Become a Geriatric Primary Care Physician with the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System in Tucson

Are you looking for a medical career that balances clinical excellence with a rewarding lifestyle? The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, is seeking an experienced, board-certified Geriatric Primary Care Physician to join the team at the Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Health Care System (SAVAHCS). Located in Tucson, Arizona, this role offers the unique opportunity to care for our nation's aging Veterans within a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary model.

This position is structured around the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) concept, specifically tailored to geriatric care (Geri PACT). Operating within a supportive and research-driven ecosystem, you will lead healthcare teams, educate upcoming medical talent, and practice patient-centered medicine without the administrative and financial burdens of typical private practices.

About the Agency: Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS)

The Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Health Care System is a premier network of medical facilities providing state-of-the-art care to Veterans across Southern Arizona. Headquartered at the main medical campus in Tucson, SAVAHCS also encompasses seven Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in locations like Casa Grande, Green Valley, Safford, Sierra Vista, Yuma, Northwest Tucson, and Southeast Tucson.

SAVAHCS is a model of clinical education, research, and patient care. Guided by President Abraham Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors," the agency is actively building a Whole Health System. This modern approach to healthcare empowers and equips patients to take charge of their well-being, fostering a true partnership between the patient and their healthcare team. As a physician here, you will practice within healing environments that directly connect Veterans back to their communities.

Job Responsibilities of the Geriatric Primary Care Physician

As a Geriatric Primary Care Physician within the Geri PACT model, you will provide comprehensive clinical oversight for a dedicated panel of adult patients experiencing complex geriatric syndromes. Key duties include:

Direct Clinical Care: Delivering patient-centered care, performing comprehensive geriatric assessments, ordering diagnostic testing, prescribing medications, and consulting with specialized clinical departments.
Interdisciplinary Leadership: Leading a dedicated geriatric healthcare team composed of nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and allied health professionals to coordinate optimal care plans.
Education and Preceptorship: Mentoring and precepting geriatric fellows, medical residents, and students in a clinical setting, helping to shape the future of geriatric medicine.
Clinical Collaboration: Utilizing advanced computerized electronic medical records (EMR) to document patient history and collaborate seamlessly with outpatient and inpatient specialty services.
Program Development: Participating in institutional program initiatives to identify high-risk patients who would benefit most from specialized Geri PACT services.

Mandatory Requirements and Qualifications

To ensure the highest standard of care for our Veterans, applicants must meet strict federal and clinical criteria prior to appointment.

Basic Educational and Licensing Requirements

Medical Degree: An M.D., D.O., or equivalent degree from an accredited institution approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs in the year the degree was granted.
Licensure: A current, active, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Residency Training: Completion of an accredited graduate medical residency program approved by the ACGME or AOA.
Board Certification: Active Board Certification in Geriatric Medicine is strictly required for this position.
Language Proficiency: Written and spoken English fluency.

General Employment Requirements

Citizenship: Applicants must be United States citizens. Non-citizens are only considered if no qualified U.S. citizens are available.
Pre-Employment Screening: Candidates must pass a pre-employment physical examination, background investigation, credentialing process, and a screening urinalysis for illegal drug use.
Vaccinations: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all VA Health Care Personnel.

Salary Overview and Compensation Structure

This position offers a highly competitive salary range of $265,000 to $278,000 per year (graded as VM-15). A formal, structured pay-setting process determines your starting salary within this range based on your unique experience, qualifications, and background.

Unlike private-sector salaries, compensation at the VA is stable and robustly supported by annual performance appraisals, potential annual bonuses, biennial step increases, and regular market pay evaluations.

Benefits Comparison: VA Medical Practice vs. Private Practice

Choosing a career with the Veterans Health Administration offers distinct operational and personal benefits compared to a traditional private practice. Below is a comparison highlights table:

Feature	VA Medical Practice (SAVAHCS)	Typical Private Practice
Salary Security	Fixed, non-fluctuating annual salary ($265k–$278k)	Variable; heavily dependent on billing & volume
Work Schedule	Four 10-hour shifts; stable daytime hours	Often includes long, unpredictable on-call shifts
Malpractice Insurance	Free federal liability protection (includes tail coverage)	High annual premiums paid out of pocket or by group
Paid Time Off	50–55 days of total paid leave per year	Often limited to 2–4 weeks total
Student Loan Support	Up to $200,000 via EDRP	Rarely offered, or capped at low amounts
Contracts & Restrictive Covenants	No employment contracts; no non-compete clauses	Strict contracts and non-compete limits
Retirement Structure	Dual-track: Pension + Thrift Savings Plan (401k) with 5% match	Typically simple 401(k) or profit-sharing only

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Beyond basic compensation, the VA total rewards package is widely considered one of the best in the medical industry. Key benefits include:

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): This position is fully approved for EDRP, which reimburses up to $200,000 in qualifying student loans over a five-year period.
Unrivaled Leave Package: Full-time physicians enjoy 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays each year.
CME Allowances: Up to 5 days of paid administrative leave for continuing education, plus potential reimbursement of up to $1,000 per year.
No-Cost Malpractice: Experience peace of mind with total malpractice liability protection under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Retirement Security: Vest in a lifetime federal pension after only 5 years of service, paired with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) featuring up to 5% employer matching.
Work-Life Balance: This position features a compressed work schedule consisting of four 10-hour shifts per week, scheduled between 6:30 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Application Tips for Success

To ensure your application is processed efficiently and successfully through the federal hiring system, keep these strategic tips in mind:

Submit Early: This is an Open Continuous Announcement active through August 26, 2026. The initial review of applicants begins on June 9, 2026, with secondary evaluations occurring every two weeks.
Use the Required Clinical Resume Document: You must download and use the official, one-page standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers portal. Upload this directly into the designated 'Resume' upload field.
Provide Your Comprehensive CV: Because the 'Resume' upload field is page-restricted, upload your full-length CV (without page limits) into the 'Other' document upload field.
Verify Your Credentials: Double-check that your active board certification in Geriatric Medicine and all state medical licenses are clearly documented on your CV.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I apply if I am not currently living in Arizona?

Yes. The VA welcomes applicants nationwide. Because federal licensure laws apply, you do not need an Arizona medical license to practice at this facility; any active state license is acceptable.

2. Is this position eligible for telework?

No. Due to the high-touch, patient-centered nature of the Geri PACT clinic, this role is fully on-site at the Tucson, Arizona medical campus.

3. How soon should I apply for the EDRP student loan program?

If selected, you must submit your EDRP application within four months of your official appointment date to be considered for the loan repayment benefit.

4. Are there on-call responsibilities associated with this role?

This position is primarily outpatient-focused with highly structured daytime hours (four 10-hour shifts, Monday through Friday), resulting in exceptional schedule predictability and minimal call duties.

Working as a Geriatric Primary Care Physician at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System is more than just a job—it is a calling. In this role, you will lead an exceptional team of healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the health and well-being of America's aging heroes. With a highly competitive salary, unparalleled benefits, and the stunning natural beauty of Tucson, Arizona, this opportunity provides a secure and rewarding path for your medical career. Submit your application today and take the next step in your professional journey.

Why This Physician (Geriatrics) Primary Care Job Matters

Serve those who served: Join the Southern Arizona VA as a Primary Care Geriatrician and enjoy unmatched clinical autonomy, a four-day work week, and up to $200,000 in student loan repayment.

Physician (Geriatrics) Primary Care Job Overview

The Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Health Care System (SAVAHCS) is seeking a dedicated, Board-Certified Physician in Geriatric Primary Care to lead a Geriatric Patient Aligned Care Team (Geri PACT) in Tucson, Arizona. This position offers a highly structured, stable, and collaborative environment focused on delivering patient-centered care to aging Veterans while mentoring the next generation of medical professionals.

Requirements for Physician (Geriatrics) Primary Care

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens).
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an accredited institution.
Current, active, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or District of Columbia.
Mandatory Board Certification in Geriatric Medicine.
Completion of an approved graduate medical residency program accredited by the ACGME or AOA.
Fluency in written and spoken English.
Successful completion of a background investigation, credentialing process, and pre-employment physical.
Negative result on a pre-employment drug screening (urinalysis).
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Geriatrics) Primary Care

Experience leading an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Prior experience mentoring, precepting, or teaching medical students, residents, or geriatric fellows.
Familiarity with electronic medical records and computerized charting systems.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with bi-annual market pay reviews and annual performance bonuses.
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) offering up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
✓Generous paid time off: 26 annual leave days, 13 sick days, and 11 paid federal holidays annually.
✓Up to 5 days of paid administrative leave for Continuing Medical Education (CME).
✓CME reimbursement of up to $1,000 per year for full-time, board-certified physicians.
✓Traditional federal pension (vested after 5 years) plus Thrift Savings Plan (401k) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance plans.
✓No-cost federal malpractice liability coverage with complete tail coverage.
✓Flexible scheduling consisting of four 10-hour shifts per week.
✓No restrictive covenants or non-compete clauses, allowing external moonlighting.

💡 How to Apply Physician (Geriatrics) Primary Care Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician (Geriatrics) Primary Care Job

Log in or create an account on USAJobs.
Ensure your profile and resume are up to date.
Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA careers link.
Upload the completed standard Clinical Resume Document into the designated two-page restricted 'Resume' field.
Upload your full-length, unrestricted CV or resume into the 'Other' document upload field.
Click 'Apply Online' and complete the interactive occupational questionnaire.
Submit your finalized application before the closing date of August 26, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Submit early: Since this is an open continuous announcement, applications are reviewed every two weeks starting June 9, 2026.
Do not alter the standard Clinical Resume Document: Download, save, and upload it directly into the 'Resume' section to satisfy automated scanning parameters.
Highlight all volunteer service: Unpaid medical or community experience is valued equally to paid employment.
List your board certifications clearly: Since Board Certification in Geriatric Medicine is a strict requirement, ensure it is prominently displayed on your CV.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the schedule for this position?

The schedule consists of four 10-hour shifts between Monday and Friday, from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM. No remote or telework options are available.

Is an Arizona state medical license required?

No. Because this is a federal position, you can practice with a single, active, and unrestricted license from any U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth.

What is the maximum student loan reimbursement available?

Through the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), qualified candidates may receive up to $200,000 in student loan repayments over a one- to five-year period.

Can non-citizens apply for this physician role?

U.S. citizens are given absolute preference. Non-citizens will only be considered if no qualified U.S. citizens apply.