Lead Clinical Excellence as a Podiatrist Section Chief in San Antonio
Are you a dedicated podiatrist looking to elevate your career while serving those who have served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring for a Podiatrist - SCID Outpatient Section Chief at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) in San Antonio, Texas. This is a unique opportunity to combine advanced clinical practice with administrative leadership in a highly respected research and teaching environment.
About the South Texas Veterans Health Care System
The STVHCS is one of the largest VA healthcare networks in the nation, serving 114,000 Veterans across 35 counties. With campuses in San Antonio and Kerrville, the system is a hub for tertiary care, featuring a 30-bed Spinal Cord Injury Center and a 90-bed Extended Care Therapy Center. Affiliated with UT Health San Antonio, the facility provides an environment rooted in academic growth and cutting-edge research.
Job Responsibilities
As the Section Chief, you will be the bridge between administrative oversight and high-quality patient care. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leadership & Supervision: Managing outpatient physicians and ancillary staff, conducting performance reviews (FPPE/OPPE), and participating in hospital committees.
- Clinical Management: Overseeing clinic workflows, monitoring productivity metrics, and ensuring 80% bookability in scheduling.
- Patient Care: Maintaining your own clinical practice, providing compassionate care, and addressing complex issues for patients with spinal cord injuries.
- Administrative Duties: Managing human resources, maintaining credentials for privileging, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations like HIPAA and JCAHO.
Requirements
You must meet the following criteria to be considered for this role:
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required (non-citizens may be considered only if no qualified citizens are available).
- Education: A DPM degree from an approved school of podiatric medicine.
- Licensure: An active, unrestricted license in any U.S. State or territory.
- Training: Completion of an accredited podiatric residency program.
- Language: Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Salary & Benefits Overview
The VA offers a robust compensation package designed to reward your expertise and dedication:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $240,000 - $270,000 (Annual) |
| Annual Leave | 26 Days |
| Sick Leave | 13 Days |
| Paid Holidays | 11 Days |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401k with up to 5% match |
In addition to these financial perks, you will receive free professional liability protection with tail coverage, a potential $1,000 CME reimbursement, and access to comprehensive federal health insurance plans.
Application Tips
- Use the Required Template: Download the specific VA Clinical Resume document from the link provided in the vacancy announcement.
- Be Specific: In your application, detail your experience with interdisciplinary teams and healthcare administrative tasks.
- Prepare for Verification: Ensure your supporting documents, such as your medical license and board certification, are current and ready for upload.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the application deadline? A: The closing date for this application is December 14, 2026.
Q: Is there an employment contract? A: No, the VA does not require a long-term physician employment contract, offering more flexibility compared to private practice.
Q: How does the VA handle the influenza vaccination requirement? A: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment for all VHA clinical staff.
Serving as a Section Chief at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the well-being of Veterans. If you possess the leadership skills and clinical dedication required to lead our outpatient podiatry team, we encourage you to apply and become part of our mission-driven team today.
Why This Podiatrist - Scid Scid Outpatient Section Chief Job Matters
Lead a multidisciplinary team in San Antonio and advance the standard of care for Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders in this high-impact clinical leadership role.
Podiatrist - Scid Scid Outpatient Section Chief Job Overview
The South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) is seeking a dedicated Podiatrist to serve as the Outpatient Section Chief within our Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder (SCI/D) service. This leadership position is designed for a clinician who excels in both patient care and administrative management. You will oversee a team of outpatient providers, manage clinic workflow, and contribute to research and educational initiatives at a premier tertiary training hospital. This role offers the unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served our country while operating in an environment committed to professional growth, research, and collaborative care.
Requirements for Podiatrist - Scid Scid Outpatient Section Chief
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from an accredited school of podiatric medicine
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice Podiatry in any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia
- Completion of an approved residency training program in podiatric medicine
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening
- Completion of mandatory influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Podiatrist - Scid Scid Outpatient Section Chief
- Residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology, Family Medicine, or Internal Medicine
- American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) board certification
- Experience in SCI/D clinical environments
- Demonstrated leadership in healthcare administration, budgeting, and quality assurance
- Experience with electronic medical records (EMR) and healthcare information systems
- Proven track record in staff development and performance improvement
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive base salary with annual performance bonuses
- ✓Generous PTO (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays)
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401(k) with 5% matching
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance options
- ✓Free malpractice liability protection with tail coverage
- ✓Potential annual CME reimbursement of $1,000
- ✓No restrictive employment contracts
💡 How to Apply Podiatrist - Scid Scid Outpatient Section Chief Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Podiatrist - Scid Scid Outpatient Section Chief Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement and questionnaire.
- Prepare your resume using the required VA Clinical Resume template.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents, including your license and transcripts.
- Submit your complete application package via the online portal before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume document provided in the announcement to ensure your application meets all formatting standards.
- Be detailed and specific when describing your clinical and leadership experience; the VA cannot make assumptions about your background.
- Submit your application well in advance of the deadline to avoid technical issues.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are legible and clearly labeled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) benefits are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
What is the work schedule for this role?
This position operates on a standard Monday through Friday schedule, from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Are there opportunities for remote work?
This position is approved for Ad-Hoc telework only; however, it is a clinical leadership role requiring significant on-site presence for patient care and staff supervision.