Become the Leader of Neurological Excellence: Neurology Section Chief at Overton Brooks VAMC

Are you an accomplished neurologist looking to transition into a high-impact clinical leadership role? The Department of Veterans Affairs has a premier opportunity for you to step into the role of Physician - Neurology Section Chief at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Shreveport, Louisiana. Combining advanced clinical practice with strategic administration, this position allows you to drive the future of neurological care for our nation's heroes while supervising a dedicated team of medical professionals.

Boasting an exceptional salary range of $280,000 to $335,000 per year, up to $200,000 in student loan repayment, and a comprehensive federal benefit structure, this is more than just a job—it is a mission-driven leadership career where you can thrive without the administrative burdens of private practice.

About the Agency: The Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, providing comprehensive care to over 9 million Veterans. At the heart of our mission is President Lincoln's enduring promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors."

Life in Shreveport, Louisiana

Located in the vibrant "Ark-La-Tex" region where Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas meet, Shreveport-Bossier City offers a unique cultural blend of Southern hospitality, Cajun flavor, and Texas charm. With a metropolitan population of nearly 400,000, Shreveport provides an affordable cost of living, top-tier schools, a temperate climate, and rich recreational options on the Red River. Residents enjoy Vegas-style gaming, year-round cultural festivals, prestigious colleges, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Additionally, it is home to Barksdale Air Force Base, making Shreveport a deeply patriotic and supportive community for federal employees and Veterans alike.

Job Responsibilities of the Neurology Section Chief

The Neurology Section Chief manages clinical operations, coordinates educational and academic programs, and delivers high-quality direct patient care. This position features an 80/20 split between clinical practice and administrative leadership.

Key Administrative & Supervisory Duties (20% of mapped time):

Operational Oversight: Assist the Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS) for Specialty Care in monitoring, tracking, and reporting physician productivity and clinical metrics.
Staff Leadership: Directly supervise, mentor, and evaluate clinical and administrative personnel within the Neurology Section.
Quality Management: Develop and review patient satisfaction protocols, resolve complex clinical issues, and optimize clinic practice efficiency.
Strategic Planning: Identify gaps in neurological care through ongoing needs assessments and establish goals to expand regional treatment pathways.
Academic Liaison: Manage and evaluate academic programs affiliated with the Neurology Service, maintaining close relationships with medical schools and residency sponsors.

Clinical Responsibilities (80% of mapped time):

Deliver expert diagnostic and therapeutic care in general neurology clinics.
Manage consults, clinical procedures, and inpatient care rotations.
Maintain an active clinical practice footprint while serving as an accessible expert advisor to the medical center staff.

Qualifications & Requirements

To build a high-caliber medical leadership team, applicants must meet specific federal standards.

Basic Requirements

U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens will only be considered if no qualified U.S. citizens are available.
Education: A Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an approved medical school accredited by the LCME or COCA.
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: Successful completion of an accredited ACGME or AOA core residency training program in Neurology.
Language: Demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written English.

Preferred Experience & Credentials

Active U.S. Board Certification in Neurology.
Five (5) or more years of post-residency clinical experience in Neurology.
Three (3) or more years of supervisory or managerial experience in a medical setting.
Three (3) or more years of specialized clinical leadership in Neurology, demonstrating the ability to implement and monitor complex care programs.

Salary & Compensation Overview

The VA utilizes a formal pay-setting board to determine compensation within the established range. This ensures your unique clinical background, credentials, and experience are fairly valued.

Benefit / Program Feature	Overton Brooks VAMC Package Details	Private Sector Industry Standard
Annual Salary Range	$280,000 to $335,000 (Plus annual performance bonus eligibility)	Highly variable; often dependent on strict RVU quotas and collections
Student Loan Repayment	Up to $200,000 over five years via the EDRP	Often limited, highly taxed, or unavailable
Malpractice Coverage	$0 Out-of-Pocket (Federal Tort Claims Act protection with tail coverage)	Expensive individual commercial policies required
Paid Time Off (PTO)	50 - 55 Days Annually (26 annual, 13 sick, 11 federal holidays, up to 5 CME)	Typically 20 - 30 combined days off
Restrictive Contracts	None (No non-compete clauses, flexible moonlighting rules)	Heavy non-compete limits and clinical restrictions

Comprehensive Total Rewards & Benefits

Working for the Veterans Health Administration offers an unparalleled level of personal and financial security.

Unbeatable Time Off & CME

Enjoy an incredible 50 to 55 days of paid time off each year:

26 days of annual leave (vacation).
13 days of sick leave (no cap on accrual).
11 paid federal holidays.
Up to 5 days of paid absence for Continuing Medical Education (CME) along with potential $1,000 annual reimbursement for board-certified, full-time physicians.

Retirement & Wealth Building

Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS): A traditional defined-benefit pension vested after just five years of service.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A premier 401(k)-style retirement program featuring up to 5% employer matching contributions.

Insurance & Health Coverage

Access premium federal group plans for healthcare, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance. Many of these health plans can be carried directly into your retirement.

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

For physicians burdened by student loan debt, the EDRP is a game-changer. This program reimburses qualifying educational debt payments up to $200,000 over a one-to-five-year period. Applications must be submitted within the first four months of your appointment.

Strategic Application Tips for Success

Federal hiring portals require a unique approach compared to private-sector job boards. Follow these key steps to ensure your application passes screening:

Utilize the Dual-Resume Method: To meet system requirements, you must download the standard Clinical Resume Document. Upload this template unedited into the 'Resume' upload field. Then, upload your full, multi-page curriculum vitae (CV) containing all your detailed work experience, clinical studies, and board certifications into the 'Other' document upload field. This prevents your full CV from being truncated.
Be Precise with Dates: When detailing your experience, list exact month/year ranges and hours worked per week. Federal HR specialists require this data to calculate qualifying experience.
Gather Your Supporting Documents: Ensure you have legible copies of your medical license, board certifications, and DD-214 (if claiming Veterans' Preference) ready before beginning the application.
Connect with the EDRP Coordinator: Contact Robert Knudsen at [email protected] early in the process to verify program eligibility and prepare your loan documentation.

Q: Are there any clinical drug testing requirements?

A: Yes. Since this is a testing-designated position within a healthcare facility, all selected candidates must undergo a urinalysis drug screen prior to their formal appointment.

Q: Can non-citizens apply for this position?

A: Yes, non-citizens may be considered if no qualified U.S. citizens are available for the position. However, first preference is legally granted to qualified U.S. citizens.

Q: Who do I contact for more information regarding my application?

A: You can reach out directly to the Agency Contact, Julie Arnold, at [email protected] or call 479-396-8252 for administrative and application status updates.

Conclusion: Lead the Mission Today

If you are a talented neurologist with a heart for leadership and service, the Neurology Section Chief position at Overton Brooks VAMC represents the perfect intersection of clinical practice and strategic administrative oversight. Lead a dedicated team, shape medical residency programs, and work within an organization that prioritizes work-life balance, all while earning up to $335,000 with a phenomenal benefits and pension structure.

Your application journey starts here. Take the next step in your career and apply online today!

Why This Physician- Neurology Section Chief Job Matters

Take the helm of a premier medical division as the Neurology Section Chief at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center. Direct cutting-edge clinical programs, mentor the next generation of medical talent, and serve America's heroes in Shreveport, Louisiana, with a rewarding salary up to $335,000, $200K in student loan repayment, and unrivaled federal pension benefits.

Physician- Neurology Section Chief Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, is seeking an experienced and visionary clinical leader to serve as the Physician - Neurology Section Chief at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Shreveport, Louisiana. This critical role balances advanced clinical care (80%) with program administration, staff leadership, and academic oversight (20%). If you are ready to drive excellence in neurologic services, coordinate robust clinical networks, and lead specialized teams in a supportive environment with an unmatched total rewards package, this leadership position is your next career destination.

Requirements for Physician- Neurology Section Chief

United States Citizenship (non-citizens may only be appointed when no qualified citizens are available).
Degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from an accredited LCME or COCA institution.
Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Completion of an accredited ACGME or AOA core residency training program in Neurology.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background/security investigation and credentialing process.
Participation in the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Passing a pre-placement medical evaluation and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician- Neurology Section Chief

Active U.S. Board Certification in Neurology.
Minimum of five (5) years of active clinical practice in Neurology.
Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or managerial experience in an inpatient or outpatient medical setting.
Three (3) or more years of specialized expertise in Neurology to lead, develop, monitor, and evaluate complex clinical and administrative processes.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive base salary ($280,000 - $335,000) with annual performance bonus opportunities and regular step increases.
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility offering up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement over five years.
✓Generous Paid Time Off: 50-55 total days off annually (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 federal holidays, plus possible 5 days of paid administrative leave for Continuing Medical Education).
✓Traditional Federal Pension (FERS) vested after only 5 years of service.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401(k) equivalent with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance programs.
✓Full federal liability protection (malpractice coverage) with complete tail coverage.
✓Potential recruitment or relocation incentive (sign-on bonus) for highly qualified applicants.
✓Flexible clinical practice with no commercial employment contracts and minimal moonlighting restrictions.
✓Up to $1,000 annual CME reimbursement for board-certified, full-time physicians.

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

Application Steps for Physician- Neurology Section Chief Job

Create or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Download the mandatory Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers portal.
Upload the single-page, unedited Clinical Resume template into the designated 'Resume' document field.
Upload your full, unrestricted curriculum vitae (CV) or multi-page resume into the 'Other' document upload field to ensure page limitations do not truncate your professional history.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire and attach any necessary supporting documents, such as licensing info and DD-214 (if claiming Veterans' Preference).
Submit your complete application packet by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the final closing date of September 30, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Strictly follow the dual-resume uploading instructions. Using the standard one-page Clinical Resume in the main 'Resume' field and your full CV in the 'Other' field ensures your application bypasses automated scanning filters without losing important career details.
Clearly highlight your clinical leadership, administrative achievements, and specialized board certifications on your primary CV.
If you have student loans, contact Robert Knudsen, the EDRP Coordinator at [email protected] immediately upon receiving a tentative offer to expedite your EDRP application.
Ensure all professional licenses, board certifications, and historical residency training details are fully detailed with specific dates (MM/YYYY) to expedite credentialing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the split between clinical and administrative duties for this role?

The Physician - Neurology Section Chief position is structured with approximately 20% dedicated administrative time and 80% direct clinical care, including inpatient care, consults, procedures, and clinics.

Does this position require a Louisiana medical license?

No. Because this is a federal position, you can practice at the Overton Brooks VAMC with any active, current, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth.

What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?

EDRP is a student loan reimbursement program designed to help VA healthcare professionals pay down qualifying educational debt. Eligible candidates can receive up to $200,000 over a one-to-five-year period.

Is relocation assistance or a sign-on bonus available?

Highly qualified applicants may be considered for a recruitment or relocation incentive, also known as a sign-on bonus, subject to agency approval and budget.

Are there academic responsibilities associated with this position?

Yes. The Section Chief manages academic programs affiliated with the Neurology Service and serves as the primary liaison with sponsoring academic institutions.

Q: Is there an employment contract or non-compete clause?

No. Unlike private medical groups, VA physicians do not sign restrictive employment contracts, nor are they bound by non-compete covenants. This provides you with unmatched professional freedom and flexibility.