Advance Your Medical Career at the Wilmington VA Medical Center

Are you an ophthalmologist looking to balance a high-impact surgical practice with a fulfilling career mission? The Wilmington VA Medical Center is actively seeking a Board-Certified or Board-Eligible Ophthalmologist to join its surgical team. This role is an exceptional opportunity to serve those who have served our nation while working within an environment that supports professional growth, innovation, and patient-centered care.

Job Responsibilities

As an ophthalmologist at the Wilmington VA, your daily activities will be both clinically and surgically diverse. Key responsibilities include:

Surgical Expertise: Performing cataract surgeries, as well as laser-assisted procedures using YAG, SLT, and Argon lasers.
Clinical Care: Evaluating patients to develop specialized treatment plans for glaucoma, eyelid disorders, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and neurological visual disorders.
Teaching and Supervision: Providing mentorship to ophthalmology residents, overseeing their training in both clinical and surgical environments.
Operational Leadership: Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure clinic productivity, peer review, and continuous quality improvement.

Core Competencies Comparison

Feature	Private Practice	VA Medical Center
Malpractice Coverage	Often paid by individual	Full coverage with tail provided
Patient Base	Varies	Dedicated Veteran population
Work Schedule	Variable/Call-heavy	Stable M-F, 7:30 AM - 4 PM
Employment Contract	Usually required	No employment contract required

Requirements

You must meet several foundational criteria to be eligible for this position, including:

A valid MD or DO degree from an accredited institution.
A full and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. State or territory.
Successful completion of an ACGME or AOA approved residency program.
Citizenship eligibility.
Ability to pass standard physical and background screenings.

Salary and Benefits

The VA offers a market-competitive salary range of $330,000 – $385,000 annually. Beyond the base salary, the total rewards package is designed to provide long-term security and professional satisfaction:

Paid Time Off: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
Retirement: Benefit from a traditional federal pension and a 401K-style savings plan with matching contributions.
Incentives: Potential recruitment bonuses and relocation assistance for highly qualified candidates.
Insurance: Federal health, life, and long-term care plans that often extend into retirement.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position can be unique. To ensure your application stands out:

Follow the Template: Use the specific VA Clinical Resume document linked in the announcement.
Highlight Volume: Clearly list your surgical procedure counts, especially cataract surgeries.
Check Cut-off Dates: This is an open continuous announcement, but the VA reviews applications in batches. Submitting early ensures your profile is considered in the first round of referrals.

If you are ready to combine your surgical expertise with a mission-driven career, the Wilmington VA Medical Center offers an unparalleled work environment. With competitive salary, federal benefits, and a focus on patient care over profitability, this is a career move that offers both personal and professional fulfillment.

Why This Physician - Ophthalmologist (Open Continuous) Job Matters

Transform lives while advancing your career as a Staff Ophthalmologist at the Wilmington VA Medical Center, where clinical excellence meets a profound mission of service.

Physician - Ophthalmologist (Open Continuous) Job Overview

The Wilmington VA Medical Center invites skilled and compassionate Ophthalmologists to join our dedicated Surgical Care team. This is a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive eye care to our nation's Veterans, ranging from routine clinical consultations to complex surgical interventions. As a key member of our medical staff, you will manage a diverse patient population while working in a supportive environment that prioritizes patient-centered, whole-health care.

Requirements for Physician - Ophthalmologist (Open Continuous)

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only under specific VA policy).
Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
Current, full, and unrestricted medical license to practice in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
Completed residency training in an ACGME or AOA accredited program.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
Ability to complete a background security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician - Ophthalmologist (Open Continuous)

Completed fellowship training in Ophthalmology.
Extensive recent surgical experience with a primary focus on cataract procedures.
Proven track record in managing complex ocular conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with regular performance-based increases.
✓Comprehensive federal retirement plan including pension and 401K-style contributions.
✓Extensive leave package: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Full federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance benefits.
✓Malpractice liability coverage with tail protection.
✓CME reimbursement opportunities.
✓Relocation and recruitment incentives available for highly qualified candidates.

💡 How to Apply Physician - Ophthalmologist (Open Continuous) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician - Ophthalmologist (Open Continuous) Job

Create a profile on USAJOBS and ensure your resume is updated.
Download the VA Clinical Resume template provided on the VA Careers website.
Upload your customized one-page Clinical Resume and your full CV.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your final application packet before the closing date or internal cut-off dates.

💡 General Tips

Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template; this is often a mandatory filter for initial screening.
Be detailed about your surgical volume, especially regarding cataract procedures, in your CV.
Monitor your email frequently after applying for status updates and potential interview requests.
If you are a veteran, ensure you have your DD214 ready to claim preference points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position open to non-citizens?

Generally, the VA requires U.S. Citizenship, but non-citizens may be considered if qualified U.S. citizens are not available.

What is the typical work schedule for this role?

This position operates on a consistent Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM schedule, providing a better work-life balance than many private practice settings.

Does the VA provide malpractice insurance?

Yes, VA physicians are provided with comprehensive malpractice liability protection, including tail coverage.

Is there a restrictive employment contract?

No. One of the major advantages of a VA medical position is the absence of restrictive employment contracts or non-competes.

Can I moonlight outside of my VA duties?

Yes, generally there are no significant restrictions on moonlighting, provided it does not conflict with your primary duties at the VA.

Is this position for a general ophthalmologist?

The position is well-suited for general ophthalmologists with a strong interest in surgery, particularly cataract and anterior segment care.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to provide the highest quality care to our military veterans. By joining the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), you become part of a massive, collaborative network of healthcare professionals dedicated to excellence, integrity, and dignity. The Wilmington facility is committed to providing comprehensive eye care, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to treat both common and complex visual impairments.