Lead Clinical Excellence: Chief Quality Officer Opportunity at VA Charleston

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, is looking for a dynamic Physician to serve as the Chief Quality Officer. This is a critical leadership role designed for a medical professional dedicated to the principles of high reliability and patient-centered care. If you are looking to combine your clinical expertise with strategic organizational management, this role offers an unparalleled platform to improve health outcomes for those who have bravely served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As the Chief Quality Officer, you will lead the charge in establishing a culture of safety and excellence. Your primary duties include:

Quality Strategy: Collaborating with informatics, surgical quality teams, and hospital leadership to optimize patient safety outcomes.
Operational Leadership: Overseeing departmental budgets, staffing, and policy development.
Cultural Stewardship: Promoting a Just Culture and high reliability principles across the entire healthcare system.
Collaborative Liaison: Working with medical staff to identify systemic vulnerabilities and prevent adverse events.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

Licensure: Hold a full, unrestricted medical license in any U.S. state or territory.
Education: Hold a degree from an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school.
Residency: Must have completed an ACGME or AOA-approved residency program.
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required (with limited exceptions).
Compliance: Ability to pass a background check, drug screening, and maintain seasonal influenza vaccination status.

Salary Overview

The VA offers a highly competitive compensation package.

Pay Component	Details
Base Salary	$295,000 - $400,000 per year
Performance Bonus	Annual incentives available
Retirement	Federal pension + 401k with 5% matching
Insurance	Comprehensive health, dental, and life programs

Benefits

Beyond the salary, you will enjoy a robust total rewards package. This includes 50-55 days of paid time off per year, free malpractice liability protection, and potential CME reimbursement of $1,000 annually. Federal insurance programs can often be carried into retirement, providing long-term security.

Application Tips

Use the Required Format: Download the standard Clinical Resume Document via the provided VA career link.
Rolling Referrals: The position remains open until 2026, but the first referral cut-off is June 26, 2026. Apply early for the best chance of consideration.
Detail Your Experience: Clearly articulate your managerial and quality improvement history, as these are key selection factors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there a restricted contract for moonlighting? A: No, the VA does not require a physician employment contract and there are no significant restrictions on moonlighting. Q: What is the work environment like in Charleston? A: Charleston is a vibrant, historic city with an exceptional coastal lifestyle, providing a great balance to the professional rigor of the VA health system.

This role is an exceptional career move for a physician with a passion for quality management. By stepping into this position at the Ralph H. Johnson VA, you are not just taking a job; you are taking a leadership role in a system dedicated to the highest standards of medical care for America's veterans.

Why This Physician - Chief Quality Officer Job Matters

Lead the future of veteran healthcare as the Chief Quality Officer in the historic, vibrant city of Charleston, South Carolina.

Physician - Chief Quality Officer Job Overview

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System is seeking an experienced, visionary Chief Quality Officer to champion clinical excellence and patient safety. This leadership role is vital in fostering a High Reliability Organization (HRO) and cultivating a 'Just Culture' within a world-class facility. If you are passionate about driving system-wide improvements and providing superior care to those who have served our nation, this is your opportunity to lead.

Requirements for Physician - Chief Quality Officer

United States Citizenship (exceptions only as permitted by VA policy).
Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine degree from an accredited institution.
Current, full, and unrestricted medical license in any US State or territory.
Completion of an accredited residency program.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation.
Ability to complete all onboarding requirements including drug screening.
Must be able to receive mandatory seasonal influenza vaccinations.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician - Chief Quality Officer

Board certification in a clinical specialty.
At least 5 years of progressive healthcare management experience.
Minimum of 7 years of progressive quality improvement experience.
Advanced degree in business, healthcare administration, or a related field.
Extensive background in patient safety, regulatory compliance, and accreditation standards.
Demonstrated ability to drive cultural change and lead multidisciplinary teams.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive base salary with annual performance bonuses.
✓Generous PTO: Up to 55 days annually (including leave, sick time, and federal holidays).
✓Federal retirement benefits including 401k with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
✓Full liability protection with tail coverage.
✓Potential for annual CME reimbursement of $1,000.
✓No mandatory employment contracts.

💡 How to Apply Physician - Chief Quality Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician - Chief Quality Officer Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA careers link.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload your C.V. and the required one-page Clinical Resume into the designated portal.
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Pay close attention to the specific two-part resume requirement; using the wrong format can impact your eligibility.
Submit your application early, even though the announcement is open until late 2026, as referrals are made on a rolling basis starting June 2026.
Be sure to attach your DD214 if you are claiming Veterans' Preference.
Check your USAJOBS dashboard frequently to track the status of your submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for relocation incentives?

Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives are authorized for this position for qualified candidates.

What is the expected work schedule?

The position is generally Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, though this may shift based on organizational needs.

Do I need to be board certified to apply?

While board certification is highly preferred, the basic requirement is the completion of an accredited residency program. Specific board certification may be required for certain faculty statuses.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to our nation's Veterans. The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System is a hub for innovation, situated in a historic, coastal city that offers a high quality of life. Joining the VA means becoming part of a community dedicated to honoring President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who served.