Advance Your Career as a Psychiatrist at the Salem VA Medical Center

Are you a dedicated mental health professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Salem VA Medical Center is currently recruiting for a Physician (Psychiatrist) to serve our nation's Veterans. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a mission-driven organization in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Blue Ridge mountains.

Job Responsibilities

As a Psychiatrist, your primary focus will be delivering compassionate, recovery-oriented care. Your daily duties will include:

Assessing and treating outpatients and inpatients via psychopharmacology and psychotherapy.
Leading clinical teams and providing mentorship to residents and physician assistants.
Participating in a call rotation to ensure 24/7 psychiatric coverage.
Maintaining detailed clinical records and conducting peer chart reviews.
Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic patient care.

Comparison: Standard Practice vs. VA Psychiatry

Feature	VA Psychiatry	Private Practice
Liability Protection	Fully Provided (Tail Coverage)	Often Paid Out-of-Pocket
Patient Load	Focused on Veteran Needs	Dependent on Billing/Insurance
Benefits	Full Federal Package	Varies by Group
Contracts	None	Often Restrictive

Requirements

To be considered for this vital role, candidates must meet the following basic standards:

Education: Degree from an accredited school of medicine or osteopathic medicine.
Licensure: A full, unrestricted license to practice in any U.S. State or Territory.
Experience: Completed residency training in an accredited program.
Proficiency: Must be fluent in written and spoken English.
Eligibility: Must be board eligible or certified in Psychiatry.

Salary Overview

The position offers a highly competitive annual salary ranging from $280,000 to $315,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This package is supplemented by regular salary increases and performance-based incentives.

Benefits

Working for the VA offers a "total rewards" approach to compensation:

Paid Time Off: 50-55 days annually, including holidays.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension and a 401(k) with agency matching.
Insurance: Extensive options for health, dental, and vision coverage.
Professional Support: Access to CME reimbursements and leadership development.

Application Tips

To ensure your application stands out, follow these steps:

Download the standardized clinical resume template provided on the official VA Careers site.
Ensure your board certification status is clearly highlighted.
Verify your licensing credentials before submitting.
Use the USAJOBS portal to track your status updates in real-time.

The Salem VA Medical Center offers more than just a job; it offers a chance to serve those who have sacrificed for our freedom. With competitive pay, robust federal benefits, and a collaborative environment, this position is the perfect next step for a committed Psychiatrist.

Why This Physician - Psychiatrist Job Matters

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who served our nation while advancing your medical career in the scenic Blue Ridge region of Virginia.

Physician - Psychiatrist Job Overview

The Salem VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Physician to join our psychiatric care team. In this role, you will provide comprehensive, evidence-based mental health services to Veterans, working within a multidisciplinary team to deliver patient-centered, recovery-oriented care. You will enjoy a collaborative work environment with competitive federal compensation, excellent work-life balance, and the opportunity to help shape the future of mental health services for our heroes.

Requirements for Physician - Psychiatrist

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions only per VA policy).
Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy from an accredited institution.
Current, full, and unrestricted medical license in any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
Completion of an accredited residency program in Psychiatry.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Successful completion of a background and security investigation.
Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician - Psychiatrist

Board certification in Psychiatry.
Experience in both outpatient and inpatient clinical settings.
Interest in academic teaching or supervision of residents and physician assistants.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-based mental health environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with annual performance bonus potential.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
✓Generous PTO (up to 55 days annually, including holidays and sick leave).
✓Federal pension plan and 401(k)-style retirement with agency match.
✓Free professional liability and tail coverage.
✓Potential reimbursement for Continuing Medical Education (CME).
✓No mandatory employment contracts.

💡 How to Apply Physician - Psychiatrist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician - Psychiatrist Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your CV and specific VA-required clinical resume document.
Complete the occupational questionnaire through the application portal.
Upload all necessary documentation, ensuring your clinical resume is in the restricted two-page upload field.
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your clinical resume strictly follows the VA template to avoid formatting issues.
Clearly document all board certification status and residency training dates.
Include both paid and volunteer experience if relevant to clinical competency.
Review your application for completeness; minor omissions can disqualify you from the referral process.
Apply well before the deadline, as the announcement may close early if the vacancy is filled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is board certification required for this position?

While board eligibility is a baseline requirement, board certification is highly preferred and may be linked to certain CME benefits.

What is the call schedule like?

The role involves rotating in-house call and some call-from-home duties, ensuring coverage for inpatient and emergency psychiatric needs.

Are there opportunities for research?

Yes, while not required, research and publication are strongly encouraged at the Salem VA Medical Center.

Can I moonlighting while employed here?

Yes, there are no significant restrictions on moonlighting, provided it does not interfere with your primary duties.

Is relocation assistance available?

Relocation is not currently offered for this specific position.

What is the work schedule?

Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 7:45 am – 4:30 pm or 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, with rotating on-call requirements.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our military, their families, and their survivors. The Salem VA Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare in a region known for its high quality of life, affordable cost of living, and access to world-class outdoor recreation, from the Appalachian Trail to nearby cultural landmarks.