Serving Veterans: A Premier Interventional Radiology Opportunity in Salem, Virginia

For medical professionals seeking to align their high-level clinical skills with a deeply meaningful mission, few paths are as rewarding as working within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). An exceptional career opening is currently available at the Salem VA Medical Center for a Physician - Interventional Radiologist. This specialized role offers the unique opportunity to deliver advanced, minimally invasive clinical care to our nation's veterans while teaching the next generation of medical minds.

Positioned within the scenic and culturally rich Roanoke-Salem metropolitan area of Virginia, this role offers an impressive salary range of $250,000 to $400,000 annually. Beyond the competitive pay, this position stands out for its exceptional work-life balance, lack of restrictive corporate contracts, and robust federal retirement benefits. For those seeking clinical excellence, financial security, and a supportive community, this VA career opportunity represents the perfect destination.

About the Agency: The Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare network in the United States, providing comprehensive medical care to millions of military veterans. Guided by President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors," the VHA operates with a philosophy centered on whole-health, compassionate care.

The Salem VA Medical Center in Salem, Virginia, is a key facility within this network. Nestled in Virginia's Blue Ridge region, the Salem and Roanoke area offers an affordable cost of living, top-rated schools, and an array of outdoor recreation opportunities, including the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Smith Mountain Lake. Combining a vibrant urban culture—featuring museums, symphonies, and local wineries—with competitive youth sports and minor-league athletic teams, the region is ideal for professionals and families alike.

Job Responsibilities & Clinical Scope

As an Interventional Radiologist at the Salem VA Medical Center, you will act as a primary specialist in interventional procedures and complex diagnostic vascular imaging. This position carries clinical, administrative, and educational responsibilities, placing you at the heart of the facility’s diagnostic and therapeutic services.

Core Clinical Interventions

Selected candidates must display proficiency in a wide spectrum of image-guided, minimally invasive interventions, including:

Vascular Access & Interventions: Performing peripheral vascular therapies, including angioplasties, stent placements, thrombolysis, and dialysis-related access maintenance.
Embolizations: Handling critical embolization procedures for gastrointestinal bleeds, prostatic arteries, gastric varices, and chemoembolization.
Image-Guided Drainage & Biopsy: Conducting CT and ultrasound-guided diagnostic biopsies, fluid drainages, and deep aspirations.
Spine and Pain Interventions: Administering pain management solutions such as epidural steroid injections (ESI), vertebroplasties, kyphoplasties, lumbar punctures, and myelograms.
Complex System Procedures: Performing Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts (TIPS), Endovascular Aortic Repairs (EVAR), biliary interventions, nephrostomies, and radiofrequency ablations of renal, hepatic, and pulmonary tumors.
Diagnostic Interpretations: Reading and analyzing diagnostic vascular studies, specifically CT and MR angiograms.

Academic and Quality Leadership

In addition to direct patient care, this position is deeply integrated into the facility's teaching programs. You will be responsible for supervising and training radiology residents, Interventional Radiology fellows, and angiography technologists. Contributing to quality assurance, establishing clinical protocols, and participating in medical center committees are also critical aspects of this rewarding role.

Requirements and Qualifications

To qualify for this premium medical role, candidates must meet rigorous credentialing guidelines. Below are the basic requirements for appointment under Title 38 of the United States Code:

Citizenship: United States citizenship is required. Non-citizens are considered only when qualified citizens are unavailable, in strict accordance with VA policy.
Education: A Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an approved, accredited school of medicine.
Licensure: A current, active, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Residency Training: Completion of a residency program in an accredited core specialty training program (radiology) approved by the ACGME or AOA.
Language Proficiency: Complete fluency in written and spoken English.
Physical Standards: Ability to pass a pre-employment physical assessment and tuberculosis (TB) clearance. Compliance with the VA’s annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is also a condition of employment.

Salary & Compensation Overview

The VA offers a highly competitive pay structure that rivals the private sector when accounting for the total compensation package. The designated salary range for this role is $250,000 to $400,000 per year.

Your exact starting salary will be determined through a peer-reviewed pay-setting process that evaluates your education, training, board certifications, and clinical background. Additionally, VA physicians receive annual performance-based bonuses, regular longevity-based pay increases, and eligibility for continuing education reimbursement.

Comparison Table: VA vs. Private Practice Interventional Radiology

Benefit Category	Salem VA Medical Center (Title 38)	Standard Private Practice
Salary Range	$250,000 - $400,000	Variable (Often performance/productivity-based)
Malpractice Insurance	Paid entirely by the Federal Govt (with Tail)	Often paid by physician or heavily deducted
Employment Contract	None (No non-compete clauses)	Strict non-competes & multi-year commitments
Paid Time Off (Annual)	50 to 55 Days (including Holidays & CME)	15 to 30 Days (highly restrictive)
Retirement Plan	Traditional Pension + Matching 401(k) / TSP	Matching 401(k) only (No guaranteed pension)
Licensing Flex	Any single U.S. State License is accepted	Must hold active state license where practicing
Work-Life Balance	Standard M-F hours, highly stable	High call-burden, variable evening/weekend hours

Exceptional Federal Benefits Package

Working for the federal government offers stability and safety-net benefits that are virtually unmatched in private medicine. The VA’s "Total Rewards" philosophy ensures that you and your family are fully supported:

Extensive Paid Time Off: Enjoy 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays each year. Full-time, board-certified physicians may also receive up to 5 days of paid administrative leave for continuing medical education (CME) courses.
Retirement & Pension Security: Benefit from a dual retirement plan. You will accrue a lifelong federal pension (vested after 5 years of service) and have access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), the federal government's 401(k) equivalent, featuring up to a 5% employer match.
Comprehensive Health Insurance: Access premium health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance programs through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) system, which can be carried directly into retirement.
Malpractice Protection: Work with peace of mind. The Federal Tort Claims Act covers all clinical operations, providing complete malpractice liability protection with built-in tail coverage at zero cost to you.
CME Reimbursement: Full-time, board-certified physicians are eligible for up to $1,000 per year to offset the cost of professional conferences and continuing education.

Navigating the VA Application Process: Pro-Tips

The VA hiring process requires attention to detail. To ensure your application successfully clears human resources screening, keep these critical tips in mind:

The Dual Resume Requirement: The application process features a unique document limitation. You are required to download a standard, one-page Clinical Resume Document. This placeholder must be uploaded into the restricted two-page "Resume" field on USAJOBS. Your actual, detailed, multi-page curriculum vitae must be uploaded separately into the "Other" document field. Failing to do this can lead to automatic application rejection.
Document Your Entire History: Ensure your CV lists every medical license you have ever held, all board certifications, and a chronological history of your residencies, fellowships, and academic roles. Do not leave gaps in your career timeline.
Claim Veterans' Preference: If you are a military veteran or the qualifying spouse of a veteran, submit your DD-214 and SF-15 to ensure you receive appropriate hiring preferences during the evaluation process.

Q: Can I moonlighting while working this federal job?

Yes. Unlike many private hospital systems that strictly prohibit outside work, the VA has incredibly flexible policies that allow physicians to engage in moonlighting and outside clinical activities, provided they do not conflict with federal duties.

Q: Are there research opportunities in this position?

Absolutely. Research interest or experience is highly preferred for this role. The Salem VA Medical Center encourages clinical research and academic involvement, which can be integrated into your professional duties.

Q: Is a background check required?

Yes. All candidates are subject to a background investigation, physical examination, credential verification, and a pre-employment drug screening.

If you are a talented Interventional Radiologist seeking a career that offers stellar clinical diversity, academic impact, and an exceptional quality of life, the Salem VA Medical Center is your ideal match. Protect and treat the brave men and women who served our country, work alongside dedicated peers, and enjoy a contract-free career with unparalleled federal benefits. Submit your application package today and take the first step toward a rewarding, mission-driven medical career in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

Why This Physician - Interventional Radiologist Job Matters

Deliver life-saving, minimally invasive treatments to America's heroes while enjoying an unparalleled work-life balance, comprehensive federal benefits, and a premium compensation package in Virginia's scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.

Physician - Interventional Radiologist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled, board-certified or board-eligible Interventional Radiologist to join the Salem VA Medical Center in Salem, Virginia. This dual clinical, academic, and administrative role offers an extraordinary opportunity to perform complex, image-guided procedures and diagnostic vascular imaging while mentoring radiology residents and fellows. With a generous salary range of $250,000 to $400,000, exceptional retirement plans, up to 55 days of annual paid time off, and the freedom of practicing without a restrictive employment contract or malpractice insurance overhead, this position represents the pinnacle of medical career stability and personal fulfillment.

Requirements for Physician - Interventional Radiologist

Must be a United States Citizen (non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens are unavailable, in accordance with VA policy).
Possess a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an accredited school.
Hold an active, current, full, 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 in radiology approved by the ACGME or AOA (or approved equivalents).
Full proficiency in spoken and written English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and a tuberculosis (TB) screening.
Subject to a background and security investigation, including pre-employment drug screening (urinalysis).
Compliance with the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Willingness to serve a two-year probationary period during which performance and conduct are evaluated.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician - Interventional Radiologist

Board Certification or Board Eligibility by the American Board of Radiology (ABR).
Specialty fellowship training in Vascular and Interventional Radiology.
Demonstrated interest or background in clinical research.
Prior experience in academic settings, including supervising and instructing residents, fellows, and technologist staff.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Outstanding Paid Leave: Receive 50 to 55 days of paid time off annually, consisting of 26 annual leave days, 13 sick leave days, 11 federal holidays, and up to 5 days of paid absence for Continuing Medical Education (CME).
✓Secure Pension System: A guaranteed traditional federal pension vested after only five years of service, combined with the Thrift Savings Plan (401k) featuring up to 5% agency matching contributions.
✓Premium Insurance Options: Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, term life, and long-term care insurance programs, many of which can be carried into retirement.
✓No-Cost Malpractice Coverage: Full liability protection with comprehensive tail coverage provided entirely free by the federal government.
✓CME Support: Up to $1,000 per year in reimbursement for continuing medical education expenses for qualifying full-time, board-certified physicians.
✓Professional Autonomy: No restrictive private practice covenants, non-compete clauses, or corporate physician contracts, alongside highly accommodating moonlighting policies.

💡 How to Apply Physician - Interventional Radiologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician - Interventional Radiologist Job

Access the official online job vacancy announcement via USAJOBS.
Download the mandatory standard Clinical Resume Document from the official VA careers website.
Fill out and upload the standard one-page Clinical Resume Document directly into the restricted 'Resume' document field.
Upload your detailed, multi-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) or complete resume into the 'Other' document field to ensure all qualifications are visible without page limits.
Submit your completed occupational questionnaire and application package before the close date of September 30, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Pay extremely close attention to the dual-resume upload instructions: failure to upload the correct one-page placeholder to the designated 'Resume' field and your full CV to the 'Other' field may lead to automated system disqualification.
Detail your entire residency, fellowship, and academic background on your CV, ensuring all dates of education, training, and licensure are accurate and complete.
If claiming Veteran's Preference, submit a clear, legible copy of your DD-214 showing your character of service, along with an SF-15 if claiming a service-connected disability rating.
Highlight any research, academic publications, or teaching experience, as the Salem VA Medical Center strongly values candidates with an educational mindset.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the work schedule for this Interventional Radiology position?

The regular schedule is a highly stable Monday through Friday shift, from 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM, providing an exceptional alternative to the demanding hours of private practice.

Do I need a Virginia medical license to apply for this job?

No. As a federal employee working within the Department of Veterans Affairs, you can practice medicine with a current, full, and active license from any U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.

Are relocation expenses or sign-on bonuses authorized for this role?

No, a recruitment incentive (sign-on bonus) or relocation assistance is not authorized for this particular vacancy announcement.

How is the starting salary determined within the $250,000 to $400,000 range?

Your exact starting salary is set through a formal, peer-reviewed VA pay-setting process that thoroughly evaluates your clinical experience, board certifications, training, and specialized competencies.

Is board certification mandatory to qualify?

Candidates should be board-certified or board-eligible by the American Board of Radiology. If you are currently finishing your residency or fellowship, you may be tentatively selected but must meet all licensing and board requirements prior to starting work.

Q: Is this a continuous hiring announcement?

Yes. This is an open continuous announcement, which means applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Qualified candidates will be interviewed as vacancies occur. The vacancy will close on September 30, 2026.