Exceptional Medical Career: Physician - Hematologist/Oncologist at the Sioux Falls VA

For clinical practitioners in the fields of hematology and oncology, balancing high-impact patient care with professional freedom can be a persistent challenge. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a compelling solution. The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is currently accepting applications for a full-time Physician - Hematologist/Oncologist within its Specialty Medicine Service Line. Located in the vibrant, rapidly growing city of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this role presents a rare combination of exceptional compensation, robust federal benefits, and the deeply rewarding mission of serving American Veterans.

With a salary range spanning $315,000 to $400,000 per year, extensive time-off policies, student loan reimbursement up to $200,000, and no state income tax, this opportunity is structured to attract top-tier medical talent. If you are a board-certified or board-eligible specialist seeking to escape the administrative burdens of private practice while securing a stable future, this position is worth your close consideration.

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About the Agency: Sioux Falls VA Health Care System

As part of the VA Midwest Healthcare System (VISN 23), the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is dedicated to delivering whole-health, compassionate care to veterans across South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, and northwestern Iowa. Built upon President Lincoln’s promise to "care for those who have served," the VHA works to honor veterans by offering comprehensive primary, tertiary, and long-term care.

The Sioux Falls facility is an active teaching hospital that blends state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technologies with robust clinical research and training programs. Specialists here collaborate across diverse medical disciplines, including surgery, psychiatry, rehabilitation, and geriatrics. Working within this system means participating in a culture of excellence, backed by extensive federal resources, in a region known for its outstanding quality of life and friendly communities.

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Job Responsibilities: Clinical Excellence and Care Coordination

As a staff Hematologist/Oncologist, you will be the clinical cornerstone of the oncology department, responsible for diagnosing, staging, and treating a diverse range of hematologic and oncologic malignancies. Your primary duties will include:

• Consultative Services: Evaluating, triaging, and prioritizing consult requests to ensure timely, comprehensive diagnostic pathways for veterans suspected of having oncological or hematological disorders.
• Treatment Supervision: Ordering and managing systemic therapies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted molecular agents, while supervising the clinical operations of the local infusion center.
• Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards: Participating actively in regular tumor board meetings, coordinating complex care pathways alongside radiation oncologists, surgical specialists, pathologists, and radiologists.
• Clinical Procedures: Performing essential bedside procedures, including bone marrow aspirations and biopsies, under local anesthesia.
• Sympomatic and Palliative Care: Conducting critical "goals of care" conversations and collaborating closely with the Hospice and Palliative Care teams to ensure comfort and dignity for patients facing advanced disease.
• Administrative and Quality Oversight: Supporting peer reviews, continuing medical education (CME), and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations (OPPE) to maintain high safety and quality metrics (such as QOPI standards).
• Professional Mentorship: Providing clinical supervision, guidance, and collaborative support to Advanced Practice Providers, including Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), as well as medical residents or fellows.

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Comprehensive Requirements and Qualifications

To maintain the highest caliber of medical staff, the Veterans Health Administration enforces strict qualification standards. Applicants must meet the following basic criteria:

1. Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is generally required. However, the VA can consider non-citizens (including J-1 visa holders) if no highly qualified U.S. citizens are available for recruitment.
2. Education: A Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an approved, accredited medical school. Graduates of foreign medical schools must possess valid ECFMG certification.
3. Licensure: A current, active, and completely unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
4. Training: Completion of an accredited graduate residency and fellowship training program (approved by the ACGME or AOA) that leads directly to eligibility for board certification in Hematology and Oncology.
5. Language Proficiency: Must be fully proficient in spoken and written English.
6. Physical and Security Standards: Candidates must pass a pre-employment physical assessment and drug screen, and successfully clear a comprehensive federal background check.

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Salary Structure and Compensation Realities

Federal compensation for physicians is structured differently than in private practice. Under the Title 38 VM scale, physician salaries are set via a formal pay-setting board that takes into account an applicant's clinical experience, academic achievements, and sub-specialty expertise.

• Base Salary Range: $315,000 to $400,000 per year.
• Performance Bonuses: Annual performance-linked bonuses are available based on clinical and quality objectives.
• Recruitment/Relocation Incentives: A sign-on bonus or relocation reimbursement is authorized for exceptionally qualified candidates.
• Education Debt Reduction: This position is eligible for the highly coveted Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides up to $200,000 over five years to reimburse qualifying student loan debt.

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Comparison: VA Clinical Employment vs. Private Sector Practice

Benefit Category	VHA Physician Program	Typical Private Sector Practice
Malpractice Coverage	Free federal liability protection with full tail coverage	Premium expenses or complex group-policy structures
Restrictive Covenants	No non-compete agreements or contract lock-ins	Frequent non-compete clauses and geographic restrictions
Paid Time Off	50 to 55 days annually (inclusive of holidays and CME)	Often restricted, production-based, or limited to 2-3 weeks
Retirement Structure	Vested Federal Pension + TSP 401(k) with 5% matching	Usually limited to 401(k) matching without defined pensions
Student Loan Support	Up to $200,000 tax-free reimbursement via EDRP	Rarely offered, or heavily tied to high-volume contracts
State Income Tax	Zero (based on South Dakota residency)	Subject to local state regulations

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Unrivaled Benefits: Why VHA Beats Private Practice

Beyond basic salary, the total rewards package offered by the VA is designed to support long-term professional satisfaction and complete peace of mind. Key benefits include:

Generous Paid Time Off

Physicians receive 26 days of annual leave, 13 sick days, and 11 paid federal holidays each year. In addition, you can receive up to 5 days of paid administrative absence to attend continuing medical education (CME) seminars.

Zero Malpractice Costs

Under federal law, VA physicians are fully protected against malpractice claims. The government provides comprehensive liability coverage with complete lifetime tail coverage, eliminating thousands of dollars in annual premium expenses.

Robust Retirement and Pension

VA physicians participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which features a traditional three-tiered retirement structure: a guaranteed monthly pension (vested after 5 years), Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)—a 401(k) equivalent with an immediate agency match of up to 5%.

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Application Strategy and Key Tips

Applying for a federal position requires meticulous attention to detail. Follow these strategic tips to ensure your application passes the initial HR screening:

1. The 'Clinical Resume' Requirement: The VA requires a specific, single-page Clinical Resume Document. This template must be downloaded from the VA Careers website, left completely unedited, and uploaded directly into the restricted 'Resume' document field on USAJOBS.
2. The Full CV: Your comprehensive, multi-page professional CV must be uploaded into the 'Other' document field. Be sure to detail all residency, fellowship, clinical, research, and academic experiences, including dates (month/year) and hours worked per week.
3. Provide Proof of Credentials: Upload copies of your active medical license, board certifications, and ECFMG certificate (if applicable).
4. Veterans' Preference: If you served on active duty, submit a legible copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4) and, if applicable, an SF-15 to claim your preference points.

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Q2: What is the exact closing date of this job announcement?

This is an open continuous announcement running through August 27, 2026. However, candidates are referred for interviews as vacancies open, so early application is strongly advised.

Q3: Does South Dakota have a state income tax?

No. South Dakota is one of the few states in the country with zero state income tax, allowing you to maximize your take-home pay.

Q4: Who should I contact for questions regarding the EDRP program?

For specific inquiries about student loan reimbursement eligibility and approval, you can contact the national program coordinators directly at [email protected].

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The Physician - Hematologist/Oncologist role at the Sioux Falls VA is more than just a job; it is a stable, prestigious career that allows you to provide clinical care without the administrative and financial pressures of typical private practices. With a compensation package up to $400,000, $200,000 in student loan support, free malpractice insurance, and a powerful pension plan, this position offers an exceptional lifestyle in a highly desirable, tax-friendly Midwestern city. Invest in your professional future and serve those who served our country—apply today.