Become a Transplant Section Chief at VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System

The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is seeking a highly skilled and visionary Physician to step into the role of Transplant Section Chief. This is more than a standard clinical position; it is a collaborative career opportunity that bridges high-level patient care with prestigious academic development. By serving at the Nashville VA Medical Center and holding a faculty appointment at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, the successful candidate will shape the future of transplant care for our Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As the Transplant Section Chief, your duties will be split between clinical practice and administrative/academic leadership:

Clinical Care: Manage transplant patients in outpatient settings and oversee inpatient transplant consult services.
Leadership: Provide administrative oversight of the transplant section as delegated by the Chief of Medicine.
Education: Serve as a preceptor for medical students, fellows, residents, and nurse practitioners.
Academic Engagement: Maintain an active research agenda and fulfill faculty obligations at Vanderbilt University.
Compliance: Ensure all clinical documentation adheres to the Privacy Act of 1974 and VA institutional policies.

Requirements

To be considered for this high-level role, candidates must meet the following baseline requirements:

A doctor of medicine or osteopathic medicine degree from an accredited institution.
A current, full, and unrestricted medical license.
Board certification in Internal Medicine and/or an ABIM specialty board.
Documented experience in teaching and supervising medical trainees.
Proven experience in clinical or basic research.
Ability to qualify for a faculty appointment at Vanderbilt University at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor level.

Salary and Comparison Table

Compensation for this role is highly competitive, reflecting the expertise required for this leadership position. The pay range for this position is $220,000 to $350,000 per year.

Feature	VA Tennessee Valley Details
Salary Range	$220,000 - $350,000
Clinical Focus	50% Clinical Time
Academic Appointment	Vanderbilt University Faculty
Benefits Package	Comprehensive Federal Package
Student Loan Aid	Up to $200,000 (EDRP)

Benefits

Joining the VA offers a robust rewards package, including:

50–55 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
Participation in federal pension and 401(k) retirement plans.
Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility.
Free medical malpractice insurance with tail coverage.

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: Download the Clinical Resume document from the VA Careers website; it is essential for the initial screening process.
Highlight Research: Since this role requires an academic faculty appointment, ensure your CV explicitly details your research accomplishments.
Early Submission: Don't wait for the final deadline. Applications are reviewed in batches, and the position may be filled early.

This role is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned physician to lead a critical section of medical care in a premier healthcare ecosystem. If you are ready to combine your clinical expertise with an academic mission in a city with high quality of life, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Physician - Transplant Section Chief Job Matters

Lead the future of transplant care in a dual-appointment role at the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System and Vanderbilt University.

Physician - Transplant Section Chief Job Overview

The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is seeking a visionary Physician to serve as the Transplant Section Chief. This leadership role offers a unique professional synergy: you will provide expert clinical transplant care at the Nashville VA campus while holding a faculty appointment within the Department of Medicine at Vanderbilt University. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to the health and well-being of our nation's Veterans.

Requirements for Physician - Transplant Section Chief

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment conditions are met).
Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
Current, full, and unrestricted medical license in any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
Completed residency training in an ACGME or AOA-accredited program.
Board certification in Internal Medicine and/or an ABIM specialty board.
Proven experience in supervising and teaching medical students, residents, and fellows.
Professional credentials meeting Vanderbilt University School of Medicine faculty appointment requirements.
Active involvement and publication history in basic or clinical research.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician - Transplant Section Chief

National stature within the field of transplant medicine.
Experience in administrative leadership roles within a hospital setting.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex transplant consult services.
Expertise in clinical education and preceptorship.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary and annual performance bonuses.
✓Generous PTO (up to 55 days annually: 26 annual, 13 sick, 11 federal holidays).
✓Federal retirement benefits, including a pension and 401k with matching.
✓Comprehensive federal insurance plans (health, dental, vision, life).
✓Free malpractice liability protection with tail coverage.
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000.
✓CME reimbursement opportunities.
✓No state income tax in Tennessee.

💡 How to Apply Physician - Transplant Section Chief Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician - Transplant Section Chief Job

Create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA careers link.
Prepare your full CV and supporting documentation.
Complete the occupational questionnaire via the online application link.
Upload the Clinical Resume to the specified field and your full CV to the 'Other' documents section.
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses your clinical and academic experience as requested.
Submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment if you intend to seek student loan reimbursement.
Double-check that your license information is accurate and unrestricted.
Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to ensure your application passes initial technical screenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an in-person, clinical leadership role based in Nashville, Tennessee, requiring on-site patient care and consultation.

What is the commitment to research and teaching?

Approximately 50% of the role is devoted to clinical activities. The remaining time involves academic responsibilities, including teaching trainees and contributing to research, as part of your Vanderbilt University faculty appointment.

Does this role require a specific board certification?

Yes, applicants must be board certified in Internal Medicine and/or an ABIM Specialty Board.

Is relocation assistance offered?

Please consult the specific job announcement, as relocation benefits are not guaranteed for this role.

Can I moonlight while working here?

Yes, there are no significant restrictions on moonlighting, provided it does not interfere with your primary duties.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to those who have served our nation. The Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, spanning Nashville and Murfreesboro, is a leader in integrated tertiary care. With over 146,000 Veterans relying on TVHS for specialized services—including transplant, cardiology, and oncology—the system prides itself on innovation, research, and compassionate patient-centered care. Choosing a career in Nashville offers the added benefit of a vibrant city lifestyle with no state income tax.