Lead Neurosurgical Excellence at the VA St. Louis Health Care System
The VA St. Louis Health Care System is currently inviting applications for a Staff Physician to serve as the Section Chief of Neurosurgery. This position represents a rare opportunity for an accomplished neurosurgeon to take on a leadership role within one of the nation's premier healthcare organizations for Veterans. Combining complex clinical operative work with administrative oversight and teaching, this role is perfectly suited for a surgeon looking to define the future of neurosurgical care in the Gateway to the West.
Job Responsibilities
As the Section Chief, your duties will be diverse and highly influential. You will serve as the primary advisor to the Associate Chief of Staff for Surgical Service. Key responsibilities include:
- Clinical Care: Evaluating and treating patients with spinal and peripheral nerve conditions.
- Operative Leadership: Performing complex spinal surgical procedures, including reconstruction, while modeling best practices in safety and teamwork.
- Administrative Oversight: Managing the Neurosurgery section, optimizing workflows, and ensuring quality outcomes.
- Teaching: Mentoring residents, Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), and nursing staff in neurosurgical principles.
Requirements
To be considered for this high-level position, candidates must meet the following baseline federal criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship (with limited exceptions).
- Medical degree (MD or DO) from an accredited institution.
- Full, unrestricted medical license from any U.S. State or Territory.
- Completed residency in an ACGME or AOA accredited program.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
Salary and Benefits Overview
We offer a competitive compensation package designed to reward clinical excellence and leadership.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $400,000 per year |
| Paid Time Off | 50-55 days (Annual, Sick, & Holidays) |
| Retirement | Federal Pension & 401(k) with match |
| Malpractice | Free coverage with tail protection |
| CME | $1,000 reimbursement potential |
Application Tips
Submitting a federal application can be meticulous. Ensure you utilize the official VA resume template found on the VA Careers website. Explicitly outline your experience in complex spinal surgeries, as this is a preferred qualification for this leadership post.
This role offers the rare chance to lead in a stable, mission-driven environment while benefiting from the cultural and economic vitality of St. Louis. If you are a board-certified neurosurgeon ready to make your mark on Veterans' healthcare, we encourage you to apply today.
Why This Staff Physician/Section Chief Of Neurosurgery Job Matters
Lead a mission-driven Neurosurgery section in the heart of the Midwest, where elite clinical practice meets unparalleled support for our nation's Veterans.
Staff Physician/Section Chief Of Neurosurgery Job Overview
The VA St. Louis Health Care System is seeking a distinguished Staff Physician to serve as the Section Chief of Neurosurgery. This pivotal leadership role oversees a comprehensive surgical section within a high-volume, multi-campus tertiary referral center. You will guide a multidisciplinary team in delivering world-class neurosurgical care, performing complex spinal procedures, and mentoring the next generation of medical professionals. This role offers the unique chance to balance clinical excellence with administrative influence in one of the nation's most family-friendly cities.
Requirements for Staff Physician/Section Chief Of Neurosurgery
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment waivers apply per VA policy).
- Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine degree from an accredited institution.
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine in any U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Completed residency training in an accredited program (ACGME or AOA).
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Eligibility for Faculty Appointment with an academic affiliate partner.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Physician/Section Chief Of Neurosurgery
- Demonstrated technical expertise in complex spine surgery.
- Proven experience in deformity correction and revision procedures.
- Strong leadership background within a surgical service department.
- Active involvement in academic teaching and scholarly neurosurgical research.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary of $400,000 per year.
- ✓Annual performance bonus opportunities.
- ✓Generous PTO: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Federal pension (5-year vesting) and 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Free malpractice liability protection with tail coverage.
- ✓Recruitment/Relocation incentives available for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Possible $1,000 annual reimbursement for Continuing Medical Education (CME).
💡 How to Apply Staff Physician/Section Chief Of Neurosurgery Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Physician/Section Chief Of Neurosurgery Job
- Prepare a current C.V. and use the official VA clinical resume template.
- Create an account on USAJobs and verify your documentation.
- Submit your application and required documents through the online portal.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Await notification regarding status, interview selection, and credentialing verification.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your complex spine surgery experience.
- Review the specific document requirements regarding the two-page restricted resume field.
- If you are a veteran, include your DD214 to receive proper preference consideration.
- Check your application status regularly via your USAJobs dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a contract required for this position?
No, there is no physician employment contract required for this role, and there are no significant restrictions on moonlighting.
What is the expected workload for this position?
The schedule is full-time and negotiable upon selection, including equitable participation in the neurosurgical call schedule.
Is relocation assistance available?
Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be offered to highly qualified individuals.
What is the primary focus of the clinical practice?
The position focuses on inpatient and outpatient neurosurgical care, with a heavy emphasis on complex spine and functional neurosurgery.
Is research encouraged?
Yes, candidates are encouraged to engage in research and scholarly activity related to neurosurgical outcomes.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Providing care to our nation's heroes, the VA St. Louis Health Care System operates a two-campus, full-service tertiary referral center. We are deeply committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and cutting-edge medical care to Veterans, offering over 65 subspecialty areas of practice.