Physician (Chief Medical Officer) - Sarasota, FL

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is actively seeking a dedicated and experienced Physician to assume the crucial role of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for its Primary Care Service at the Sarasota Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Sarasota, Florida. This leadership position offers a unique opportunity to significantly impact the health and well-being of our nation's Veterans by overseeing and delivering high-quality primary care services. If you are a physician with a passion for serving those who have served, possess strong clinical and leadership acumen, and are committed to excellence in healthcare, this role presents a rewarding career advancement.

About the Agency: The Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Its mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military and their families. The VA provides a comprehensive range of healthcare services, research, and benefits to eligible Veterans. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), a major component of the VA, operates a network of hospitals, community clinics, and healthcare centers across the country, delivering compassionate, high-quality care to millions of Veterans annually. The CW Bill Young VA Medical Center, which includes the Sarasota CBOC, is dedicated to providing a full spectrum of patient care services, education, and research, embodying the VA's commitment to whole health for Veterans.

Job Responsibilities: Leading Primary Care Excellence

As the Physician (Chief Medical Officer), you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering primary care services. Your responsibilities will encompass:

• Clinical Practice: Providing independent clinical evaluations for assigned patients, focusing on preventive care and patient self-management within the Sarasota CBOC structure.
• Comprehensive Care: Delivering a full spectrum of primary care medicine services to a diverse patient population.
• Care Coordination: Collaborating effectively with clinical and administrative support teams to ensure timely, high-quality, and coordinated care for Veterans.
• Team Membership: Functioning as an integral member of a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), promoting seamless care delivery.
• Standards of Care: Upholding and promoting approved standards, procedures, methods, and techniques, ensuring patient safety and adherence to protocols.
• Leadership and Operations: Providing leadership in the operations of the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, including staff training, scheduling, and coordination within multidisciplinary health teams.
• Quality Improvement: Reviewing, tracking, and evaluating quality improvement initiatives pertinent to Primary Care Operations.
• Protocol Development: Developing and/or reviewing clinical protocols, order sets, clinical reminders, and note templates, demonstrating flexibility and oversight.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Serving as a subject matter expert when required, offering guidance and insights.
• Staff Education: Coordinating the education of clinical staff, including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, nurses, and technicians, in comprehensive healthcare for Veterans.
• Professional Development: Ensuring self-development and maintaining current knowledge of clinical care trends and evidence-based practices.
• Supervision: Potentially supervising residents, medical students, or mid-level practitioners in training.
• Additional Duties: Undertaking other assigned duties based on organizational requirements.

Requirements for Application

To be considered for this vital role, candidates must meet the following essential qualifications:

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen. Non-citizens may be appointed only if qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited, in accordanceance with VA policy.
• Medical Degree: Possession of a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or an equivalent degree from an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school. The school's accreditation must have been in place for the year the degree was granted (e.g., LCME for MD, COCA for DO).
• Medical License: A current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, 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. This training should lead to eligibility for board certification.
• English Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Background Investigation: Applicants will be subject to a background/security investigation.
• Onboarding: Completion of an online onboarding process is mandatory.
• Identification: Valid identification is required for pre-employment processes. Note that effective May 7, 2025, non-REAL ID compliant licenses/IDs cannot be used for employment verification.
• Physical Examination: Successful completion of a pre-employment physical evaluation/examination.
• Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory condition of employment.

Additional Qualification Considerations:

• Non-U.S. Graduates: For foreign medical graduates, confirmation of meeting Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) eligibility requirements for the year of graduation is necessary.
• Exceptions: In rare circumstances, exceptions to residency training requirements may be approved by the Facility Director and VISN Director based on the physician's comprehensive record of experience and accomplishments.
• Physician Residents Providers (PRPs): Residents currently in accredited programs may be appointed as PRPs if they are fully licensed and meet other requirements, working under supervision.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this Physician (Chief Medical Officer) position is competitive and ranges from $245,000 to $300,000 per year. A formal pay-setting process will determine the exact salary within this range based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.

Benefits Package

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

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 50-55 days of paid time off annually, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays, and potentially 5 paid days for Continuing Medical Education (CME).
• Retirement: Benefit from a traditional federal pension with 5 years of vesting and a federal 401K plan that includes up to a 5% contribution from the VA.
• Insurance: Access a range of federal insurance programs, including health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care, many of which can be carried into retirement.
• Licensure & CME: Possibility of a $1,000 annual reimbursement for CME expenses for full-time physicians with board certification.
• Malpractice Protection: Receive free professional liability protection, including tail coverage provided by the VA.
• Student Loan Repayment: This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), offering student loan payment reimbursement of up to $200,000, subject to program approval and individual eligibility.
• Work-Life Balance: No physician employment contract and no significant restrictions on moonlighting are offered.

Application Process

To apply for this opportunity, please follow these steps:

1. Visit USAJOBS.gov: Create a new USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
2. Select Documents: Choose your USAJOBS resume and any other necessary supporting documents.
3. Complete Questionnaire: Fill out the occupational questionnaire thoroughly.
4. Submit Application: Click "Submit My Answers" to finalize your application package. Ensure this is done by the closing date, December 31, 2026, or earlier if the position is filled.
5. Clinical Resume Document: Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided link (https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx). Complete this document and upload it into the 'Resume' document upload field.
6. Full Resume/CV: Upload your complete resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) without page limitations into the 'Other' document upload field.

Note: If you are unable to apply online, please contact the agency listed in the announcement for alternative submission methods.

Application Tips for Success

• Thoroughness: Ensure all sections of your application are complete and accurate. Any errors or omissions could affect your eligibility.
• Follow Instructions: Pay close attention to all instructions within the job announcement, especially regarding document formatting and submission.
• Veterans' Preference: If you are a Veteran eligible for preference, ensure you claim it correctly and submit all required documentation (e.g., DD214, SF-15) to receive full consideration.
• Resume Quality: Tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experience relevant to this Chief Medical Officer role, emphasizing leadership, primary care, and patient management.
• Document Uploads: Carefully review the requirements for uploading documents, particularly the specific instructions for the Clinical Resume Document and your full CV/resume.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the primary focus of this Chief Medical Officer role?

A: The primary focus is on independent clinical evaluation of assigned patients, providing comprehensive primary care, managing clinical concerns, and collaborating with support staff to ensure timely, quality, coordinated care for Veterans within the Sarasota Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC).

Q2: What are the minimum qualifications for this position?

A: You must possess a medical degree (MD or DO), a current unrestricted medical license, completion of approved residency training, and English proficiency. U.S. Citizenship is also required, with exceptions possible for non-citizens if qualified U.S. citizens cannot be found.

Q3: Is board certification required for this Chief Medical Officer position?

A: Board certification is generally not required for VA physicians. However, it may be necessary if the role involves supervising trainees, requires faculty status with a medical school, or is mandated by specific VHA policy for the position.

Q4: What is the salary range for this position?

A: The annual salary for this position ranges from $245,000 to $300,000.

Q5: Are relocation assistance or recruitment incentives available?

A: Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus) may be authorized for highly qualified candidates. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance) is not authorized for this position.

Q6: Can I apply if I am currently a resident?

A: Residents enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited programs who meet basic requirements can be appointed as 'Physician Resident Providers' (PRPs). PRPs must be fully licensed and are appointed on an intermittent basis, working under supervision.

Q7: What documentation do I need to submit with my application?

A: You must submit a C.V. and/or resume. It is highly recommended to download and complete the provided standard Clinical Resume Document and upload it. Your full resume/CV can also be uploaded without page limitations.

This Physician (Chief Medical Officer) position within the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a significant opportunity to lead and contribute to the healthcare of Veterans in Sarasota, Florida. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a mission-driven environment, this role is ideal for a physician leader committed to making a difference. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to embrace a challenging and rewarding career, we encourage you to apply through USAJOBS.gov.