Become a Staff Orthopedic Surgeon at VA Saint Louis Health Care System

Are you an accomplished orthopedic surgeon seeking to align your career with a noble purpose while maintaining a premier clinical and academic presence? The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced an exceptional opening for a Staff Physician in Orthopedic Surgery at the VA Saint Louis Health Care System in Saint Louis County, Missouri. This position offers a highly competitive annual salary of $400,000, robust academic involvement, and one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the healthcare industry.

Working for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) allows you to practice medicine without the administrative burdens of private practice, such as insurance approvals, billing disputes, and restrictive non-compete clauses. Instead, your focus remains entirely on delivering state-of-the-art, veteran-centered care. Coupled with a prestigious academic affiliation with Washington University School of Medicine, this role offers an ideal balance of advanced clinical practice, surgical teaching, and personal well-being.

About the Agency: The VA Saint Louis Health Care System

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare network in the United States, committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in the nation's military. The VA Saint Louis Health Care System is a full-service, two-campus tertiary referral center. Together with its four Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), the St. Louis VA provides highly advanced inpatient and ambulatory services, medical research, and over 65 medical and surgical subspecialties.

St. Louis, often celebrated as the "Gateway to the West," seamlessly blends the cultural opportunities of a major metropolitan area with a relaxed, small-town community feel. Renowned for its affordable housing markets—making it a top-25 US city for first-time homebuyers—St. Louis boasts a world-class zoo, historic parks, the spectacular Missouri Botanical Garden, and champion sports teams like the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues. Working here offers a superb quality of life for families and professionals alike.

Comprehensive Job Responsibilities

The selected candidate will join a dynamic Surgical Service division, leading orthopedic care delivery and playing a crucial role in academic program leadership. The scope of practice covers clinical, operative, administrative, and educational domains:

Clinical & Operative Duties

Outpatient Care: Conduct detailed orthopedic evaluations for new consultations, manage pre-operative planning, and oversee post-operative follow-ups. Design collaborative, evidence-based treatment programs.
Inpatient Care: Perform inpatient consults, manage ward admissions, coordinate care with hospitalist teams, and execute multidisciplinary rounds alongside physical therapists, nurses, and rehab units.
Operative Care: Perform a diverse array of general orthopedic surgical procedures and targeted subspecialty interventions. Maintain master-level proficiency in modern techniques, including minimally invasive, image-guided, and robotic-assisted surgeries.

Leadership & Educational Responsibilities

Academic Mentorship: Supervise, mentor, and teach orthopedic surgery residents and medical students from Washington University. Ensure all educational and clinical workflows strictly adhere to ACGME requirements.
Residency Site Director: Serve as the designated primary liaison between the VA Orthopedic Surgery Section and the Washington University Orthopedic Residency Program. Organize resident schedules, assign surgical cases, and evaluate clinical competency.
Physician Assistant Collaboration: Provide expert clinical oversight, guidance, and document co-signatures as the primary collaborating physician for Physician Assistants in the Orthopedic section.

Position Requirements & Basic Qualifications

To be considered for this high-level surgical role, applicants must meet the following mandatory federal qualifications:

Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed if no qualified US citizens are available.
Education: Hold an M.D. or D.O. degree (or equivalent foreign medical degree certified by the ECFMG) from an institution approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs at the time of graduation.
Licensure: Hold an active, current, complete, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any US State, District of Columbia, Commonwealth, or Territory.
Residency Training: Must have completed a clinical residency program accredited by the ACGME or AOA in Orthopedic Surgery, establishing board eligibility or board certification.
Academic Eligibility: Must be eligible for a formal faculty appointment with Washington University School of Medicine.
Physical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment physical assessment and maintain physical capability to perform major surgical tasks. Must remain compliant with the annual seasonal influenza vaccination mandate.
Trial Period: Candidates new to federal service will serve a mandatory two-year trial period to monitor performance, clinical efficacy, and alignment with VHA organizational goals.

Salary Overview & Financial Perks

This Orthopedic Surgery position features a flat, guaranteed base salary of $400,000 per year. In the federal system, salary-setting is determined by a formal board review of your credentials, past experience, and subspecialty expertise. Unlike the private sector, there is no threat of declining reimbursement rates, productivity-only compensation, or collection uncertainties.

In addition to the base pay, physicians are eligible for:

Regular, scheduled federal salary increases.
Annual performance bonuses based on quality-of-care metrics rather than raw billing volume.
Recruitment or relocation incentives (sign-on bonuses) for highly qualified selected candidates.

Unrivaled Benefits of VA Employment

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides an industry-leading total rewards package designed to promote long-term financial security, professional development, and exceptional work-life balance.

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)

This position is fully authorized for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). Selected candidates with outstanding medical school loans can apply for up to $200,000 in tax-free reimbursement over a five-year period (subject to program office approvals). This is an extraordinary opportunity to eliminate student debt quickly.

Paid Time Off & Retirement Benefits

Physicians receive an unparalleled 50 to 55 days of paid time off annually, which includes:

26 days of designated annual (vacation) leave.
13 days of accrued sick leave (no limit on accumulation).
11 paid federal holidays.
Up to 5 days of paid administrative leave for Continuing Medical Education (CME).

Your retirement security is anchored by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which features a guaranteed traditional lifetime pension vested after just five years of service. Additionally, the VA matches up to 5% of your contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), the federal government's equivalent of a 401(k).

Malpractice & Licensure Support

Federal physicians enjoy comprehensive, free malpractice liability protection under the Federal Tort Claims Act. This protection includes full tail coverage, saving you thousands of dollars annually. Furthermore, because you are practicing in a federal facility, you only need one active state medical license to work, meaning you can easily transition to St. Louis from anywhere in the country.

Benefit Comparison: Private Practice vs. VA Physician Careers

Benefit Category	Private Practice / Corporate Medicine	Veterans Health Administration (VA)
Base Salary Security	Often tied directly to RVU production and collections	Flat $400,000/year base salary; secure and predictable
Malpractice Coverage	High premiums; costly tail coverage required upon exit	Free liability protection; full tail coverage included
Paid Time Off	Often limited; taking time off reduces overall income	50-55 days of paid time off per year (unaffected pay)
Student Loan Help	Extremely rare or highly restrictive	EDRP offering up to $200,000 in loan reimbursement
Retirement Structure	Standard 401(k) matching only	Dual-track: Pension + TSP 401(k) with 5% matching
Contract Restrictions	Strict non-compete clauses & restrictive moonlighting	No non-compete contracts; open moonlighting policies

Application Steps & Vital Tips

The federal application process can be detailed, but following these steps carefully will ensure your package is processed smoothly:

Prepare Your Resume & CV: The VA uses a specific application method. First, click the provided link in the vacancy announcement to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. Complete this one-page form exactly as formatted and upload it to the designated two-page 'Resume' field in USAJOBS.
Upload Your Full CV: Do not try to fit your entire career on the one-page form. Upload your complete, unrestricted curriculum vitae (C.V.) to the 'Other' document field. This is where you should list all your publications, teaching history, and advanced surgical procedures.
Detail Your Operative History: Your CV should clearly show that you have had consistent, active surgical experience over the past three years. Detail your familiarity with advanced tools like robotic-assisted surgery or minimally invasive joint replacements.
Claim Veteran's Preference: If you are a veteran, upload a copy of your DD-214 showing your character of service. Disabled veterans should also submit form SF-15 to ensure proper preference points are applied.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is a Missouri state medical license required for this role?

No. Since this is a federal position, you can practice with any active, full, and unrestricted medical license from any US state, territory, or district.

Q2: How soon after hire must I apply for the EDRP student loan program?

To receive consideration for the Education Debt Reduction Program, you must submit your complete application package within four months of your official appointment date.

Q3: What is the academic relationship for this position?

You must be eligible for a faculty appointment with Washington University School of Medicine. In this role, you will work closely with their residency program and act as a Site Director, mentoring orthopedic residents and medical students.

Q4: Are non-US citizens allowed to apply?

United States citizens receive absolute priority. Non-citizens will only be reviewed and considered for appointment if no qualified U.S. citizens apply or can be recruited.

Q5: Is there a physical exam required?

Yes. All candidates must pass a pre-employment physical exam to ensure they can safely execute the physical demands of an active orthopedic surgeon.

Conclusion: Your Next Professional Chapter

This Staff Physician role in Orthopedic Surgery at the VA Saint Louis Health Care System represents the pinnacle of medical careers. It successfully merges a highly secure $400,000 salary, prestigious academic integration with Washington University, and an unmatched benefits package featuring $200,000 in loan assistance and up to 55 days of annual leave.

If you are ready to make a profound difference in the lives of American veterans while enjoying an exceptional professional lifestyle in one of the Midwest's most vibrant cities, submit your application package before the closing date on November 13, 2026.

Why This Staff Physician/Orthopedic Surgery Job Matters

Transform your medical career and serve America's heroes in St. Louis with an extraordinary $400,000 orthopedic surgery role, complete with Academic affiliation and up to $200,000 in student loan repayment assistance.

Staff Physician/Orthopedic Surgery Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking an experienced, Board-Certified or Board-Eligible Orthopedic Surgeon to join the Surgical Service at the VA Saint Louis Health Care System. This highly sought-after full-time role offers an annual compensation of $400,000, exceptional federal benefits, and a key academic connection. In addition to delivering world-class clinical care, you will have the unique opportunity to mentor medical students and residents through an academic partnership with Washington University, one of the nation's premier medical institutions. This role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.

Requirements for Staff Physician/Orthopedic Surgery

Must be a United States citizen (non-citizens will only be considered if no qualified citizens apply).
Hold a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an accredited institution.
Possess an active, current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any US State, Territory, Commonwealth, or District of Columbia.
Have completed an approved residency training program accredited by the ACGME or AOA leading to board eligibility or board certification.
Be eligible for a faculty appointment with Washington University School of Medicine, the affiliate academic partner.
Demonstrate absolute proficiency in spoken and written English.
Successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination and a drug screening (urinalysis).
Participate in the mandatory annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Undergo a thorough background and security investigation.
Serve a mandatory two-year trial period to evaluate performance, conduct, and fitness.

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Physician/Orthopedic Surgery

Board Certification or Board Eligibility in Orthopedic Surgery.
Completed fellowship training in a recognized orthopedic subspecialty, such as Shoulder & Elbow, Sports Medicine, Orthopedic Trauma, or Adult Hip & Knee.
Consistent and active operative experience within the past three years, demonstrating proficiency in general and advanced surgical techniques.
Demonstrated experience in minimally invasive, image-guided, or robotic-assisted surgical procedures.
Strong background in managing comprehensive orthopedic care across inpatient, outpatient, and surgical environments.
Prior experience mentoring, teaching, and supervising orthopedic surgery residents and medical students, with familiarity with ACGME standards.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive flat annual salary of $400,000, with eligibility for regular salary increases and annual performance bonuses.
✓Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), offering up to $200,000 in student loan repayment assistance.
✓Generous paid time off including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays, plus up to 5 days of paid CME leave.
✓Traditional federal pension (vested after 5 years of service) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 401(k) with up to 5% employer matching contributions.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, term life, and long-term care insurance programs that can be carried into retirement.
✓Potential for up to $1,000 in annual CME expense reimbursement.
✓Full and free medical malpractice liability protection with built-in tail coverage.
✓No commercial physician employment contracts, non-compete clauses, or heavy restrictions on external moonlighting.

💡 How to Apply Staff Physician/Orthopedic Surgery Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Physician/Orthopedic Surgery Job

Click the Apply Online button on the official vacancy page to log in or create your USAJOBS account.
Download the official one-page Clinical Resume Document using the provided link.
Complete the one-page Clinical Resume and upload it specifically into the restricted two-page 'Resume' field in USAJOBS without making edits to the template structure.
Upload your unlimited full-length Professional CV or comprehensive resume into the 'Other' document upload field.
Answer the online occupational questionnaire thoroughly and attach any required supporting documentation (such as licensure, residency certificates, or DD-214 for veterans).
Submit your complete application package before the closing deadline on November 13, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Do not modify the layout of the standard one-page Clinical Resume Document; uploading this is required to pass initial screening, but you can present your entire career history in the 'Other' field.
Tailor your main CV to clearly highlight your specific operative experience from the last three years, specifically detailing your experience with advanced and minimally invasive surgical technologies.
If claiming veteran's preference, ensure you upload a legible copy of your DD-214 showing dates of service and type of discharge, as well as an SF-15 form if applicable.
Provide clear, up-to-date contact information for professional references, as the VA performs comprehensive pre-employment reference checks early in the review process.
Double-check that your medical degree, state licenses, and residency programs are clearly documented with exact dates to prevent delays in credentialing and pay-setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a sign-on or relocation incentive available for this role?

Yes, recruitment and relocation incentives (sign-on bonuses) are authorized for highly qualified candidates selected for this position.

What is the educational debt assistance program?

The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) is a student loan reimbursement program offering up to $200,000 over a one- to five-year period. Applications must be submitted within four months of your official appointment date.

Do I need to hold a Missouri medical license to apply?

No. You only need one active, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth to practice medicine within the federal VA system.

Is board certification mandatory for this job?

Candidates who are Board Certified or Board Eligible in Orthopedic Surgery are preferred. If you are board-eligible, you must have completed an approved residency training program.

How does the academic partnership with Washington University work?

The VA Saint Louis Health Care System is an academic affiliate of Washington University. In this role, you must be eligible for a faculty appointment, and you will serve as a key mentor and supervisor for Washington University orthopedic residents and students.