Advance Your Career as a Primary Care Physician at the Iowa City VA

Are you a dedicated physician seeking a career that combines clinical excellence with the opportunity to serve those who have served our nation? The Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (ICVAHCS) is currently hiring a Primary Care Physician specializing in Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI/D). This is a unique opportunity to join a 5-star rated, innovative medical team in the heart of Iowa.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be the clinical lead for a panel of Veterans with acute and chronic spinal cord injuries. Key duties include:

Providing comprehensive outpatient and inpatient primary care.
Conducting initial evaluations and ongoing follow-up for Veterans with limb loss.
Serving as the SCI/D Spoke PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) provider.
Coordinating complex care with specialized SCI/D regional hubs.
Contributing to quality management and interdisciplinary team accreditation.

Requirements

Requirement Type	Criteria
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education	MD or DO degree from accredited school
Licensure	Current, full, and unrestricted medical license
Training	Completed ACGME/AOA accredited residency
Certification	Board certified or eligible in Internal Medicine/Family Medicine

Salary and Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package designed to reward your commitment to medical excellence:

Salary: $220,000 to $315,000 annually.
Education Debt: Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000.
Work-Life Balance: 50-55 days of annual paid time off (including leave, sick time, and federal holidays).
Financial Security: Federal pension and 401K with generous agency matching.

Application Tips

Applying to federal positions requires precision. Ensure that your application includes both your comprehensive CV and the required standardized clinical resume format. Since this is an open continuous announcement, don't wait until the closing date; we conduct regular reviews and referral cut-offs monthly.

Joining the Iowa City VA means becoming part of a community that values your expertise and supports your professional development. If you are ready to make a significant impact on the lives of Veterans, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Primary Care Physician - Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder Job Matters

Advance your medical career while providing life-changing care to Veterans as a Primary Care Physician specializing in Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders at the esteemed Iowa City VA Health Care System.

Primary Care Physician - Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder Job Overview

The Iowa City VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Primary Care Physician to join our Rehabilitation and Extended Care service line. This role is pivotal in providing high-quality, interdisciplinary care to Veterans with acute and chronic Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders (SCI/D) and limb loss. As a provider in our 5-Star CMS-rated facility, you will help manage patient panels, coordinate with specialized hubs, and deliver compassionate, Whole Health-centered medical services in a premier academic teaching environment.

Requirements for Primary Care Physician - Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only if no qualified citizens are available).
Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
Current, full, and unrestricted medical license in a U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Completion of an ACGME or AOA-approved residency program.
Board certification or eligibility in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Must undergo a background and security investigation.
Compliance with mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination programs.

Preferred Qualifications for Primary Care Physician - Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder

Prior clinical experience in outpatient primary care settings.
Demonstrated interest in treating spinal cord disorders and managing high-risk patient populations.
Experience in interdisciplinary care teams and patient education.
Academic or research-oriented background suitable for a teaching hospital environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
✓Competitive salary with annual performance-based bonuses.
✓Generous Paid Time Off: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Comprehensive federal insurance options (health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care).
✓Federal retirement benefits, including a pension and 401K-style plan with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Professional liability protection with tail coverage.
✓Opportunities for Continuing Medical Education (CME) reimbursement.

💡 How to Apply Primary Care Physician - Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Primary Care Physician - Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
Complete the required occupational questionnaire.
Download and prepare the standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA link.
Upload your standard clinical resume to the 'Resume' field and your full CV/detailed resume to the 'Other' field.
Submit your application package before the monthly cutoff or the final closing date of November 9, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your documentation clearly highlights your experience with Spinal Cord Injury or similar complex care.
Submit your application early; the agency reviews candidates on a rolling basis following monthly cutoffs.
Double-check that your resume is formatted correctly as a 'Clinical Resume' to meet the specific upload requirements.
If you are a Veteran, ensure you upload your DD214 and any necessary SF-15 documentation to receive preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?

Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for qualified candidates.

What is the expected panel size?

Panel size is determined by VHA Directive 1176(2) guidelines, taking into account the complexity of SCI/D care, coordination with hub teams, and the frequency of appointments.

Are there opportunities for research?

Yes, as an affiliate of the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and home to the Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), we offer robust research and academic collaboration opportunities.

What is the work schedule?

*A: The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, though alternative hours may be discussed upon hiring.*

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: Relocation assistance is not currently offered for this specific position.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class health care to Veterans. The Iowa City VA Health Care System has been a hub for compassionate, high-quality care since 1952. As a facility with strong academic affiliations with the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, we focus on innovation, research, and evidence-based medicine. We prioritize the "Whole Health" system of care, which empowers Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being.