Advance Your Career as a Staff Neurosurgeon with the VA St. Louis
Are you a neurosurgeon passionate about delivering elite care to those who have served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for a skilled Staff Physician for their neurosurgery department in St. Louis, Missouri. This position offers not only a highly competitive salary but also the unique opportunity to shape the future of surgical care for Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Neurosurgeon, you will serve as a cornerstone of the Surgical Service. Your responsibilities are multifaceted, covering:
- Clinical Excellence: Performing cranial, spinal, and peripheral nerve surgeries.
- Team Leadership: Mentoring Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), residents, and nursing staff.
- Emergency Care: Providing urgent neurosurgical consultation and emergent operative interventions.
- Academic Contribution: Participating in medical education and clinical research initiatives.
Comparison: Private Practice vs. VA Neurosurgery
| Feature | Private Practice | VA Neurosurgery |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Paid by Surgeon/Group | Covered by Federal Government |
| Benefits | Varies by Group | Comprehensive Federal Package |
| Patient Population | Varies | Dedicated to Veterans |
| Contractual Flexibility | Often restrictive | No employment contract |
Requirements
To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen and possess a current, unrestricted medical license. You must have completed an accredited residency in neurosurgery and demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English. Eligibility for a faculty appointment at our academic affiliate is also required.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a flat annual salary of $400,000. Beyond the base pay, the VA provides an unmatched benefits package including:
- Time Off: Up to 55 days of leave (vacation, sick, and federal holidays).
- Retirement: A dual-track system featuring a federal pension and a 401(k)-style plan.
- Insurance: Access to long-term care, life, and extensive health insurance options.
If you are a dedicated neurosurgeon looking to balance high-acuity surgical work with a supportive and mission-driven environment, the VA St. Louis Health Care System is the ideal workplace. Apply today to start your journey in the Gateway to the West.
Why This Staff Physician/Neurosurgery Job Matters
Transform lives in the Gateway to the West. Join the VA St. Louis Health Care System as a Staff Neurosurgeon and provide world-class, life-changing care to our nation’s Veterans.
Staff Physician/Neurosurgery Job Overview
The VA St. Louis Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Staff Physician specializing in Neurosurgery to join our dynamic Surgical Service team. This role is perfect for a mission-driven clinician who wants to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who have served. You will work in a high-volume, collaborative environment that values clinical excellence, teaching, and administrative leadership. Whether you are performing complex spine procedures, mentoring residents, or coordinating care, your work will be vital to our mission of honoring America's Veterans.
Requirements for Staff Physician/Neurosurgery
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment conditions are met).
- Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy degree from an accredited institution.
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Completion of an ACGME or AOA-approved residency program in Neurosurgery.
- Eligibility for Faculty Appointment with the VA St. Louis Health Care System's academic affiliate.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
- Completion of a 2-year trial period upon appointment.
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Physician/Neurosurgery
- Board Certification or Board Eligibility in Neurosurgery.
- Advanced fellowship training in Complex Spine surgery.
- Proven expertise in deformity correction and complex revision procedures.
- Experience in an academic or teaching-hospital setting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive annual salary of $400,000.
- ✓Recruitment/Relocation Incentive for qualified candidates.
- ✓Generous PTO: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans.
- ✓Traditional federal pension with 5-year vesting and 401(k) options with up to 5% agency match.
- ✓Free malpractice liability protection with tail coverage.
- ✓Support for Continuing Medical Education (CME) with potential reimbursement.
- ✓No mandatory physician employment contract.
💡 How to Apply Staff Physician/Neurosurgery Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Physician/Neurosurgery Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
- Download the standard Clinical Resume Document provided by the VA.
- Prepare your CV and required documentation.
- Upload the Clinical Resume to the two-page restricted document field and your full CV to the 'Other' documents field.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your documentation is legible and clearly outlines your residency and board status.
- Apply well before the deadline, as the position may close early if filled.
- Use the specific VA-provided resume template for your primary upload to ensure compliance.
- Clearly highlight your experience with spine surgery and academic teaching during the interview process.
- Reach out to the listed agency contact if you require an alternative application method due to a disability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is board certification required?
Candidates must be board-certified or board-eligible in Neurosurgery and meet specific residency requirements.
What is the work environment like in St. Louis?
St. Louis is a top-ranked city for professionals and families, offering a blend of historic charm, world-class parks, and a low cost of living, making it an ideal place to build a career.
Are there opportunities for teaching?
Yes, this role involves supervising residents and allied health professionals and contributing to academic programs through the VA’s affiliate partners.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans, the VA is a national leader in surgical innovation, research, and patient-centered medicine. The St. Louis Health Care System functions as a dual-campus tertiary referral center, serving as a hub for complex care and subspecialty treatment.