Become a Leader in Veteran Care: Physician (Vascular Surgeon) in Dallas, Texas
For vascular surgeons navigating the modern healthcare landscape, finding a balance between clinical autonomy, personal well-being, and competitive compensation can feel like an impossible pursuit. Private practice often demands exhausting administrative cycles, high malpractice premium burdens, and restrictive covenants that limit long-term career choices.
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a distinct and rewarding alternative. The VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) is currently seeking a highly skilled Physician (Vascular Surgeon) to join its premier surgical team in Dallas, Texas. Offering an annual salary range of $360,000 to $390,000, robust sign-on incentives, and up to $200,000 in educational debt repayment, this position presents an unparalleled opportunity to build a stable, mission-driven career focused entirely on patient care.
About the Agency: VA North Texas Health Care System
The VA North Texas Health Care System is the second-busiest VA system in the United States and continues to expand its reach. Serving a dynamic, diverse population of approximately 500,000 veterans across 38 North Texas counties and two counties in southern Oklahoma, VANTHCS is a model of integrated health services.
At the center of this network is the Dallas VA Medical Center, an 84-acre campus serving as the corporate headquarters and tertiary referral hub. Key aspects of the organization include:
- Academic Integration: Thanks to a deeply rooted partnership with the prestigious University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UT Southwestern), the Dallas VA Medical Center operates as a major teaching and clinical research facility.
- Workforce Scale: Over 4,000 professional employees and more than 1,600 clinical trainees work together in a collaborative environment.
- Modern Infrastructure: Surgeons have access to advanced diagnostic laboratories, state-of-the-art hybrid operating rooms, and multidisciplinary specialist networks.
Working at VANTHCS means joining a mission larger than yourself—honoring and healing the individuals who served and defended the nation.
Job Responsibilities of a VA Vascular Surgeon
As a Vascular Surgeon within the VA North Texas Health Care System, you will operate as an independent clinical specialist. You will direct complex treatment plans without the burden of insurance pre-authorization hurdles.
Key clinical and administrative responsibilities include:
- Independent Surgical Operations: Performing advanced open and endovascular procedures to address complex peripheral arterial disease, aneurysms, venous disorders, and carotid disease.
- Direct Patient Care & Assessment: Conducting pre-operative assessments, ordering and evaluating diagnostic studies, and providing long-term postoperative management.
- Co-Management and Consultation: Working alongside primary care physicians, nephrologists, cardiologists, and wound care specialists to coordinate comprehensive therapeutic plans.
- Vascular Access Leadership: Managing pre-end-stage renal disease (ESRD) planning, creating dialysis access pathways, and providing essential transplant support services.
- Diagnostic Work: Directly ordering and interpreting vital vascular imaging modalities, including Doppler Ultrasound, Angiography, CTA, MRA, ABI, Venography, and Duplex Ultrasound.
- Clinical Preceptorship: Mentoring, training, and evaluating medical residents, fellows, and students from affiliated academic institutions like UT Southwestern.
- On-Call Responsibilities: Maintaining shared on-call schedules as determined by clinical department leadership.
Requirements & Qualifications
To ensure our veterans receive the highest level of surgical care, candidates must meet strict professional and citizenship requirements.
Basic Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship: Non-citizens are considered only if no qualified U.S. citizens are available for recruitment.
- Medical Degree: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from an institution accredited by the LCME or COCA. Foreign graduates must possess ECFMG certification.
- Medical Licensure: An active, full, and completely unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
- Residency Training: Completion of an ACGME or AOA-accredited postgraduate residency program in Vascular Surgery.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrated fluency in both spoken and written English.
- Background Check & Drug Screen: Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening and background security investigation.
Preferred Experience
- Experience managing direct patient care inside high-volume vascular surgical centers.
- Active board certification or eligibility for board certification in Vascular Surgery.
- Proficiency with clinical instruction and a strong interest in medical education.
Salary Overview & Financial Incentives
The VA rewards clinical expertise with structured, highly competitive financial packages. This position is graded at the VM-15 level, providing a stable baseline with generous performance-related growth.
- Base Salary Range: $360,000 to $390,000 annually.
- Recruitment/Relocation Incentives: A sign-on or relocation bonus may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): This role is authorized for the EDRP, which reimburses up to $200,000 in qualifying student loan debt over a five-year period.
- Consistent Raises & Bonuses: Regular step increases alongside annual performance bonuses help ensure steady compensation growth.
Benefits Beyond the Paycheck
The total compensation package for federal physicians is widely considered among the most comprehensive in the medical industry.
- Exceptional Paid Leave: Enjoy 26 days of scheduled annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays, and up to 5 days of paid administrative leave for Continuing Medical Education (CME).
- Paid Parental Leave: Receive up to 12 weeks of fully paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.
- Secure Retirement: Dual retirement security through a lifetime federal pension program (vested after just 5 years of service) and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) featuring up to 5% agency matching contributions.
- No Malpractice Overhead: Enjoy complete protection under federal law with fully covered medical malpractice liability and lifetime tail coverage.
- Contractual Freedom: There are no non-compete clauses, allowing you to practice where you want, when you want, with excellent flexibility for external moonlighting.
Vascular Surgeon Compensation: VA vs. Private Sector
| Feature | VA North Texas Health Care System | Private/Commercial Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Salary Range | $360,000 - $390,000 (Highly predictable) | Highly variable (dependent on RVU metrics) |
| Malpractice Insurance | $0 (Fully covered with tail protection) | High annual premiums + expensive tail coverage |
| Student Loan Support | Up to $200,000 via EDRP | Minimal or absent, often tied to high billing quotas |
| Paid Time Off | 50-55 days total annually | Highly restricted, dependent on practice coverage |
| Non-Compete Clauses | None | Common, geographically restrictive |
| Licensure | Any single U.S. state license | Must hold a specific state license where practicing |
Application Tips & Strategic Guide
Applying for a federal position requires careful preparation. Follow these strategic steps to maximize your chances of success:
- Use the Required Template: The VA requires a specific, single-page Clinical Resume Document to satisfy initial administrative checks. Download this document and upload it into the system's restricted 'Resume' field without changing its formatting.
- Include Your Full CV: To ensure the hiring board sees your complete list of qualifications and publications, upload your unrestricted curriculum vitae into the 'Other' document upload field.
- Detail Your Diagnostic Expertise: Be sure to list your experience with diagnostic imaging, including Doppler, CTA, and Duplex ultrasound. Explicitly mention these skills on your CV to highlight your qualifications.
- Claim Veteran Preference: If applicable, submit a legible copy of your DD-214 or SF-15 early in the process to ensure you receive proper credit.
How does the EDRP application work?
If selected, you must submit your formal EDRP application within four months of your start date. The final reimbursement amount is determined after a review of your outstanding qualifying medical school loans.
What is the deadline for this position?
This is an open continuous announcement closing on January 11, 2027. However, applications are reviewed periodically as clinical needs arise, and the first major cut-off date is September 3, 2026.
What are the daily working hours?
This position features a standard, full-time schedule, typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, along with rotating on-call requirements.
The Vascular Surgeon vacancy at the VA North Texas Health Care System offers a rare opportunity to step away from the financial and administrative strains of private practice and focus on exceptional patient care. With an excellent starting salary, a robust benefits package, malpractice coverage, and student loan assistance, this Dallas-based role provides the career stability and support you deserve. Take the next step in your professional journey and apply today to support the health and recovery of our nation's veterans.
Why This Physician (Vascular Surgeon)- Recruitment/Relocation Incentive/Edrp Authorized Job Matters
Elevate your surgical career in Dallas with a premier role that offers clinical freedom, zero malpractice premiums, up to $390,000 in salary, and $200k in student loan repayment while caring for our nation's veterans.
Physician (Vascular Surgeon)- Recruitment/Relocation Incentive/Edrp Authorized Job Overview
The VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) is seeking an accomplished, board-certified or board-eligible Vascular Surgeon to deliver world-class surgical care to veterans in Dallas, Texas. This position stands out in the medical field by offering a rare balance of competitive compensation, substantial student loan assistance, extensive paid time off, and the complete absence of restrictive non-compete clauses.
Requirements for Physician (Vascular Surgeon)- Recruitment/Relocation Incentive/Edrp Authorized
- United States Citizenship (non-citizens are only considered when qualified citizens are unavailable).
- A degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from an approved, accredited institution.
- A current, active, full, and completely unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
- Completion of an approved, accredited residency training program in Vascular Surgery (ACGME or AOA accredited).
- Fluency and high proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Submission to a background/security investigation and pre-employment drug screening.
- Compliance with the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- A standard 2-year federal probationary period upon appointment.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Vascular Surgeon)- Recruitment/Relocation Incentive/Edrp Authorized
- Graduation from a highly recognized, formally accredited school or college of medicine.
- Board certification in Vascular Surgery or eligibility for board certification.
- Proven experience in direct, complex vascular surgery patient care.
- Strong background in the co-management of complex cardiovascular and vascular disease patient cohorts.
- Demonstrated expertise in ordering and interpreting specialized diagnostic imaging, including Doppler Ultrasound, Angiography, CTA, MRA, ABI, Venography, and Duplex Ultrasound.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Highly competitive base salary of $360,000 to $390,000 annually.
- ✓Inclusion in the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) offering up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement over five years.
- ✓Possibility of Recruitment or Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus) for highly qualified candidates.
- ✓Generous Paid Time Off: 26 annual leave days, 13 sick leave days, 11 paid Federal holidays, and potential for 5 days of CME-approved absence.
- ✓12 weeks of fully paid Parental Leave for childbirth, adoption, or foster care placement.
- ✓Excellent retirement planning including a lifetime federal pension (vested after 5 years) and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance programs, which can often be carried into retirement.
- ✓Full liability protection and malpractice coverage with tail coverage included under federal law at no cost to the physician.
- ✓Up to $2,000 annual Continuing Medical Education (CME) reimbursement for qualifying full-time, board-certified surgeons.
💡 How to Apply Physician (Vascular Surgeon)- Recruitment/Relocation Incentive/Edrp Authorized Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Vascular Surgeon)- Recruitment/Relocation Incentive/Edrp Authorized Job
- Create or log in to your account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare your materials, ensuring you download the required one-page Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers website.
- Upload the completed standard Clinical Resume Document into the restricted 'Resume' upload field.
- Upload your full, unrestricted curriculum vitae (CV) and any additional supporting documentation into the 'Other' document upload field to bypass page limitations.
- Complete the comprehensive online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your final, completed application package before the closing deadline on January 11, 2027.
💡 General Tips
- Do not modify the format of the standard one-page Clinical Resume Document; it must be uploaded exactly as specified to clear administrative checks.
- Provide a detailed CV that clearly outlines your experience with specific vascular diagnostic tests, such as Duplex Ultrasound, CTA, MRA, and Angiography.
- If you are a veteran claiming preference, ensure you upload a legible copy of your DD-214 showing character of service, and submit an SF-15 if claiming a 10-point preference.
- Submit your application early, as the open continuous vacancy is monitored periodically, and the first candidate review cut-off is September 3, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a state-specific medical license required for this position?
No. Because this is a federal medical position, you can practice with a current, active, and unrestricted license from any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?
The EDRP is a student loan repayment reimbursement program that can provide up to $200,000 over five years. Eligible applicants must apply within four months of their start date, and approval is subject to VHA loan repayment office review.
Does this position require a restrictive non-compete contract?
No. Unlike private practice, VA physicians operate without a restrictive employment contract, allowing full practice freedom and no geographical limitations on moonlighting or external work.
Are non-citizens eligible to apply for this surgeon vacancy?
While U.S. citizens are given first priority, non-citizens may be considered and appointed if there are no qualified citizens available to fill the position in accordance with VA policy.
Can I apply if I do not have a Texas medical license?
Yes. Because the VA is a federal system, you can practice in Dallas holding a valid, unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state, territory, or district.