Elite Medical Leadership: Chief of Hematology and Oncology at the Salisbury VA HealthCare Center

Finding a clinical leadership role that seamlessly merges executive oversight, cutting-edge clinical practice, robust research, and academic mentorship is rare. The Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to offer such a distinguished path. The Salisbury VA HealthCare Center (SVA HCS) is currently seeking an exceptional physician leader to serve as the Physician-Chief of Hematology and Oncology in Salisbury, North Carolina.

This role is not just another administrative posting; it is an invitation to guide the largest outpatient chemotherapy and infusion program in the entire Veterans Health Administration (VHA). If you are a board-certified oncologist or hematologist with a desire to give back to those who have served our nation, while maintaining a highly active academic footprint, this position represents the pinnacle of your career journey.

About the Agency: The Salisbury VA HealthCare Center

The Department of Veterans Affairs, through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), operates on a foundational mission: "To fulfill President Lincoln's promise 'To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.'" Within this vast network, the Salisbury VA HealthCare Center stands out as a highly specialized, Complexity 1a tertiary care facility.

SVA HCS features a robust medicine specialty program comprising over 100 dedicated specialists. Its volume of patient encounters consistently places it in the top ten across the entire VHA. Key highlights of the SVA HCS Oncology and Hematology program include:

Pioneering Quality: It was the first VA oncology program to receive the prestigious Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (ASCO QOPI®) certification.
High Clinical Volume: By operational volume, it is the largest provider of outpatient chemotherapy and infusion services within the VHA and consistently ranks in the top three by total visits and clinical encounters.
Academic Integration: SVA HCS is deeply affiliated with the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. It serves as an active clinical training site for Wake Forest hematology-oncology fellows, residents, and medical students.
Translational Research: The oncology section hosts a vibrant clinical trials unit, leading both industry-funded and investigator-initiated clinical studies.

Job Responsibilities

As the Chief of Hematology and Oncology, you will lead a multi-site network that delivers vital care across three North Carolina locations: Salisbury, Charlotte, and Kernersville. The position is structured as a full-time clinician-educator-research track, complete with flexible protected time to balance clinical work with academic and research pursuits. Your core responsibilities span four critical areas:

A. Administrative Leadership

Provide visionary and operational direction for the Hematology and Oncology sections across the Salisbury, Charlotte, and Kernersville campuses.
Oversee inpatient and outpatient consult operations within a highly collaborative, multi-specialty clinical ecosystem.
Review and monitor the clinical privileges of your clinical staff, ensuring high-quality, safe, and efficient patient care.
Complete Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations (OPPEs), approve leave, and perform clinical pertinence reviews.
Ensure accurate provider coding practices to guarantee billing and operational compliance.

B. Clinical Care

Offer top-tier clinical supervision to the hematology and oncology physicians, advanced practice providers, and nursing teams.
Deliver direct clinical care and consults in outpatient clinics, infusion rooms, and inpatient consult settings, maintaining your own clinical privileges and showcasing exemplary clinical judgment.
Formulate, implement, and standardise clinical policies, procedures, and best-practice guidelines.

C. Education and Mentorship

Participate actively in the formal education of Wake Forest University School of Medicine fellows, residents, and medical students.
Deliver high-quality teaching rounds, clinical lectures, and educational conferences.
Design, support, and evaluate curriculum components for rotating trainees, while directly evaluating their performance and clinical competence.

D. Clinical Research

Support the research mission of the Salisbury VA HCS and help advance medical science.
Oversee and lead clinical studies focusing on cancer treatments, patient outcomes, and innovative therapeutic modalities.
Maintain compliance with all VA, federal, and institutional guidelines governing active research protocols, encouraging staff participation in clinical trials.

Requirements for Appointment

To be considered for this high-level leadership post, candidates must satisfy both the basic federal requirements and the specific academic requirements of the Salisbury VA HealthCare Center.

Citizenship: United States Citizenship is required. (Non-citizens may only be appointed when no qualified citizens are available in accordance with VA policy).
Education: A Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school. International graduates must have a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification.
Licensure: Hold at least one active, current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Residency/Fellowship Training: Successful completion of residency and/or fellowship training approved by the ACGME or AOA in an accredited specialty training program leading to board eligibility.
Academic Appointment: Candidates must meet the qualifications to secure an academic faculty appointment with Wake Forest University School of Medicine at a level corresponding to their experience.
Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English.
Physical Standards: Must pass a pre-employment physical assessment. The position requires bending, light lifting, walking, and the ability to work under emergency or high-stress conditions.

Salary and Compensation Overview

The VA provides a highly competitive pay structure designed to attract elite medical talent. Unlike traditional private sector positions, compensation within the VHA is calculated based on a formalized pay-setting process that evaluates your overall clinical experience, academic achievements, and leadership background.

Salary Range: $370,000 to $400,000 per year.
Performance Bonus: Eligible for an annual performance bonus.
Salary Increases: Scheduled and regular salary increases.
Student Loan Assistance: This position is fully eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides up to $200,000 in tax-free student loan reimbursement over a five-year period.

VHA Compensation vs. Private Practice Standard

Benefit Category	Salisbury VA HealthCare Center	Private Practice Standard
Annual Salary Range	$370,000 - $400,000 + Performance Bonus	Variable; heavily dependent on RVU metrics
Malpractice Insurance	Full liability protection with free tail coverage	Expensive premiums; tail coverage often self-funded
Paid Time Off (PTO)	50 - 55 Days Annually (Vacation, Sick, Holidays, CME)	Typically 15 - 25 days combined
Retirement Plan	Pension (FERS) + 401(k)/TSP with up to 5% match	401(k) match only (no guaranteed pension)
Contract Restrictions	No employment contracts; flexible moonlighting	Strict non-competes and moonlighting bans
Student Loan Repayment	EDRP eligible (Up to $200,000 tax-free)	Rarely offered or highly restricted

Benefits in Detail

The VHA Total Rewards package is legendary for its long-term financial security and work-life balance.

Paid Time Off: Earn 26 days of annual leave, 13 sick leave days, and 11 paid federal holidays every year. Additionally, you may receive up to 5 days of paid absence to attend Continuing Medical Education (CME) seminars.
Federal Pension: Vest in the traditional Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension after just five years of service, providing guaranteed lifetime retirement income.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Benefit from a premier 401(k)-style account where the VA automatically contributes 1% and matches your contributions up to an additional 4%.
Comprehensive Insurance: Select from a array of federal health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance programs, many of which can be carried over into retirement.
CME Reimbursement: Full-time, board-certified physicians may be authorized to receive up to $1,000 annually to cover continuing education expenses.
Malpractice Peace of Mind: Never worry about malpractice premiums. The federal government provides complete liability protection, including full tail coverage if you decide to leave the system.

Application Tips

Navigating the federal hiring process requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your application gets noticed by the hiring committee:

Tailor Your CV: Do not submit a generic resume. Ensure your CV clearly highlights your leadership experience, clinic-building accomplishments, multi-site program oversight, and academic history.
The Mandatory Clinical Document: The VA requires a specific, one-page Clinical Resume Document to be uploaded into the restricted "Resume" slot on USAJOBS. Download this template from the official VA Careers portal, save it without modifications, and upload it. Your full, detailed CV must be uploaded into the "Other" document field.
Detail Your Affiliations: Clearly highlight any past academic teaching roles, GME residency mentoring, or involvement in national clinical trial networks, as this will strengthen your application for the Wake Forest faculty appointment review.
Apply Early: The Salisbury VA HCS is actively recruiting for this position. The job announcement may close before the stated deadline if a qualified applicant is selected early.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can non-citizens apply for this role?

Yes, non-citizens can legally be appointed under VA policy, but only in rare cases when there are no qualified United States citizens available to fill the vacancy.

Q2: What locations will I oversee?

As Chief, you will lead the hematology and oncology sections across the Salisbury VA Medical Center, the Charlotte Health Care Center, and the Kernersville Health Care Center. Traveling between these locations may occasionally be required to ensure clinical alignment.

Q3: What is the clinical trials landscape like at SVA HCS?

The hematology/oncology section features a robust clinical trials unit that participates in both major industry-funded studies and investigator-initiated trials, providing our Veterans access to the newest clinical therapies.

Q4: Does the VA require a restrictive covenant or non-compete clause?

No. The VHA does not utilize physician employment contracts, nor do they enforce non-compete agreements. You are free to engage in approved outside medical work (moonlighting) outside of your scheduled tour of duty.

Q5: Is the $200,000 EDRP student loan benefit guaranteed?

Eligibility is determined after hire by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office. You must submit your EDRP application within the first four months of your appointment. Approved candidates can receive up to $200,000 over five years of employment.

Taking on the role of Physician-Chief of Hematology and Oncology at the Salisbury VA HealthCare Center is a rare and rewarding opportunity. It is a chance to lead a premier, ASCO QOPI® certified clinical program, shape the next generation of oncologists through a Wake Forest University School of Medicine faculty appointment, and deliver advanced medical care to the nation's Veterans.

Combined with a compensation package reaching up to $400,000, $200,000 in student loan repayment, and unmatched federal pension benefits, this position offers clinical excellence and personal security. Take the next step in your medical career and apply today.

Why This Physician-Chief Of Hematology And Oncology Job Matters

Propel your medical leadership career to new heights: Lead the largest VA outpatient infusion program in the nation, secure an academic appointment with Wake Forest, and earn up to $400,000 alongside $200,000 in student loan repayment.

Physician-Chief Of Hematology And Oncology Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking an accomplished physician leader to serve as the Chief of Hematology and Oncology at the Salisbury VA HealthCare Center. Operating within a high-complexity (1a) network that spans Salisbury, Charlotte, and Kernersville, North Carolina, this leadership position combines clinical practice, operational management, active clinical trials, and academic teaching. Benefitting from a strong partnership with the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, the selected candidate will enjoy a full-time clinician-educator-research track with dedicated protected time for scholarly endeavors, free professional liability coverage, and an outstanding federal benefits package.

Requirements for Physician-Chief Of Hematology And Oncology

United States Citizenship (Non-citizens will only be considered in the absence of qualified U.S. citizens).
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from an accredited institution.
Current, active, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Successful completion of an accredited residency or fellowship training program leading to board eligibility.
Ability to obtain and maintain an academic faculty appointment with Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician-Chief Of Hematology And Oncology

ABIM board certification in Hematology and/or Medical Oncology.
Proven track record of administrative leadership in multi-site or complex clinical operations.
Experience directing clinical trials and mentoring hematology/oncology fellows, residents, and medical students.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary ranging from $370,000 to $400,000 with annual performance bonus potential.
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) offering up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
✓50 to 55 days of paid time off per year (including 26 annual leave days, 13 sick leave days, 11 federal holidays, and up to 5 days for CME).
✓Traditional Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension with 5-year vesting.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401(k) with up to 5% employer matching.
✓Complete malpractice liability protection with tail coverage provided at no cost.
✓Access to premium federal health, vision, dental, life, and long-term care insurance programs.
✓No restrictive employment contracts and minimal restrictions on approved outside clinical work (moonlighting).

💡 How to Apply Physician-Chief Of Hematology And Oncology Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician-Chief Of Hematology And Oncology Job

Create or log in to your existing account on the USAJOBS website.
Complete the online application and answer all questions in the occupational questionnaire.
Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the official VA Careers portal.
Upload the single-page Clinical Resume Document to the dedicated 'Resume' upload field, and upload your comprehensive CV/resume to the 'Other' document field.
Submit your complete application package online before the official deadline.

💡 General Tips

Highlight both your administrative leadership achievements and clinical milestones prominently on your resume to match the chief-level criteria.
Ensure your CV lists your academic contributions, such as lectures, curriculum development, and research trials, to support your Wake Forest faculty appointment review.
Submit your documents as early as possible, because the recruitment office may close the posting early if a qualified candidate is identified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation reimbursement provided for this role?

No, relocation assistance is not offered for this position. However, a recruitment incentive may be authorized for highly qualified applicants.

Do I need a North Carolina medical license to apply?

No. Under federal guidelines, you can practice at Salisbury VA HCS using any active and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state, territory, or district.

What academic responsibilities are associated with this role?

You will participate in teaching rounds, present lectures, evaluate medical students and GME trainees, and collaborate directly with the Wake Forest University School of Medicine hematology-oncology fellowship program.