Physician - Chief of Medicine: Lead Healthcare Excellence at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), is offering a significant leadership opportunity for a qualified Physician to serve as the Chief of Medicine at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. This prestigious role is ideal for an experienced medical professional seeking to combine executive leadership with direct impact on the health and well-being of our nation's Veterans. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment, this position represents a unique chance to shape the future of healthcare delivery for those who have served.

About the Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the U.S. government's second-largest federal department, 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." The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, providing Veterans with a continuum of high-quality medical services, ranging from preventive care and general medicine to specialized treatments and long-term care. The VHA operates more than 1,200 health care facilities, serving millions of Veterans annually. The Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport is a key component of this vital network, committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.

The Opportunity: Chief of Medicine

This full-time, permanent position of Physician - Chief of Medicine at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center is a critical leadership role. The incumbent will provide executive leadership, clinical oversight, and administrative management for all inpatient and outpatient specialty care within the Medicine Service. This includes ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality patient care, setting and achieving operational goals, managing performance improvement initiatives, and overseeing a diverse team of physicians and clinical staff across multiple subspecialties. The Chief of Medicine plays a pivotal role in advancing strategic priorities, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and optimizing the overall care delivery for Veterans.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief of Medicine will be entrusted with a broad range of duties, including:

• Executive Clinical Leadership: Guiding all Medicine Service programs to ensure safe, effective, and high-quality inpatient and outpatient specialty care, aligning with VHA standards.
• Operational Oversight: Managing the day-to-day operations of the Medicine Service, including workload management, patient flow, service efficiency, and resource allocation.
• Staff Supervision and Development: Supervising, evaluating, and managing physicians and clinical staff, ensuring appropriate credentialing, privileging, and adherence to professional standards and policies.
• Quality and Compliance: Ensuring adherence to regulatory, accreditation, and VA policy requirements, maintaining continuous readiness and high standards for clinical performance and patient safety.
• Performance Improvement: Leading quality, safety, and performance-improvement initiatives, monitoring clinical outcomes, and implementing evidence-based practices.
• Strategic Planning: Directing service-level strategic planning, aligning Medicine Service goals with facility and VISN priorities, and identifying opportunities for growth and modernization.
• Resource Management: Stewarding the service's budget and resource utilization effectively.
• Collaboration: Partnering with Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work, Surgery, and other departments to ensure coordinated, Veteran-centered care.
• Academic Support: Collaborating with academic affiliates to support training programs for residents, trainees, and other employees.
• Emergency Preparedness: Managing emergency and continuity operations, including planning and staff preparedness during facility disruptions.
• Recruitment and Retention: Overseeing the recruitment and retention of physicians and advanced practice providers.

Requirements for Eligibility

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following basic and additional requirements:

Basic Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited, in accordance with VA policy.
• Medical Degree: A Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an accredited U.S. school of medicine or osteopathic medicine, or its equivalent. 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 State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in 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-approved programs, or verified equivalent independent practice experience.
• English Proficiency: Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Additional Requirements:

• Specialty Certification: Must be board-eligible or board-certified in Internal Medicine, a Medicine subspecialty, or Neurology.
• Supervisory Experience (Preferred): Previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role within a medical setting is highly preferred.

Note: Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but cannot be hired until all requirements are met. Former VA physicians who met previous qualification standards at the time of their initial appointment are considered to have met the basic requirements.

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive annual salary ranging from $315,000 to $400,000. The final salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and the formal pay-setting process. In addition to the base salary, performance bonuses and regular salary increases are provided.

Benefits Package

The VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of its employees. This includes:

• Paid Time Off: Approximately 50-55 days per year, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays, and up to 5 days for Continuing Medical Education (CME).
• Retirement: A traditional federal pension with 5 years of vesting and a federal 401K plan with up to a 5% matching contribution from the VA.
• Insurance: Access to federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance programs, many of which can be extended into retirement.
• CME Support: A potential reimbursement of $1,000 per year for board-certified, full-time physicians.
• Professional Liability Protection: VA provides free liability protection with tail coverage, eliminating the need for individual malpractice insurance.
• Work-Life Balance: No physician employment contract is required, and there are minimal restrictions on moonlighting opportunities.
• Student Loan Repayment: Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide up to $200,000 in student loan payments over five years for eligible participants.

Summary of Benefits:

Benefit Category	Details
Compensation	Salary Range: $315,000 - $400,000; Annual Performance Bonus; Regular Salary Increases
Paid Time Off	26 Days Annual Leave; 13 Days Sick Leave; 11 Federal Holidays; 5 Days Paid CME Leave
Retirement	Federal Pension (5-yr vesting); Federal 401K (up to 5% VA match)
Insurance	Federal Health, Vision, Dental, Term Life, Long-Term Care (portable to retirement)
Professional Support	$1,000 CME Reimbursement (potential); Free Malpractice Liability Protection with Tail Coverage
Loan Repayment	Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligible (up to $200,000)
Flexibility	No Physician Employment Contract; Limited Moonlighting Restrictions

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply online through the USAJOBS platform. The process involves:

1. Create/Log In to USAJOBS Account: If you don't have one, create an account on USAJOBS.gov. Log in if you already have an account.
2. Prepare Application Materials: Build or update your USAJOBS resume. You will also need to download and complete the specific Clinical Resume Document provided in the announcement (link typically found in the 'Required Documents' section). This one-page document must be uploaded into the 'Resume' field. Your comprehensive CV/full resume can be uploaded separately into the 'Other' document field.
3. Complete Occupational Questionnaire: Answer all questions accurately and honestly.
4. Submit Application: Follow the prompts to submit your complete application package, including your resume(s) and questionnaire responses, by the closing date of August 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

Important Note: This announcement may close prior to the stated closing date if the position is filled through other means. Ensure your application is submitted well in advance.

Application Tips for Success

• Read Carefully: Pay meticulous attention to all sections, especially 'Qualification Summary,' 'Requirements,' and 'Required Documents.' Ensure you meet every criterion.
• Document Submission: Use the specified Clinical Resume Document format for the 'Resume' upload field. Your full, detailed CV or resume should be uploaded in the 'Other' field.
• Veteran Preference: If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure you submit all required documentation (DD-214, SF-15, etc.) accurately and on time.
• Accuracy is Key: Double-check all information entered in your application and supporting documents for accuracy and completeness. Errors or omissions can affect your consideration.
• Alternative Application: If you are unable to apply online, follow the instructions for alternate application methods provided in the job announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: What is the salary range for this Chief of Medicine position? A: The annual salary ranges from $315,000 to $400,000.

• Q: Is this position eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)? A: Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP, a student loan repayment program, subject to meeting specific VHA policy requirements and timely application.

• Q: What are the typical work hours? A: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

• Q: Can I apply if I am not a U.S. Citizen? A: Non-citizens may be appointed only if qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited, following VA policy. U.S. Citizenship is the primary requirement.

• Q: What documentation is needed for Veterans' Preference? A: You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) showing dates and character of service. If claiming 10-point preference, an SF-15 with supporting proof is also required.

• Q: Will I be required to sign a contract? A: No, there is no physician employment contract required for this position.

This Chief of Medicine role at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center presents an exceptional opportunity for a visionary physician leader to make a significant contribution to Veteran healthcare. By joining the Department of Veterans Affairs, you align yourself with a mission-driven organization that values service, dedication, and the highest standards of medical care. If you are ready to lead, innovate, and serve those who have bravely served our country, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position.