Physician - Gastroenterology Section Chief: Lead and Serve at VA Salem

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) invites applications for a distinguished Physician to assume the role of Gastroenterology Section Chief at the VA Salem Health Care System in Salem, Virginia. This pivotal leadership position offers a unique opportunity to direct a dedicated team, oversee patient care, and contribute to the academic and research endeavors within a vital healthcare system serving America's heroes. If you are a seasoned Gastroenterologist with leadership aspirations and a passion for veteran care, this role presents a compelling career advancement.

About the Department of Veterans Affairs & VA Salem Health Care System

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in the nation's military. The VHA's mission is to provide compassionate, whole-health care to Veterans. The VA Salem Health Care System, situated in the scenic Roanoke Valley of Virginia, is an integral part of this mission. It offers a comprehensive range of medical, surgical, and mental health services, striving for excellence in patient care, education, and research. The Salem VAMC is conveniently located near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail, offering a high quality of life with abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, cultural attractions, and a vibrant community life. The system is committed to fostering a supportive work environment and advancing medical knowledge through collaborations with esteemed academic institutions.

Job Responsibilities

The Gastroenterology Section Chief position is a multifaceted leadership role encompassing clinical, administrative, and academic responsibilities. The Chief Physician will be instrumental in shaping the strategic direction and operational efficiency of the Gastroenterology Section.

Key duties include:

• Clinical Leadership and Patient Care: Provide direct, compassionate, and effective patient care, adhering to the highest standards of medical practice. Ensure the delivery of appropriate and timely care for the promotion of health, prevention of illness, treatment of disease, and end-of-life care.
• Administrative Oversight: Manage and supervise the Gastroenterology Section staff, including physicians, nurses, and support personnel. Oversee human resources functions, staff management, and time/leave management. Ensure efficient clinic scheduling, access to care, and staff productivity. Manage indirect patient care activities such as open encounter and consult management, and ensure compliance with CPRS documentation requirements.
• Performance Improvement: Analyze data from various VA reports and performance measures to identify areas for improvement. Develop and implement strategies to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Educational and Research Oversight: Qualify for and maintain a Joint Faculty appointment at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM) and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). Serve as a liaison to the Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS) for Education and relevant Program Directors to oversee trainee orientation, education, and supervision for GI fellows, residents, and students. Act as a liaison to the ACOS for Research, addressing any research-related issues within the section.
• Team Collaboration and Communication: Foster a collaborative environment within the section and with other departments. Maintain open communication channels, reporting critical patient-related outcomes and relevant issues to leadership.
• Professional Development: Complete VA Supervisor Training within the first three months of employment.

Requirements

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen. Non-citizens may be appointed under specific VA policy conditions when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited.
• Education: A Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must be from an institution accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) for allopathic medicine or the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) for osteopathic medicine at the time of degree conferral. Foreign medical graduates must have their credentials verified for ECFMG eligibility.
• Licensure: Must possess a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
• Residency Training: Completion of residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program, leading to eligibility for board certification.
• English Proficiency: Must be proficient in both spoken and written English.
• Physical and Health Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory. Applicants for testing designated positions are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use.
• Other: Must be registered with the Selective Service System (males born after 12/31/1959). Selected candidates will undergo a background/security investigation and complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable identification for pre-employment verification is required.

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, candidates who possess the following will have a distinct advantage:

• Board certification in Gastroenterology.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience serving as a GI Fellowship Site Program Director.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience as a GI Section Chief or in a comparable supervisory role within the field of Gastroenterology.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $200,000 to $400,000. The final salary determination will be made based on a formal pay-setting process, considering the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and the established pay scale for the position.

Benefits

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support physicians' professional and personal well-being:

Benefit Category	Details
Paid Time Off	50-55 days per year, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays. Potential for 5 paid days for CME.
Retirement	Traditional federal pension with a 5-year vesting period. Federal 401(k) with up to a 5% employer contribution.
Insurance	Federal health, vision, dental, and term life insurance. Options can often be carried into retirement. Long-term care insurance also available.
Continuing Education (CME)	Potential reimbursement of $1,000 per year for full-time, board-certified physicians.
Professional Liability	Free liability protection with tail coverage provided by the VA.
Employment Terms	No physician employment contract required. Significant flexibility for moonlighting.

Application Tips

To ensure a successful application, please adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Review Instructions Meticulously: Read the entire job announcement carefully, paying special attention to the "Required Documents" and "How to Apply" sections.
2. Utilize the VA Clinical Resume Document: Download the provided VA Clinical Resume Document (link available in the announcement) and upload it into the designated "Resume" document upload field. Your comprehensive CV or resume should be uploaded into the "Other" document upload field.
3. Detail Your Experience: Your resume/CV should comprehensively detail your clinical experience, leadership roles, academic achievements, and any research contributions. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.
4. Address Qualification Requirements: Explicitly address each basic and preferred qualification requirement in your application materials to demonstrate your eligibility and suitability.
5. Veterans' Preference: If you are a veteran, ensure you claim preference correctly and submit all necessary documentation (DD214, SF-15, etc.) as outlined in the announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the basic qualifications for this Physician position? A1: Basic qualifications include U.S. Citizenship, an M.D. or equivalent degree, a current unrestricted medical license, completion of approved residency training, and proficiency in English. Specific details are outlined in the 'Requirements' section.

Q2: What is the salary range for this position? A2: The annual salary range for this position is between $200,000 and $400,000.

Q3: What are the preferred qualifications for the Gastroenterology Section Chief role? A3: Preferred qualifications include board certification in Gastroenterology, at least 3 years of experience as a GI Fellowship Site Program Director, and at least 5 years of experience as a GI Section Chief or in a similar supervisory role.

Q4: What kind of benefits does the VA offer its physicians? A4: VA physicians receive a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off, a federal pension, federal 401(k) with employer match, extensive insurance options, professional liability protection, and CME reimbursement.

Q5: Does this position involve any academic or research responsibilities? A5: Yes, the position requires the physician to qualify for and receive a Joint Faculty appointment at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM) and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). Oversight of educational and research activities within the section is also a key responsibility.

Q6: How can I apply for this position? A6: You can apply online through USAJOBS by creating or logging into your account, completing the occupational questionnaire, and uploading your required documents. The application deadline is September 30, 2026.

This Physician - Gastroenterology Section Chief opportunity at the VA Salem Health Care System represents a significant leadership role within a system dedicated to honoring and serving Veterans. By joining the VA, you become part of a mission-driven organization that values its employees and provides a robust platform for professional growth and development. If you are ready to lead, innovate, and make a profound difference in the lives of Veterans, we encourage you to submit your application by the September 30, 2026 deadline.