Advance Your Medical Leadership Career as a Designated Education Officer at the VA

Are you a visionary physician looking to transition from clinical practice into an impactful academic leadership role? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Nashville, Tennessee, is actively recruiting for a Designated Education Officer (DEO) to lead its health professions training initiatives.

Job Responsibilities

As the DEO, you will serve as the heartbeat of clinical education at the facility. Your primary mission is to establish, maintain, and evaluate the quality of health professions training programs. You will:

Oversee Training Quality: Ensure clinical training meets stringent accreditation standards.
Liaison with Affiliates: Act as the primary contact for affiliated universities and academic institutions.
Manage Funding & Data: Administer education-related budgets and track trainee performance metrics.
Policy Leadership: Provide subject matter expertise on clinical training directives.
Risk Management: Mitigate risks for trainees, patients, and staff in collaboration with Occupational Health.

Qualifications

To join our team, you must meet rigorous professional standards, including:

Education: A Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine degree from an accredited school.
Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted medical license in any U.S. state or territory.
Residency: Completion of an ACGME or AOA-accredited core specialty residency.
Competency: Proficiency in English and the ability to perform physical requirements associated with the role.

Comparison of Benefits

Benefit Feature	VA Standard Offering
Paid Time Off	50-55 Days annually
Retirement	Pension + 401k (5% match)
Malpractice	Full coverage with tail
Licensure	Single state license valid

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive annual salary range of $200,000 to $350,000, commensurate with experience and the internal pay-setting process. Additionally, you will benefit from performance bonuses and regular salary increases, making it a lucrative career move for seasoned medical professionals.

Application Tips for Success

Use the Required Template: Download the specific Clinical Resume template from the VA career portal.
Double-Check Requirements: Ensure your residency training documentation meets the specific accreditation requirements listed.
Submit Early: Don't wait until the closing date of 09/30/2026; roles can be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified.

Serving as a Designated Education Officer is more than just a job; it is a chance to shape the next generation of healthcare providers while supporting the brave men and women of our armed forces. Apply today to bring your expertise to the Nashville VA.

Why This Physician- Designated Education Officer - (Deo) Job Matters

Shape the future of medical education while delivering life-changing care to our nation's Veterans in the heart of Nashville.

Physician- Designated Education Officer - (Deo) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a highly skilled Physician to serve as a Designated Education Officer (DEO). In this leadership role, you will oversee, evaluate, and enhance health professions training programs, ensuring that the highest standards of academic and clinical excellence are maintained within the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System.

Requirements for Physician- Designated Education Officer - (Deo)

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply per VA policy).
Degree of Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine from an accredited institution.
Current, full, and unrestricted medical license in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
Completion of an ACGME or AOA-accredited residency program.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation.
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician- Designated Education Officer - (Deo)

Proven experience in developing, managing, and implementing health professions training programs.
Background in academic leadership, policy analysis, and clinical risk mitigation.
Strong communication skills for liaison work with affiliated academic institutions and facility leadership.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary and annual performance bonus opportunities.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
✓Generous paid time off: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Federal retirement pension and 401k savings plan with employer matching.
✓Professional liability protection with tail coverage.
✓Potential reimbursement for Continuing Medical Education (CME) expenses.

💡 How to Apply Physician- Designated Education Officer - (Deo) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician- Designated Education Officer - (Deo) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Download the mandatory Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA career portal link.
Upload the Clinical Resume to the 'Resume' section.
Upload your full C.V. and any other relevant credentials to the 'Other' documents section.
Complete the occupational questionnaire in the online system.
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your documentation is legible and formatted correctly; omissions can impact your eligibility.
Utilize the specialized Clinical Resume template provided by the VA to avoid processing delays.
Verify that your medical licenses and certifications are current and unrestricted before applying.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure your DD214 is included in your application submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the Designated Education Officer?

The DEO is responsible for the administration, quality, and oversight of health professions training programs within the VA facility, including managing relationships with academic affiliates and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards.

Is residency training mandatory for this role?

Yes, physicians must have completed an accredited residency training program leading to board certification eligibility to meet the basic appointment requirements.

Does this position offer relocation benefits?

Relocation assistance is not offered for this specific position.

Do I need a Tennessee-specific medical license?

*A: No, a full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory is sufficient for VA employment.*

Is there a physician contract?

*A: No, we do not require standard physician employment contracts, offering you more professional flexibility.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is a premier integrated healthcare provider. Serving over 146,000 Veterans across middle Tennessee, southern Kentucky, and northern Georgia, TVHS is a pillar of the community. From cutting-edge research and innovation to specialized transplant and spinal cord services, working here means being part of a world-class team committed to honoring those who have served our country.