Lead Surgical Excellence at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center

The G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center is currently inviting experienced surgical leaders to apply for the position of Chief of Surgical Service. This pivotal role is more than a clinical appointment; it is an opportunity to lead a dedicated team in providing high-quality, evidence-based surgical care to the men and women who have served our country. If you are an experienced surgeon with a passion for leadership, operational efficiency, and Veteran health, this could be your next career milestone.

Job Responsibilities

As the Chief of Surgical Service, you will hold executive authority over both the clinical and administrative functions of the surgical department. Key responsibilities include:

Leadership & Strategy: Directing surgical specialties and subspecialties, including inpatient and outpatient settings.
Operational Oversight: Managing OR scheduling, block utilization, and ensuring robust surgical coverage.
Quality & Safety: Spearheading performance improvement initiatives, tracking metrics such as surgical site infections and patient outcomes.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working closely with Anesthesiology, Nursing, Sterile Processing, and other service lines.
Personnel Management: Overseeing recruitment, performance appraisals, and clinical privileging for the surgical staff.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet stringent professional standards:

Medical Degree: Must hold an MD or DO degree from an accredited school.
Licensure: An active, unrestricted license to practice in any U.S. State or Territory.
Residency: Successful completion of an ACGME/AOA-accredited surgical residency program.
Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Security: Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.

Salary Overview

The compensation package for this senior-level role is highly competitive, reflecting the expertise required for executive leadership.

Pay Detail	Amount/Description
Salary Range	$325,000 - $400,000
Frequency	Per Year
Performance Bonus	Included (Annual)
Federal Increases	Eligible for regular salary increases

Benefits

The VA offers a "Total Rewards" package that is designed to support the long-term well-being of its medical professionals:

Comprehensive Insurance: Full selection of federal health, dental, and vision plans.
Retirement: Federal pension plus 401(k) with government matching.
Time Off: Over 50 days of combined leave, including sick time and federal holidays.
Liability: Malpractice coverage provided by the government.

Application Tips

Use the official VA Clinical Resume document.
Emphasize your experience in hospital administration or medical direction.
Be prepared to discuss your approach to quality improvement and patient safety.

Serving as the Chief of Surgical Service in Jackson, MS, is a unique way to combine your clinical expertise with a mission of national importance. Apply today to lead a team that makes a real difference in the lives of Veterans.

Why This Physician - Chief Surgical Service Job Matters

Lead a legacy of excellence and shape the future of surgical care for our nation’s heroes at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center.

Physician - Chief Surgical Service Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled and visionary Chief of Surgical Service in Jackson, Mississippi. In this executive-level position, you will provide clinical and administrative oversight for a multidisciplinary surgical department, ensuring that Veterans receive compassionate, high-quality, and evidence-based care. This is a unique opportunity to lead surgical strategy, foster a culture of safety, and influence program development in an accredited medical facility.

Requirements for Physician - Chief Surgical Service

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment conditions are met).
Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine degree from an accredited institution.
Current, full, and unrestricted medical or surgical license in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
Completion of an ACGME or AOA-approved residency training program.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
Must be able to successfully complete a background security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician - Chief Surgical Service

Board certification in a surgical specialty.
Proven track record in leadership roles such as Chief of Surgery, Medical Director, or Department Chair.
Demonstrated expertise in operating room scheduling, block management, and surgical case prioritization.
Experience in performance improvement, quality assurance, and data-driven clinical management.
History of successful personnel management and clinical staff development.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive annual salary range of $325,000 to $400,000.
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs.
✓Generous paid time off: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Exceptional retirement package including a traditional pension and 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Professional liability protection with tail coverage provided by the VA.
✓Opportunities for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
✓Potential for $1,000 annual Continuing Medical Education (CME) reimbursement.

💡 How to Apply Physician - Chief Surgical Service Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician - Chief Surgical Service Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Download and prepare the standard Clinical Resume Document provided by the VA.
Upload the required documents, including your CV and the specific one-page clinical resume.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of August 31, 2026.
Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template to ensure your application meets formatting requirements.
Highlight your specific leadership achievements and examples of managing surgical volume and OR efficiency.
Be prepared to provide proof of board certification and active licensure early in the process.
If you have questions about the application process, reach out to the agency contact provided in the announcement.
Ensure your DD214 is uploaded if you are claiming Veterans' Preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of the Surgical Service Chief?

The Chief serves as the executive leader responsible for the clinical, administrative, and strategic operations of the surgical department, focusing on quality outcomes, patient safety, and staff development.

Is board certification required for this position?

While the basic requirement is residency completion, board certification is highly preferred and is often required for faculty status in academic training programs.

Does the VA provide malpractice insurance?

Yes, the VA provides comprehensive liability protection with tail coverage for physicians employed at the facility.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who served in our nation's military. The G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, serves as a cornerstone of healthcare for Veterans across Mississippi and portions of Louisiana. Located in a vibrant city known for its rich musical heritage and southern hospitality, the facility prides itself on being a Joint Commission-accredited organization focused on whole-health care.