Become a Colorectal Surgeon for America's Heroes in Omaha, Nebraska

Finding a surgical career that successfully balances demanding clinical excellence with a rewarding personal lifestyle is rare. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers just that. The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System (VANWIHCS) is currently seeking a dedicated, highly trained Colorectal Surgeon to join its esteemed Surgical Service Department in Omaha, Nebraska. This full-time clinical role is not just a medical job; it is a profound opportunity to provide life-changing colorectal care to the men and women who have defended our country.

Physicians within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) enjoy a unique professional environment. Here, clinical outcomes take precedence over insurance bureaucracy, and surgical precision is backed by an incredibly robust administrative support system. If you are looking for a collaborative, academic surgical setting without the stress of private practice administrative overhead, this position offers an ideal pathway to a fulfilling medical career.

About the Agency: The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System

The Department of Veterans Affairs is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Under the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, clinical staff serve a vast and diverse veteran population spanning 99 counties across Nebraska, western Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. This extensive system includes a state-of-the-art tertiary medical center in Omaha, dynamic clinics in Lincoln and Grand Island, two specialized Community Living Centers, and five community-based outpatient clinics.

Living in Omaha, Nebraska

For many medical professionals, location is just as important as the clinical opportunity itself. Omaha is regularly recognized as one of the country's best-kept secrets for professionals and families alike:

Top-Tier Work-Life Balance: A 2025 Coworking Cafe study ranked Omaha #3 among the best U.S. cities for work-life balance, citing its outstanding commute times, active community culture, and excellent school districts.
Unmatched Affordability: The cost of living in Omaha is approximately 9% lower than the national average. Homebuyers will find exceptional value here, with housing prices averaging 38% below the national median.
Economic Stability: Boasting a remarkably low unemployment rate of just 3%, Omaha was named the #1 city to move to in 2024 by Forbes due to its strong economy, safe neighborhoods, and dynamic cultural scene.

Job Responsibilities

As a Colorectal Surgeon within the VANWIHCS Surgical Service, you will operate as an independent clinical authority. Your daily efforts will center on delivering specialized surgical assessments and advanced operative interventions.

Key duties and clinical activities include:

Patient Evaluations: Conducting thorough clinical assessments in outpatient clinics, inpatient wards, emergency rooms, and perioperative settings.
Operative Procedures: Executing complex abdominal, pelvic, and anorectal procedures within your granted privileges, leveraging modern laparoscopic and robotic platforms.
Perioperative Management: Overseeing pre-operative planning and meticulous post-operative follow-up care to minimize surgical complications and optimize healing.
Educational Leadership: Directing, teaching, and supervising general surgery residents, mid-level providers (APPs), and medical students in both clinical and classroom environments.
Multidisciplinary Coordination: Collaborating closely with oncology, gastroenterology, radiology, and pathology specialists to structure complete cancer and inflammatory bowel disease care plans.
Clinical Documentation: Maintaining timely, detailed, and accurate electronic medical records within the modern CPRS/Cerner systems to track treatment outcomes and satisfy federal healthcare guidelines.
On-Call Duties: Participating in an equitable, shared surgical call schedule as established by the Surgical Service Chief.

Requirements & Qualifications

To be considered for this high-level surgical role, candidates must satisfy both the core federal qualifications and the specialized clinical credentials necessary for colorectal surgical practice.

Basic Requirements:

Citizenship: Applicants must be United States citizens. Non-citizens can only be appointed in rare cases where no qualified citizen candidates are available.
Education: Must hold a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from an approved medical school accredited by the LCME or COCA. International medical graduates must present a valid ECFMG certificate.
Licensure: Hold at least one active, current, and completely unrestricted medical license from any U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Residency Training: Successful completion of an ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency program in General Surgery, followed by fellowship training in colorectal surgery leading to board eligibility or certification.
Language Proficiency: Must write, speak, and understand the English language fluently.
Health Screening: Pass a standard pre-employment physical examination and complete the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination series.

Salary Overview & Compensation Structure

The VA provides a highly competitive salary range that rivals private sector pay while removing the financial volatility of productivity-only compensation structures. The annual salary for this position is established through a formal, centralized peer pay-setting process that meticulously reviews your training, years of clinical experience, and board credentials.

Salary Range: $300,000 to $400,000 Per Year
Grade: VM-15
Bonus Potential: Eligible for annual performance-based bonuses and routine federal salary adjustments.

Benefits & Total Rewards

The VHA’s complete compensation strategy extends far beyond base pay. The benefits associated with federal medical employment are unmatched in the private sector, specifically designed to support long-term professional satisfaction and retirement security.

Benefit Comparison Table

Benefit Category	VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health System	Typical Private Practice Environment
Annual Leave / PTO	50–55 days of total paid time off annually	Typically 15–25 days of combined leave
Malpractice Coverage	Free federal tort liability protection with full tail	Paid privately; tail coverage often expensive
Retirement & Pension	Traditional federal pension + TSP (401k) with 5% match	Standard 401k with varying or no match; no pension
Restrictive Covenants	None; no non-competes, easy moonlighting	Strict geographic and clinical non-competes
CME Support	Up to 5 days paid CME leave + potential $1,000 reimbursement	Variable CME allowance; often deducts from standard PTO

Application Tips & Process

Applying for a federal medical role requires close attention to detail. Candidates must follow specific guidelines to ensure their clinical achievements are presented accurately to the credentialing board.

Download the Standard Clinical Resume: The VA requires a specific, single-page standard template. Download this document from the official VA careers website.
Use the Correct Upload Fields: Upload the standard one-page template into the designated 'Resume' upload field. Your extensive, unrestricted curriculum vitae (CV) should be uploaded separately into the 'Other' documents field. This ensures your complete clinical background is reviewed without being cut off by system page restrictions.
Detail Your Credentials: List your active medical licenses, board certifications, residency timelines, and fellowship training clearly on your CV, complete with precise dates.
Claim Veterans' Preference: If you served in the U.S. military, submit a legible copy of your DD-214 and SF-15 to ensure your preferences are credited during the ranking process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What electronic health record (EHR) system is used at this facility?

The facility currently uses CPRS and is actively transitioning alongside the broader VHA network to modernized Cerner EHR platforms, ensuring streamlined charting and interdisciplinary communication.

Q: Can I apply if my board certification is still pending?

Yes. Candidates who are currently completing their colorectal surgery fellowships or who are board-eligible may apply and be tentatively selected, though all clinical requirements must be finalized prior to your formal start date.

Q: Are there opportunities to conduct clinical research?

Yes. As an integrated tertiary medical center, VANWIHCS supports a robust clinical research infrastructure, allowing interested surgeons to participate in clinical studies and academic publications.

Q: What is the required probationary period?

In accordance with federal regulations for Title 38 medical personnel, newly appointed physicians serve a two-year probationary period to evaluate overall performance and clinical integration.

Practicing as a Colorectal Surgeon at the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System in Omaha offers an unparalleled opportunity to escape the administrative burdens of modern private practice. With a competitive salary, an industry-leading retirement package, and a vibrant, affordable community to call home, this position is the perfect next step for an ambitious, mission-minded surgeon. Take the next step in your career and apply today to join a team dedicated to providing outstanding surgical care to those who served.

Why This Physician - Colorectal Surgery Job Matters

Step into a premier surgical leadership role where clinical excellence meets a profound mission: providing world-class colorectal care to America's Veterans in the heart of Omaha.

Physician - Colorectal Surgery Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled, board-certified or board-eligible Colorectal Surgeon to join the Surgical Service Department at the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System (VANWIHCS). Operating out of Omaha, Nebraska, this full-time role offers an exceptional balance of clinical autonomy, resident supervision, and a comprehensive federal benefits package with no restrictive employment covenants.

Requirements for Physician - Colorectal Surgery

United States Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered only if no qualified citizens apply).
Degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from an accredited institution.
Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Successful completion of an accredited residency training program in general surgery and specialized fellowship training in colorectal surgery.
Board Certification in Colorectal Surgery (or eligibility to achieve board certification).
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Pass a pre-employment physical examination and background screening.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician - Colorectal Surgery

Active Board Certification in Colorectal Surgery.
Experience teaching and supervising general surgery residents and medical students.
Demonstrated expertise in minimally invasive and robotic colorectal surgical procedures.
Strong track record of multidisciplinary collaboration with gastroenterology, oncology, and pathology teams.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Generous Paid Time Off: 50 to 55 days of paid time off annually, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 sick days, and 11 federal holidays.
✓Robust Retirement Plan: Traditional Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) pension plus a Thrift Savings Plan (401k) with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Liability Protection: Free federal malpractice coverage, including comprehensive tail coverage.
✓Health Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program with extensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
✓Professional Development: Up to 5 days of paid absence for Continuing Medical Education (CME) and potential reimbursement of up to $1,000 annually.
✓Practice Freedom: No restrictive covenants, non-compete clauses, or limitations on outside moonlighting activities.

💡 How to Apply Physician - Colorectal Surgery Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician - Colorectal Surgery Job

Download the mandatory standard Clinical Resume Document from the VA careers portal.
Complete the standard one-page Clinical Resume and upload it directly into the 'Resume' upload field on USAJobs.
Upload your full, unrestricted curriculum vitae (CV) and any supporting documents (such as board certifications, active licenses, and DD-214 if claiming veterans' preference) into the 'Other' document field.
Submit your complete application questionnaire through the online USAStaffing portal by 11:59 PM ET on November 4, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your full CV has no page limits and is uploaded under the 'Other' document slot to bypass the 'Resume' section's two-page limit.
Clearly indicate your licensure details, including the state, license number, and expiration date on your CV.
Veterans should attach a highly legible copy of their DD-214 showing the character of service to ensure preference points are applied correctly.
Review your self-assessment questionnaire answers carefully, as any discrepancies with your uploaded CV can affect your eligibility rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the work schedule for this Colorectal Surgeon position?

The standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with additional shared call duties as assigned by the surgical service department.

Do I need a Nebraska medical license to practice at the Omaha VA?

No. Because this is a federal facility, you can practice with an active, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state, territory, or Commonwealth.

Are there non-compete clauses or restrictions on outside clinical work?

No, the VA does not require a physician employment contract and has no restrictive covenants. Outside clinical activities (moonlighting) are permitted, provided they do not conflict with your official duties.

Is this colorectal surgery position eligible for remote work or telework?

No, because of the hands-on clinical and surgical demands of this position, telework is not available.