Lead Clinical Excellence: Spinal Cord Injury & Disorders Service Chief Opportunity
Are you a dedicated physician with a passion for spinal cord injury medicine and team leadership? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering an exceptional opportunity to serve as the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI&D) Service Chief at the Hampton VAMC. This position is perfect for a seasoned practitioner looking to bridge the gap between clinical excellence and administrative strategy.
About the Hampton VAMC
The Hampton VA Medical Center provides compassionate, high-quality care to those who have served our country. As a leader in the SCI&D department, you will be part of an agency dedicated to 'Whole Health' and patient-centered care. The VA fosters a collaborative environment where research, education, and clinical work intersect.
Job Responsibilities
As the Service Chief, your duties will be split between high-level administration and direct patient care:
- Administrative Oversight: Manage the day-to-day operations, lead interdisciplinary staff, and ensure compliance with VISN-wide policies.
- Clinical Leadership: Perform complex PMR-specific evaluations for spinal cord injury patients and provide consultative expertise.
- Strategic Planning: Develop long- and short-term service goals, resource planning, and interdepartmental collaboration.
- Mentorship: Lead education programs for medical students, residents, and fellows.
Comparison: Standard Practice vs. Service Chief Role
| Feature | Clinical Physician | Service Chief (SCI&D) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Patient care delivery | Care delivery & Dept. Operations |
| Focus | Direct patient outcomes | Operational & System-wide outcomes |
| Mentorship | Peer-to-peer | Institutional/Education-focused |
| Decision Making | Clinical judgment | Strategic planning & Policy formulation |
Requirements
- Citizenship: US citizenship is required.
- Education: MD or DO from an accredited school.
- Licensure: Full and unrestricted state medical license.
- Training: Completed accredited residency in PMR.
- Certification: Board certification in SCI Medicine is essential.
Salary and Benefits
The VA offers a robust total rewards package designed to support both your professional and personal life.
- Salary: $290,000 – $335,000 annually.
- Debt Reduction: Eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000.
- Work-Life Balance: 50-55 days of paid time off (combined vacation, sick, and federal holidays).
- Retirement: Comprehensive federal benefits including a pension and TSP (401k).
Becoming a Service Chief at the Hampton VAMC is more than a job—it is a mission. If you are a leader ready to shape the future of SCI medicine while enjoying the stability and benefits of federal service, apply today through the USAJOBS platform.
Why This Physician (Spinal Cord Injury And Disorders (Sci&D) Service Chief) Job Matters
Lead the way in specialized patient care: The Hampton VA Medical Center is seeking a visionary Physician to serve as the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI&D) Service Chief.
Physician (Spinal Cord Injury And Disorders (Sci&D) Service Chief) Job Overview
Join the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Hampton VAMC as a Service Chief for the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI&D) unit. This leadership role combines advanced clinical expertise with administrative oversight, managing the diagnostic and therapeutic care of Veterans with acute and chronic spinal cord injuries. You will play a pivotal role in shaping policy, driving clinical excellence, and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals in an interdisciplinary environment.
Requirements for Physician (Spinal Cord Injury And Disorders (Sci&D) Service Chief)
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply for non-citizens when qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
- Current, full, and unrestricted medical or surgical license in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Completion of an accredited residency program (ACGME or AOA) or equivalent verified independent practice experience.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and background security investigation.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- For male applicants, proof of Selective Service Registration (born after 12/31/1959).
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Spinal Cord Injury And Disorders (Sci&D) Service Chief)
- Board Certification by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR).
- Subspecialty certification in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Medicine.
- Prior supervisory or administrative leadership experience in a clinical setting.
- Previous experience working within the Veterans Health Administration (VA) system.
- Demonstrated history of leadership in medical research or academic education.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
- ✓Competitive salary with performance bonuses.
- ✓Generous PTO: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 Federal holidays.
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401(k) with 5% employer match.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Professional liability protection with tail coverage.
- ✓Possible CME reimbursement and dedicated professional leave.
💡 How to Apply Physician (Spinal Cord Injury And Disorders (Sci&D) Service Chief) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Spinal Cord Injury And Disorders (Sci&D) Service Chief) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your CV/resume, ensuring you use the VA-standard template where required.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package online before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Use the specific VA clinical resume template linked in the job announcement.
- Ensure your CV highlights both your clinical expertise and any administrative/supervisory accomplishments.
- Apply early; the announcement may close early if a selection is made.
- Verify your license status is current and readily available for verification.
- Use the 'Other' document upload field for your comprehensive CV if it exceeds the space on the standard template.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this position requires on-site presence at the Hampton VAMC to manage clinical and administrative service functions.
Can I negotiate my salary?
A formal pay-setting process is used for all medical positions based on experience and credentials within the established salary range.
Is board certification required?
Yes, completion of an accredited residency program is required, and certification in PMR with an SCI subspecialty is a primary requirement for this leadership role.