Advance Your Surgical Career with the VA in Albuquerque
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing the highest standard of care to our nation's heroes. We are currently seeking a board-eligible or board-certified Physician (General Surgery) to join the dynamic team at the New Mexico VA Medical Center. If you are passionate about clinical excellence, academic teaching, and serving the Veteran community, this is the ideal environment to elevate your professional practice.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be responsible for the full spectrum of general surgery care. Your daily duties will include:
- Diagnosing and managing complex surgical conditions.
- Performing clinical procedures and operations within the scope of your privileges.
- Collaborating with other medical specialists to address systemic health issues.
- Participating in the education and mentorship of residents through our academic partnership with the University of New Mexico.
- Contributing to the continuous improvement of surgical services through evidence-based practice.
Comparison: VA vs. Private Practice
| Feature | VA Medical Center | Private Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Malpractice Coverage | Fully Provided (Tail Coverage) | Often an Out-of-Pocket Expense |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401K | Variable (Individual Responsibility) |
| Patient Mission | Service-Oriented (Veterans) | Profit-Oriented/Volume-Driven |
| Academic Role | Integrated Faculty Opportunities | Optional/Harder to Maintain |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: A Degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree from an accredited allopathic or osteopathic school.
- Licensure: Must hold a current, full, and unrestricted medical license in any U.S. State or territory.
- Residency: Completion of an accredited residency training program in a core specialty.
Salary Overview
This position provides a highly competitive annual salary, ranging from $275,000 to $350,000, depending on your specific expertise and qualifications. Beyond the base pay, physicians benefit from performance-based increases and a comprehensive federal compensation package.
Benefits
Choosing a career with the VA means accessing one of the most robust benefits packages in the healthcare industry:
- Paid Time Off: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- Insurance: Extensive choices for health, dental, vision, and long-term care plans.
- Retirement: Traditional federal pension combined with a 401K-style savings plan with government matching.
- Development: Reimbursement opportunities for Continuing Medical Education (CME).
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Download the specific Clinical Resume Document provided on the VA Careers site.
- Detail Your Experience: Clearly document your surgical volume and specific procedural experience.
- Prepare for Security: Be ready for a background check, as this is a federal position.
- Check Deadlines: Submit your application well before the September 30, 2026 deadline.
Join us at the New Mexico VA Medical Center and make a tangible difference in the lives of Veterans. Apply today to bring your surgical expertise to a facility that truly values your contribution to the future of healthcare.
Why This Physician (General Surgery) Job Matters
Transform lives in Albuquerque. We are seeking a dedicated General Surgeon to join the New Mexico VA Medical Center and deliver world-class care to those who have served our nation.
Physician (General Surgery) Job Overview
The New Mexico VA Medical Center is actively recruiting for a General Surgeon to join our clinical team in Albuquerque. This role offers the unique opportunity to balance hands-on patient care with academic engagement, as our facility maintains a robust affiliation with the University of New Mexico. You will play a vital role in diagnosing and treating complex general surgery cases while mentoring the next generation of medical professionals in an environment that prioritizes compassionate, whole-health treatment.
Requirements for Physician (General Surgery)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Degree of Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine from an accredited institution
- Current, full, and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Completion of an accredited residency training program in a core specialty
- Proficiency in both written and spoken English
- Eligibility for a faculty appointment at the University of New Mexico
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (General Surgery)
- Board certification in General Surgery
- Experience in an academic or teaching hospital setting
- Proven history of excellence in clinical judgment and surgical patient management
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive annual salary with potential performance bonuses
- ✓Comprehensive federal retirement plan with 401k matching up to 5%
- ✓Generous paid time off, including annual and sick leave, plus federal holidays
- ✓Federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance options
- ✓Liability protection with tail coverage
- ✓CME reimbursement opportunities
💡 How to Apply Physician (General Surgery) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (General Surgery) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your CV and the specific Clinical Resume Document provided by the VA.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the online portal.
- Upload all required documentation, including proof of education and licensure.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your clinical experience and academic background.
- Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to avoid delays in processing.
- Double-check that all required fields in the questionnaire are completed to prevent disqualification.
- Review your application status periodically through your USAJOBS dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the compensation range for this position?
The position offers an annual salary range of $275,000 to $350,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this is an onsite position located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, requiring physical presence for surgical duties.
Do I need to be board certified?
While board certification is preferred, the core requirement is completion of an accredited residency program that makes you eligible for board certification.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is rooted in President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in the military. As a staff physician here, you will join a multidisciplinary team that values clinical innovation, continuous learning, and compassionate patient care.