Physician (Emergency Medicine) Opportunity at VA Albany Medical Center
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is actively seeking a skilled and compassionate Physician specializing in Emergency Medicine to join the dedicated team at the Samuel S Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, New York. This crucial role offers a rewarding career path for physicians committed to providing exceptional healthcare to the nation's veterans. If you are driven by a mission to serve those who have served, possess a strong clinical background in emergency medicine, and thrive in a dynamic healthcare environment, this opportunity may be ideal for you.
About the Department of Veterans Affairs
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 our nation's military and their families. The VA's mission is to honor America's veterans by providing exceptional healthcare, as well as access to benefits and services, by strengthening our national organs of compassion, through compassionate, quality, accessible, and veteran-centric care. The Samuel S Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany serves a vital role in this mission, offering comprehensive medical services to veterans in the region.
Job Responsibilities: Emergency Medicine Physician
As an Emergency Medicine Physician at the Albany VA Medical Center, your primary responsibility will be to deliver the highest standard of care to veteran patients within the Emergency Department. This includes, but is not limited to, the following duties:
- Direct Patient Care: Provide timely, accurate, and compassionate medical care to patients presenting with acute illnesses and injuries.
- Diagnosis and Treatment: Conduct thorough patient assessments, perform diagnostic procedures, and develop effective treatment plans in accordance with established medical protocols and community standards.
- Patient Education: Communicate diagnoses, treatment options, and preventative health measures clearly and understandably to patients and their families.
- Adherence to Protocols: Strictly follow hospital policies, ethical guidelines, and departmental procedures, including critical patient identification and timeout processes.
- Patient Monitoring: Continuously monitor patient conditions, recognizing and responding effectively to signs of physical distress during treatment.
- Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, including nurses, specialists, and support staff, to ensure seamless patient care.
- Quality Improvement: Participate in quality improvement initiatives, chart reviews, and departmental meetings to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
- Professional Development: Maintain current knowledge and skills in emergency medicine through ongoing education and training.
- Committee Participation: Serve as a leader or active member on various Medical Center committees as requested, contributing to the broader healthcare mission.
- Specialized Skills: Apply unique skills and expertise to benefit the department and its patient population.
Requirements for the Position
To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following qualifications:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required. Non-citizens may be considered only if qualified U.S. citizens are unavailable, per VA policy.
- Medical Degree: A Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or equivalent degree from an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school.
- Licensure: 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 program leading to board certification eligibility.
- English Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written English.
Additional Requirements:
- Physicians must maintain active privileges at the Albany VA Medical Center.
- Selected candidates may undergo a drug screening urinalysis.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
- A background investigation and suitability/fitness review are required.
- Candidates must be able to perform the physical demands of the role, which may include lifting up to 45 pounds, standing or walking for extended periods, and repeated bending.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Salary Overview
This Physician (Emergency Medicine) position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $300,000 to $350,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This salary reflects the critical nature of the role and the expertise required to serve our veteran population effectively.
Benefits and Perks
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of its physicians:
- Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave (26 days), sick leave (13 days), and 11 paid Federal holidays per year, potentially supplemented by 5 paid days for Continuing Medical Education (CME).
- Retirement: Access to a traditional federal pension with a 5-year vesting period and a federal 401(k) plan with up to a 5% VA contribution.
- Insurance: A wide array of federal insurance programs, including health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care, many of which can be carried into retirement.
- CME: An annual reimbursement of up to $1,000 for CME is available for full-time, board-certified physicians.
- Malpractice Protection: Comprehensive malpractice liability protection with tail coverage provided at no cost to the physician.
- Work-Life Balance: No physician employment contract and limited restrictions on moonlighting opportunities.
Application Process and Tips
How to Apply:
- Create/Login: Visit USAJOBS.gov and create or log in to your account.
- Resume & Documents: Select your USAJOBS resume and any other necessary supporting documents. A specific clinical resume template may be required for upload.
- Questionnaire: Complete the occupational questionnaire accurately.
- Submit: Submit your entire application package by the closing date of December 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Application Tips:
- Detail Your Experience: Ensure your resume/CV thoroughly details your experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to Emergency Medicine and the requirements outlined.
- Follow Instructions: Carefully adhere to all instructions provided in the job announcement, as errors or omissions can affect your eligibility.
- Veterans' Preference: If you are a veteran, ensure you claim preference appropriately and provide all required documentation (e.g., DD214, SF-15) to receive due credit.
- Stay Updated: You can monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is the salary range for this position?
- A: The annual salary ranges from $300,000 to $350,000.
- Q: What is the work schedule?
- A: The schedule is variable and covers 24/7/365 operations, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays, typically in 12-hour shifts. On-call duties may also be required.
- Q: Is board certification in Emergency Medicine required?
- A: Board certification is preferred but not always mandatory. However, BLS and ACLS certifications are required for physicians not board-certified in Emergency Medicine.
- Q: Can I apply if I am a foreign medical graduate?
- A: Yes, foreign medical graduates can apply if they meet the degree and ECFMG eligibility requirements for their graduation year.
- Q: What are the physical demands of the job?
- A: Duties may involve sitting, standing, walking, heavy lifting (up to 45 lbs), reaching, and bending. Emotional and mental stability are also crucial.
This Physician (Emergency Medicine) position at the Albany VA Medical Center presents an exceptional opportunity to dedicate your medical expertise to serving the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment, this role offers both professional fulfillment and the chance to make a tangible difference. We encourage qualified physicians to apply and join the esteemed ranks of healthcare providers at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Why This Physician (Emergency Medicine) Job Matters
Join the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Samuel S Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, NY, and make a profound impact on the lives of our nation's heroes. This is your opportunity to serve those who have served us, offering compassionate and excellent healthcare in a dynamic Emergency Medicine setting.
Physician (Emergency Medicine) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs, through the Samuel S Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, New York, is seeking a dedicated Physician specializing in Emergency Medicine. This vital role involves providing direct patient care to veterans within the Emergency Department, adhering to the highest standards of medical practice, hospital policy, and ethical guidelines. You will be instrumental in delivering comprehensive care, from initial assessment and diagnosis to treatment and patient education, ensuring our veterans receive the quality healthcare they deserve. This is a continuous announcement, offering opportunities as vacancies arise.
Requirements for Physician (Emergency Medicine)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen. Non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited, per VA policy.
- Possess a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or an equivalent degree from an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school.
- Hold a current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Have completed residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty program.
- Proof of graduation from a school of medicine accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or approved by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) for the year of graduation.
- Foreign medical graduates must have confirmation of ECFMG eligibility for the year of graduation.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory.
- Ability to maintain privileges at the Albany VA Medical Center at all times.
- Must be physically and mentally stable to perform the duties of the position, which may include sitting, standing, walking, heavy lifting (up to 45 lbs), reaching, and repeated bending.
- Selected applicants may be subject to a drug screening urinalysis and must be able to pass it.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
- Subject to a background/security investigation.
- Required to complete an online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment verification (e.g., REAL ID compliant documents after May 7, 2025).
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement.
- May be required to serve a probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Emergency Medicine)
- Board Certified or Board Eligible in Emergency Medicine.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification is encouraged for board-certified/eligible physicians and mandatory for those not board certified in Emergency Medicine.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with potential for annual performance bonuses and regular increases.
- ✓Generous paid time off: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays annually, plus potentially 5 days for CME.
- ✓Traditional federal pension with 5-year vesting.
- ✓Federal 401K plan with up to 5% matching contributions from the VA.
- ✓Comprehensive federal insurance options: health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care, with many plans transferable into retirement.
- ✓Licensure: One full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory is required.
- ✓Continuing Medical Education (CME): Potential reimbursement of $1,000 per year for full-time, board-certified physicians.
- ✓Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided by the VA.
- ✓No Physician Employment Contract and minimal restrictions on moonlighting.
- ✓Variable work schedule to support 24/7/365 Emergency Department operations, including day, evening, night, weekend, holiday, and irregular shifts, typically 12 hours.
- ✓Potential for on-call or surge-call duties based on operational needs.
💡 How to Apply Physician (Emergency Medicine) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Emergency Medicine) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Select your USAJOBS resume and any other required supporting documents.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your complete application package by clicking 'Submit My Answers' before the closing date of December 16, 2026, 11:59 PM ET.
- If you are unable to apply online, follow the alternate application instructions provided.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume or CV is detailed and accurately reflects your qualifications, experience, and skills.
- Utilize the provided clinical resume template (Word document) if required, uploading it to the specified field.
- Pay close attention to all instructions in the announcement, as errors or omissions may impact your application.
- Consider opting in to make your resume available to hiring managers for similar positions, though this does not affect your current application.
- For Veterans, ensure you claim preference accurately and submit the necessary documentation (DD214, SF-15 if applicable) to receive credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary range for this Physician position?
The annual salary range for this position is between $300,000 and $350,000.
What is the work schedule for this role?
The position requires a variable, non-fixed schedule to cover the Emergency Department's 24/7/365 operations. This includes day, evening, night, weekend, holiday, and irregular shifts, typically 12 hours long. On-call or surge-call duties may also be assigned.
Are there any specific medical certifications required?
While Board Certification or eligibility in Emergency Medicine is preferred, it's not strictly required for all candidates. However, Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications are mandatory for emergency department physicians who are not board-certified in Emergency Medicine. All physicians are encouraged to obtain these certifications.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. Citizen?
U.S. Citizenship is a basic requirement. Non-citizens may only be appointed if it is not possible to recruit qualified U.S. citizens, following specific VA policy.
What is the process after I submit my application?
After submission, you will receive a confirmation email. Applications are reviewed for qualification and eligibility. Referred applicants will be notified and may be contacted for an interview. A final notification will be sent once a selection decision is made. You can track your status via your USAJOBS account.
What are the physical requirements for this role?
Physical duties may include sitting, standing (up to 2 hours), walking (up to 2 hours), heavy lifting (45 pounds or over), reaching above the shoulder, and repeated bending. Emotional and mental stability are also essential.