Advance Your Career as a Primary Care Physician with the VA in Lakeland

Are you a dedicated physician looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's heroes? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a motivated Primary Care Physician to join our team at the Lakeland VA Healthcare Clinic in Florida. This is a rare opportunity to provide world-class, holistic care within a supportive environment that prioritizes both patient outcomes and provider well-being.

About the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The VA is the nation's largest integrated healthcare system, serving those who have served our country. At the Lakeland Clinic, you will be part of the VA Tampa Healthcare System, which spans numerous locations across central Florida. Our mission is built on compassion, clinical excellence, and innovation. We provide a collaborative atmosphere where healthcare professionals can focus on delivering high-quality, evidence-based medicine without the constraints of traditional private practice models.

Job Responsibilities

As a Primary Care Physician at the Lakeland Clinic, you will manage an established panel of patients under the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model. Your responsibilities will include:

• Comprehensive Care: Delivering preventative, acute, and chronic medical management to adult patients.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Utilizing VA clinical guidelines and documenting all care in the electronic medical record system.
• Collaboration: Working closely with interdisciplinary teams, including nurses, pharmacists, and mental health professionals.
• Holistic Assessment: Conducting detailed health histories, physical assessments, and diagnostic ordering to determine patient treatment plans.
• Mentorship: Serving as a resource or mentor for medical residents and students rotating through the clinic.

Comparison: Private Practice vs. VA Physician Role

Feature	Private Practice	VA Physician
Liability	High (requires tail coverage)	Fully covered by the VA
Loan Repayment	Often limited/non-existent	Up to $200,000 (EDRP)
Work-Life Balance	Variable	Standard M-F schedule
Benefits	Varies by employer	Comprehensive Federal benefits

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must:

• Hold an MD or DO degree from an accredited institution.
• Possess a full, unrestricted license from any U.S. State or territory.
• Have completed an ACGME or AOA-accredited residency program.
• Be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Pass a mandatory pre-employment physical and drug screening.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers an exceptionally competitive annual salary ranging from $185,000 to $400,000. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a "Total Rewards" package, which includes:

• Loan Repayment: Access to the Education Debt Reduction Program.
• Generous Leave: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Retirement: Dual-tier retirement system including a pension and a 401(k)-style plan with 5% matching.
• Professional Development: $1,000 annual reimbursement for CME credits.

How to Apply

Applying for a federal position requires precision. Ensure you utilize the official Clinical Resume template provided by the VA Careers website and submit all required documentation via the USAJOBS portal before the September 30, 2026, deadline.

What is the PACT model?

It is the Patient Aligned Care Team model, a team-based approach to primary care that places the Veteran at the center of their health team.

If you are ready to combine your clinical expertise with a desire to serve those who have sacrificed for our country, the Lakeland VA Clinic offers the stability, compensation, and mission-driven environment you deserve. Begin your application today and join a network of excellence.