs of the system. Key duties include:

• Interpreting General Radiology Examinations: Performing and interpreting standard plain film X-rays.
• Diagnostic Fluoroscopy: Conducting and interpreting fluoroscopic studies, both with and without contrast materials.
• CT and MRI Interpretation: Reading and reporting on CT scans of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities, as well as MRI scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, with a specific emphasis on prostate MRI.
• Ultrasound Examinations: Interpreting general, vascular, small parts, and soft tissue ultrasound studies.
• Protocol Development: Participating in the creation and refinement of new imaging protocols and techniques.
• Clinical Correlation and Reporting: Analyzing imaging exams, comparing with previous studies, correlating with clinical information in the electronic medical record (CPRS), and generating comprehensive reports that include pertinent findings, differential diagnoses, and recommendations.
• Timely Reporting: Ensuring the timely issuance of Radiology Reports.
• Patient Interaction: Obtaining informed consent when necessary and performing physical examinations of Veterans as required for imaging purposes.
• Documentation: Writing appropriate notes in the electronic medical record.
• Communication: Effectively communicating critical findings according to medical center policies.
• Quality Management: Actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, including film quality reviews and peer reviews.
• Compliance: Preparing for and participating in various facility and external inspections.
• Exam Appropriateness: Reviewing exam requests for clinical appropriateness and prescribing or modifying exam protocols as needed.
• Consultation: Collaborating with referring providers to discuss imaging selection, results interpretation, and patient management.
• Multidisciplinary Conferences: Engaging in various local, VISN, and VHA multidisciplinary and interdepartmental conferences.
• Education: Teaching and mentoring medical students and residents.
• Patient Care Coordination: Facilitating coordinated patient care by contacting clinical providers, discussing evaluations, management plans, and follow-up.
• Medication Oversight: Providing clinical oversight for medication administration related to radiology procedures, including contrast agents.
• Technologist Feedback: Offering technical image quality feedback to radiologic technologists.
• Coding and Notification: Appropriately utilizing diagnostic codes and communicating verbal notifications of critical results as required.
• Research: Participating in ongoing research programs.
• Other Duties: Performing other assigned duties as required.

Requirements

To be considered for this Physician - General Radiologist position, applicants must meet the following fundamental qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Non-citizens may be appointed only if qualified U.S. citizens are not available, in accordance with VA policy.
• Medical Degree: Possession of a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in allopathic or osteopathic medicine. The degree must be from a school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) for the year the degree was granted. For foreign graduates, the medical school must meet ECFMG eligibility requirements for the year of graduation.
• Medical Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery 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 training program leading to eligibility for board certification. This includes ACGME/AOA-accredited programs or equivalent international training followed by verified independent practice in the U.S.
• English Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Pre-employment Requirements: Applicants may be subject to a urinalysis for illegal drug use, a background/security investigation, and must pass a pre-employment physical examination. Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Acceptable identification (e.g., REAL ID compliant) is required for employment verification.
• Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory requirement for all VA Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Note: Applicants pending completion of training or license requirements may be considered but cannot be hired until all requirements are met. Exceptions to residency training requirements may be considered in rare circumstances based on extensive experience and qualifications.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $300,000 to $350,000. The exact salary will be determined through a formal pay-setting process based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. In addition to the base salary, physicians may be eligible for annual performance bonuses and regular salary increases.

Benefits

VA offers a comprehensive and attractive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of its employees. These include:

• Paid Time Off: Approximately 50-55 days of paid time off per year, encompassing 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
• Continuing Medical Education (CME): Potential reimbursement of up to $1,000 per year for CME expenses for full-time physicians with board certification.
• Retirement Plan: A traditional federal pension with a 5-year vesting period, along with a federal 401K plan where the VA contributes up to 5% of your salary.
• Insurance: Access to a wide array of federal insurance programs, including health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance, with many options available for continuation into retirement.
• Malpractice Protection: Free professional liability protection, including tail coverage, is provided.
• No Employment Contract: Unlike many private sector positions, VA physicians are not bound by restrictive employment contracts.
• Moonlighting Flexibility: Physicians generally have the flexibility to engage in moonlighting activities with minimal restrictions.
• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): This position is eligible for EDRP, a valuable student loan repayment program that can provide up to $200,000 in reimbursement over one to five years. To be eligible, you must meet specific criteria and apply within four months of your appointment.

Application Tips

• Complete Application: Ensure all sections of the online application are fully completed. Errors or omissions can impact your consideration.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume or CV to highlight the specific skills and experiences required for this radiology position, including proficiency in Body Imaging, Prostate MRI, and Nuclear Medicine.
• Clinical Resume Document: Pay close attention to the requirement for the one-page Clinical Resume Document. Download it, complete it accurately, and upload it into the designated field. Your comprehensive CV can be uploaded separately.
• Review Instructions: Read all instructions in the job announcement carefully, particularly those regarding required documents and the application process.
• Veterans' Preference: If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure you submit all necessary documentation (e.g., DD214, SF-15) as specified to receive this benefit.
• Check Status: Regularly log in to your USAJOBS account to monitor the status of your application.
• Follow Up: If you encounter technical difficulties or are unable to apply online, utilize the provided contact information for assistance.

This Physician - General Radiologist position at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System offers a significant opportunity to serve the Veteran community while advancing your professional career. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to professional development, the VA provides a stable and rewarding work environment. If you possess the required qualifications and are driven by a mission to care for those who have served, we encourage you to apply and become a vital part of the VHA team.

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