Lead as a Primary Care Section Chief with the VA in Santa Ana
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to the men and women who have served our country. We are currently seeking an experienced, compassionate, and visionary Physician to serve as the Primary Care Section Chief at our Santa Ana Community-Based Outpatient Clinic. This role is ideal for a medical professional looking to transition into a leadership capacity while remaining deeply engaged in direct patient care.
Job Responsibilities
As the Section Chief, you are the clinical backbone of the clinic. Your duties will be diverse and impactful:
- Clinical Leadership: Provide medical and clinical direction to the local outpatient team.
- Operations Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations, including scheduling, coverage, and staff assignments.
- Patient Care: Devote 70% of your time to direct Primary Care for Veterans.
- Quality Assurance: Conduct regular reviews to ensure the facility meets national performance and PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) measures.
- Mentorship: Facilitate the training and orientation of clinical staff, residents, and students.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required (exceptions only under specific policy guidelines).
- Education: A Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy degree from an accredited school.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted medical license in any U.S. state or territory.
- Experience: Completion of an ACGME or AOA-accredited residency program.
- English Proficiency: Must be fluent in both written and spoken English.
Comparison of Benefits
| Benefit Feature | VA Physician Package |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $240,000 - $335,000 |
| Paid Time Off | 50-55 Days per Year |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401k (5% match) |
| Loan Repayment | Up to $200,000 (EDRP) |
| Liability | Free Malpractice Coverage |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive salary range of $240,000 to $335,000 per year, commensurate with experience and performance. In addition to a base salary, physicians receive regular salary increases and are eligible for annual performance bonuses.
Benefits
Working for the VA means more than just a paycheck. Our total rewards package includes:
- EDRP: Potential for up to $200,000 in student loan debt reduction.
- Insurance: Comprehensive Federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care plans.
- Flexibility: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM schedule.
- CME: Opportunities for $1,000–$2,500 in annual reimbursement for continuing education.
Application Tips
- Don't wait: This is an open continuous announcement with monthly referral cut-offs. Applying early ensures your application is reviewed in the next cycle.
- Use the template: The VA requires a specific clinical resume format. Download the document from the provided link to ensure your application passes initial compliance checks.
- Highlight Leadership: Since this is a Section Chief role, emphasize instances where you have managed teams, improved clinic workflows, or mentored junior medical staff.
The Primary Care Section Chief role in Santa Ana is a career-defining opportunity to lead, serve, and excel. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to advance the health of our nation's Veterans, we encourage you to submit your application through the USAJOBS portal today.
Why This Physician - Primary Care Section Chief Job Matters
Lead a mission-driven medical team in sunny Santa Ana and qualify for up to $200,000 in student loan repayment while delivering world-class care to our nation's Veterans.
Physician - Primary Care Section Chief Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Physician to serve as the Primary Care Section Chief at our Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Santa Ana, California. In this critical leadership role, you will balance clinical patient care with administrative oversight, helping to shape the future of whole-health care for those who have served. This is an excellent opportunity to impact clinical operations, mentor staff, and ensure the highest standards of quality are delivered within the VA system.
Requirements for Physician - Primary Care Section Chief
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy degree from an accredited institution
- Current, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. State or territory
- Completion of an ACGME or AOA-accredited residency program
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Pre-employment physical examination and drug screening
- Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements
Preferred Qualifications for Physician - Primary Care Section Chief
- Prior supervisory or management experience in a clinical environment
- Proven track record in quality improvement and operational oversight
- Experience managing clinical staff and interdisciplinary teams
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000
- ✓Competitive salary with annual performance bonus opportunities
- ✓50-55 days of total paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays)
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401k-style thrift savings plan
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- ✓Malpractice liability protection with tail coverage
💡 How to Apply Physician - Primary Care Section Chief Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician - Primary Care Section Chief Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA careers link.
- Prepare your full CV or resume.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload the required documents, ensuring the one-page clinical summary is in the two-page restricted field.
- Submit your application package before the cut-off date.
💡 General Tips
- Pay close attention to the monthly cut-off dates for referral to increase your chances of early review.
- Use the specific VA clinical resume template provided to ensure your application meets formatting requirements.
- Ensure your full CV is uploaded in the 'Other' document category to avoid page limitations.
- Clearly highlight your supervisory and administrative experience in your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time split between administrative and clinical duties?
The role is designed as a working chief position with approximately 30% of time dedicated to administrative tasks and 70% to clinical care.
Is relocation assistance provided for this role?
No, permanent change of station (relocation) assistance is not authorized for this specific vacancy.
What happens if I have student loans?
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which may provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement depending on program approval.
Is there an employment contract?
*A: No, the VA does not require a private physician employment contract, and there are no significant restrictions on moonlighting.*
What is the drug screening policy?
*A: All applicants in testing-designated positions must undergo urinalysis for illegal drug use prior to appointment.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) operates the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. We focus on a "Whole Health" model of care, which empowers Veterans to take charge of their well-being. By joining the VA Long Beach Healthcare System team, you are becoming part of a community dedicated to honoring those who have sacrificed for our nation through exceptional, personalized medical service.