Leadership Opportunity: Physician (Hematology and Oncology Program Manager) in Salisbury, North Carolina

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering an unparalleled leadership and clinical opportunity for a dedicated specialist to serve as the Physician (Hematology and Oncology Program Manager) at the Salisbury VA HealthCare Center. This executive role is designed for a clinician-educator-leader who wants to drive clinical excellence, manage complex multi-site operations, and shape the future of cancer care through active teaching and research.

Positioned in beautiful Salisbury, North Carolina, this role commands a highly competitive salary of $350,000 to $400,000 per year. Candidates will benefit from a robust federal retirement plan, up to $200,000 in student loan repayment, and a formal academic faculty appointment at the prestigious Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

About the Agency: Salisbury VA Health Care System

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working within the VA is more than a job; it is a mission to deliver compassionate, whole-health care to America's heroes.

The Salisbury VA HealthCare System (SVA HCS) is a Complexity 1a facility. It features a broad, comprehensive medicine specialty program consisting of over 100 dedicated specialists and consistently ranks in the top 10 within the VHA for patient encounter volume.

Key features of this premier healthcare program include:

First VA program nationwide to achieve the prestigious Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (ASCO QOPI®) certification.
The largest provider of outpatient chemotherapy and infusion services by volume across the entire VHA, consistently ranking in the top three for total specialty encounters.
Academic Integration: SVA HCS serves as an active clinical training site for Wake Forest University School of Medicine fellows, residents, and medical students.
Cutting-Edge Clinical Trials Unit: The section manages a highly active clinical research program, including both industry-funded and investigator-initiated oncology studies.

Job Responsibilities & Leadership Mandate

The Hematology/Oncology Program Manager reports directly to the Section Chief of Hematology and Oncology. In addition to maintaining an active clinical practice in adult Hematology/Oncology, the Program Manager will play a vital role in supporting administrative operations across three critical clinical sites: Salisbury, Charlotte, and Kernersville.

Key Administrative & Clinical Duties:

Director of Infusion Services: Oversee comprehensive oncology and general infusion operations across all three locations. Standardize practices, policy adherence, and clinical workflows in close alignment with nursing and administration.
Supervision of Oncology Navigation Core: Direct the nurse oncology navigators, establish patient-centered pathways, ensure proper clinical documentation, and manage workflow reporting and workload credits.
Acting Section Chief: Assume leadership and operational responsibility for the Hematology/Oncology Section when the Section Chief is on approved leave.
Quality Improvement & Clinical Research: Lead administrative and quality initiatives to maintain national standards, improve patient safety, and foster the section's scholarly activities.
Educational Mentorship: Provide instruction, supervision, and guidance to Wake Forest Hematology-Oncology fellows, medical residents, and students.

Key Qualifications & Requirements

Applicants must meet strict federal and clinical criteria to be considered for this competitive appointment.

Citizenship: United States Citizenship is required. (Non-citizens may only be considered in unique circumstances where no qualified citizens are available).
Education: Degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school.
Licensure: A current, active, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any US State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Residency Training: Completion of an ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency program leading to board eligibility.
Academic Faculty Credentials: Qualifications suitable for a faculty appointment at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
English Language Proficiency: Outstanding oral and written English communication skills.
Physical Requirements: Must possess the physical capability to perform exams, assist in patient positioning, evaluate diagnostic images, and work in high-stress medical environments.

Preferred Experience:

ABIM board certification in Hematology and/or Medical Oncology.
Fellowship training in adult Hematology & Oncology.

Salary & Comprehensive Compensation Comparison

The federal government offers a "Total Rewards" package that frequently exceeds the financial value of private-practice compensation models. With a base salary range of $350,000 to $400,000 plus annual performance incentives, this position offers unmatched stability.

Below is a comparison highlighting how the VA’s compensation package compares to typical private-practice structures:

Benefit Category	Salisbury VA Health Care System	Private Practice Average
Annual Base Salary	$350,000 - $400,000	Varies (often tied to productivity)
Malpractice Coverage	$0 (Free liability protection with tail)	$10,000 - $30,000+ annually
Student Loan Repayment	Up to $200,000 (via EDRP)	Rarely offered at this scale
Paid Time Off	50 - 55 Days Annually	15 - 25 Days Annually
Non-Compete Clauses	None (No restrictions on moonlighting)	Restrictive geographic covenants
Retirement Structure	Pension + Thrift Savings Plan (5% Match)	401(k) only (variable match)

Premium Benefits Package

Aside from direct compensation, the Veterans Health Administration provides a robust suite of lifestyle and health benefits designed to support you and your family throughout your career and into retirement:

Paid Time Off: Enjoy an incredible work-life balance with 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays, and up to 5 days of paid administrative absence for Continuing Medical Education (CME).
Retirement Security: Receive a traditional federal pension (vested after 5 years of service) alongside the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), the federal government's 401k, which includes an automatic 1% contribution and up to an additional 4% matching contribution.
Insurance Coverage: Select from a wide variety of comprehensive Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans, dental, vision, federal group life insurance, and long-term care policies, which can be carried into your retirement.
No Contracts: There are no restrictive physician employment contracts, giving you complete career freedom.

How to Apply: Critical Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires meticulous attention to detail. To ensure your application is reviewed, follow these instructions carefully:

Use the Standard Template: You must download the official one-page Clinical Resume Document (link available in the resources section below). Do not modify this page. You must upload this exact document to the field labeled 'Resume' (which is restricted to two pages in the USAStaffing system).
Provide your Full CV: Upload your complete, multi-page curriculum vitae (containing your publication history, teaching experience, and clinical background) to the field labeled 'Other' or 'Supporting Documents'. This allows you to bypass USAJobs' page limits while still submitting a comprehensive medical portfolio.
Claim Veterans' Preference: If you are a veteran or eligible family member, claim your preference on the application questionnaire and submit your DD-214 or SF-15 with appropriate proof.
Apply Early: Although the deadline is set for August 28, 2026, this vacancy may close early if a qualified candidate is identified and selected prior to the closing date.

Q: Do I need to obtain a medical license in the state of North Carolina?

No. A major benefit of working within the VA health care system is that you can practice in any federal facility with a current, active, and unrestricted license from any US state, territory, or commonwealth.

Q: Does this position support telework or remote operations?

No, this position is fully onsite. Due to the high-level clinical operations, supervisor duties, and patient-care requirements across Salisbury, Charlotte, and Kernersville, telework is not authorized.

Q: Who do I contact regarding the student loan repayment (EDRP) program?

Questions regarding EDRP eligibility, applications, and program parameters should be directed to the EDRP Coordinator, Rodney Belk, at [email protected].

If you are an accomplished oncologist looking to leverage your clinical knowledge into a meaningful executive role, the Physician (Hematology and Oncology Program Manager) position in Salisbury, North Carolina, represents the pinnacle of professional growth. By joining the Salisbury VA HealthCare System, you will deliver exceptional medical leadership to those who served, teach the next generation of hematologists and oncologists, and work alongside some of the finest medical practitioners in the country. Apply today to secure your place in this top-tier clinical program.

Why This Physician (Hematology And Oncology Program Manager) Job Matters

Lead a premier, ASCO QOPI-certified oncology program with a top-tier academic partnership, earning up to $400,000 annually with $200,000 in student loan repayment.

Physician (Hematology And Oncology Program Manager) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration is seeking a highly skilled physician leader for the role of Physician (Hematology and Oncology Program Manager) at the Salisbury VA HealthCare Center in Salisbury, North Carolina. This prestigious leadership position offers an exceptional salary range of $350,000 to $400,000 per year, an academic faculty appointment at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and access to the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) providing up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement. As Program Manager, you will oversee clinical operations, lead infusion services across three geographic sites (Salisbury, Charlotte, and Kernersville), supervise the oncology nurse navigation core, and actively train fellows, residents, and medical students within one of the VHA's largest and most active oncology programs.

Requirements for Physician (Hematology And Oncology Program Manager)

United States Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens are unavailable).
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an approved, accredited school.
Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Completion of an accredited residency program leading to board certification eligibility.
Faculty appointment eligibility at Wake Forest University School of Medicine commensurate with clinical experience.
Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation.
Consent to drug testing (urinalysis) prior to appointment.
Compliance with the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of health care employment.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Hematology And Oncology Program Manager)

ABIM board certification in Hematology and/or Medical Oncology.
Completed fellowship training in adult Hematology and Oncology.
Demonstrated experience in clinical program management or administrative healthcare leadership.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Salary ranging from $350,000 to $400,000 per year with regular increases and performance bonuses.
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) offering up to $200,000 in tax-free student loan repayment.
✓Generous Paid Time Off: 50 to 55 days of paid time off per year (26 annual leave days, 13 sick days, 11 federal holidays, plus up to 5 days for Continuing Medical Education).
✓Robust Retirement Plan: Traditional federal pension (vested after 5 years) plus the Thrift Savings Plan (401k) with up to 5% matching contributions.
✓Premium federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance (carries into retirement).
✓Complete liability protection with tail coverage included at zero cost.
✓No restrictive employment contracts and no significant limitations on external moonlighting.
✓Potential reimbursement of up to $1,000 annually for CME expenses.

💡 How to Apply Physician (Hematology And Oncology Program Manager) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician (Hematology And Oncology Program Manager) Job

Click the online application link to access USAJobs or log into your existing federal profile.
Prepare your comprehensive CV or resume, ensuring it details all clinical experience, leadership history, and research credentials.
Download the mandatory one-page standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA Careers link. This template must not be modified.
Upload this mandatory one-page template into the restricted two-page 'Resume' field on USAJobs.
Upload your complete, unrestricted CV or long-form resume into the 'Other' document field.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire and submit your complete application package before the closing date on August 28, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Do not modify the mandatory one-page Clinical Resume Document template. Uploading an altered version or failing to upload it to the 'Resume' slot can disqualify your package.
Place your highly detailed, multi-page CV in the 'Other' or 'Supporting Documents' section so hiring managers can view your full list of publications, lectures, and academic honors.
Emphasize any academic teaching background, as this position includes a faculty appointment with Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
Highlight experience coordinating care across multiple locations, as you will manage operations spanning Salisbury, Charlotte, and Kernersville.
Clearly indicate any experience with quality improvement programs (like ASCO QOPI) to align with the section's standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EDRP and how does it work for this position?

The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) is a highly attractive student loan reimbursement program. If selected and deemed eligible, you can receive up to $200,000 over a one-to-five-year period to pay down qualifying medical school debt. You must apply within four months of your appointment date.

Is a state-specific license required for North Carolina?

No. Because this is a federal position within the Department of Veterans Affairs, you may hold a full, active, and unrestricted license from any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.

What is the relationship with Wake Forest University School of Medicine?

The Salisbury VA HealthCare Center is an active affiliate of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The selected Program Manager will hold a faculty appointment commensurate with their experience and will actively participate in training medical students, residents, and hematology-oncology fellows.

What are the travel requirements for this position?

While the primary location is Salisbury, North Carolina, you will have operational oversight over infusion and navigation services across three sites: Salisbury, Charlotte, and Kernersville. Regular communication and coordinate-of-care travels are required, though the official travel code is designated as zero.

Q: Can non-US citizens apply for this program manager role?

Non-citizens can only be appointed to physician roles within the VHA if it is officially determined that no qualified US citizens are available for the position, in strict accordance with VA Policy.