Advance Your Career in Pain and Addiction Medicine at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System is currently seeking three highly qualified, compassionate physicians to serve as core providers for the National Tele-Pain Addiction Consult (TPAC) Service. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of pain management and addiction care for our nation’s Veterans through a cutting-edge, mission-driven national platform.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will provide critical support as part of the Pain Management and Opioid Safety Center of Excellence (PMOS-COE). Key duties include:
- Telehealth Consultations: Conduct clinical assessments and treatment plans for Veterans referred nationally.
- Integrated Care: Address complex pain conditions alongside substance use disorders (SUD) and opioid use disorders (OUD).
- Clinical Management: Initiate pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, including multimodal analgesics and MOUD.
- Collaboration: Partner with clinical pharmacists and inter-professional teams to optimize workflows.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following baseline standards:
- U.S. Citizenship (with limited exceptions).
- Degree from an accredited school of medicine (MD or DO).
- Current, unrestricted state medical license.
- Completion of an accredited core residency program.
- Board eligibility or certification in Pain or Addiction Medicine.
- Proficiency in English and ability to pass security/physical screenings.
Salary and Compensation Overview
Positions with the VA offer a highly competitive total rewards package designed for long-term financial security and work-life balance.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $350,000 - $400,000 |
| Paid Time Off | 50-55 days per year |
| Retirement | Federal pension + 401k with 5% match |
| Malpractice | Free liability protection with tail coverage |
Benefits
Beyond the salary, you will enjoy federal health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as the unique opportunity to work in a facility with strong academic ties to UCLA. Physicians enjoy the autonomy of practice without the restrictive contracts often found in the private sector.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Ensure you use the VA-provided clinical resume format to increase your chances of being referred.
- Highlight Specialization: Emphasize your specific experience with complex pain and addiction management in your supporting documents.
- Early Submission: The vacancy may close as soon as the quota is filled; apply early.
Serving as a TPAC physician in Los Angeles offers a rare balance of clinical innovation, professional prestige, and the profound reward of supporting Veterans. If you are a dedicated physician looking to push the boundaries of pain management, we encourage you to apply today.
Why This Physician (Pain Management) Job Matters
Join the forefront of pain management and addiction medicine as a clinical expert with the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System.
Physician (Pain Management) Job Overview
The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System is recruiting three dedicated physicians to join the National Tele-Pain Addiction Consult (TPAC) Service within the Pain Management and Opioid Safety Center of Excellence (PMOS-COE). In this vital role, you will provide national telehealth consultations for complex pain conditions and co-occurring substance use disorders, bridging the gap in care for our nation’s Veterans. This position offers a unique blend of clinical leadership, research, and administrative influence within a mission-driven, academic-affiliated environment.
Requirements for Physician (Pain Management)
- United States Citizenship
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree
- Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia
- Completion of an ACGME or AOA accredited residency training program
- Board Eligibility or Board Certification in Pain Medicine, Addiction Medicine, or a related subspecialty
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Pain Management)
- Fellowship training in Pain Medicine, Addiction Medicine, or related fields
- Proven clinical experience managing complex pain, musculoskeletal, neuropathic, or cancer-related conditions
- Proficiency in managing Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and Opioid Use Disorders (OUD)
- Experience with opioid safety practices, including risk stratification and naloxone co-prescribing
- Experience in prescribing or managing Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
- Familiarity with VA EHR platforms such as CPRS/VistA
- Eligibility for a UCLA clinical faculty appointment
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with potential annual performance bonuses
- ✓50-55 days of total paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays)
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401k with employer matching up to 5%
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Malpractice liability protection with tail coverage
- ✓CME reimbursement opportunities
- ✓Support for academic faculty appointments
💡 How to Apply Physician (Pain Management) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Pain Management) Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Download the mandatory Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers website.
- Prepare your CV and detailed resume, ensuring all relevant clinical experience is captured.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package, ensuring all required documents are attached before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Use the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA to ensure your application passes initial screening.
- Clearly highlight your experience with both pain management and addiction treatment in your CV.
- If you have academic or research experience, ensure this is clearly documented to demonstrate your suitability for the PMOS-COE mission.
- Submit your application well in advance of the deadline, as the announcement may close early if the positions are filled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this physician role?
This role centers on providing national telehealth consultations for Veterans experiencing complex pain conditions co-occurring with substance or opioid use disorders as part of the TPAC service.
Is residency training in a specific specialty required?
Yes, you must have completed an accredited residency program and be board-eligible or certified in Pain Medicine, Addiction Medicine, or a related subspecialty.
Are there opportunities for faculty appointments?
Yes, the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System maintains a partnership with UCLA, and the PMOS-COE supports eligible candidates in pursuing a clinical faculty appointment.
Is relocation assistance provided?
*A: Relocation expenses are generally not provided for this specific role.*
Can I moonlight?
*A: There are no significant restrictions on moonlighting outside of your VA responsibilities, provided they do not conflict with clinical standards.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By working within the VA Desert Pacific Health Care Network, you will contribute to a Whole Health System of care that prioritizes personalized health plans and healing environments.