Physician (Gastroenterology) at VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare to the nation's veterans. The VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) in Dallas, Texas, stands as a beacon of this commitment, offering advanced medical services and fostering a culture of excellence. We are currently seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Physician specializing in Gastroenterology to join our esteemed team. This position offers a unique opportunity to significantly impact the lives of veterans while advancing your professional career in a supportive, academic environment. If you are passionate about digestive health and dedicated to serving those who have served, this role at one of the busiest VA health systems in the country may be the perfect fit for you.

About the Agency: Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The Veterans Health Administration, part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 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 for their families, caregivers, and survivors." VHA provides a wide spectrum of medical services, ranging from preventive care to complex specialty treatments, across a network of hospitals, community clinics, and extended care facilities. VHA is also a leader in medical research and education, training a significant portion of America's healthcare professionals. The VA North Texas Health Care System, the second busiest VA system nationally, exemplifies this mission. With its main campus in Dallas and additional facilities serving a vast region, VANTHCS offers a continuum of care to approximately 500,000 veterans, supported by a dedicated workforce of nearly 4,000 employees and numerous volunteers.

Job Responsibilities

As a Physician (Gastroenterology) at the VA North Texas Health Care System, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Your responsibilities will encompass a broad range of clinical duties, including:

• Direct Patient Care: Providing expert diagnosis, treatment, and management for patients with illnesses within the scope of Gastroenterology, including both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Advanced Procedures: Performing and interpreting diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal procedures, with a strong emphasis on advanced endoscopy techniques.
• Consultation Services: Offering specialized consultations to other medical services within the health care system.
• Call Coverage: Participating in a rotating call schedule to ensure 24/7 availability for gastrointestinal emergencies.
• Teaching and Mentorship: Engaging with and educating gastroenterology fellows, medical residents, and medical students, leveraging the strong academic affiliation with The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
• Research and Quality Improvement: Contributing to clinical research initiatives and participating in quality improvement projects to enhance patient care and outcomes. Opportunities exist for physicians interested in building an academic career focused on advanced endoscopy and research.
• Collaboration: Working closely with interdisciplinary teams, including subspecialty fellows, staff physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals, to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.
• Administrative Duties: Undertaking assigned administrative tasks and contributing to the efficient operation of the Gastroenterology section.

Requirements

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

• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required. Exceptions for non-citizens are made only when qualified U.S. citizens are unavailable.
• Medical Degree: Possession of a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or an equivalent degree from an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school. The institution must have been accredited at the time of the applicant's graduation (e.g., by LCME or COCA).
• Medical License: 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 an accredited residency training program in Gastroenterology approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Approved programs include those accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
  • Exceptions: In rare cases, the Facility Director may approve exceptions to the residency training requirement based on a physician's extensive experience and qualifications.
• English Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Screening: Applicants may be subject to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Refusal to test will result in disqualification.
• Background Investigation: A background/security investigation is required.

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, candidates possessing the following qualifications will be viewed more favorably:

• Board Certification/Eligibility: Board certification or active board eligibility in Gastroenterology.
• Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship: Completion of an Advanced Endoscopy fellowship.
• Procedural Expertise: Demonstrated experience and skill in performing advanced endoscopic procedures, including ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound), stenting, and Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) for large polyps.
• Academic Experience: Prior teaching experience within an academic medical setting, with a proven ability to mentor fellows, residents, and medical students.
• Research Experience: A track record of involvement in clinical research relevant to gastroenterology.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and collaboration skills, fostering positive working relationships with colleagues, staff physicians, trainees, and other healthcare professionals.

Salary Overview

This Physician (Gastroenterology) position offers a highly competitive annual salary ranging from $300,000 to $400,000. The final salary determination will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and the formal pay-setting process. In addition to the base salary, the position is eligible for annual performance bonuses and regular salary increases, reflecting the VA's commitment to recognizing and rewarding its physicians.

Benefits

The VA provides a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support the well-being and professional development of its physicians. Key benefits include:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy approximately 50-55 days of paid time off annually, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays. An additional 5 paid days may be available for Continuing Medical Education (CME).
• Retirement: Benefit from a traditional federal pension plan with a 5-year vesting period, along with a federal 401K plan featuring up to a 5% contribution match from the VA.
• Insurance: Access to a robust suite of federal insurance programs, including health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance, many of which can be continued into retirement.
• Continuing Medical Education (CME): A potential reimbursement of $1,000 per year for CME is available for full-time physicians who are board-certified.
• Malpractice Protection: VHA provides free liability protection with tail coverage, eliminating personal malpractice concerns.
• Contract Flexibility: Unlike many private sector positions, there is no physician employment contract, and physicians have flexibility regarding moonlighting.
• Student Loan Repayment: The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), potentially providing up to $200,000 in student loan repayment over 1-5 years, subject to eligibility and program approval.
• Recruitment Incentives: A Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate, helping to offset initial costs and encourage acceptance of the position.

Application Process and Tips

Applying for this exciting opportunity is straightforward via the USAJOBS platform. Follow these steps to ensure a complete submission:

1. Create/Login to USAJOBS: Access your USAJOBS account or create a new one.
2. Complete Questionnaire: Fill out the occupational questionnaire accurately and thoroughly.
3. Upload Documents: Submit your resume or curriculum vitae (CV). Crucially, download and upload the provided VA Clinical Resume Document template into the designated 'Resume' field. Your full resume/CV can be uploaded into the 'Other' document field without page limitations.
4. Submit Application: Finalize and submit your application package by the closing date of December 18, 2026.

Tips for a Strong Application:

• Detail Your Experience: Be specific about your advanced endoscopy skills, procedural experience, and any teaching or research accomplishments. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Use the VA Template: Ensure the specialized VA Clinical Resume Document is correctly uploaded, as it is a required part of the application.
• Review Qualifications: Double-check that your application materials clearly demonstrate how you meet all the basic and preferred qualifications listed.
• Opt-In: Consider opting in to make your resume visible to hiring managers for similar positions; this does not affect your current application.
• Check Status: Monitor your application status via your USAJOBS account.
• Contact Us: If you encounter any technical difficulties or require an alternate application method, please refer to the announcement for agency contact information.

The opportunity to serve as a Physician (Gastroenterology) at the VA North Texas Health Care System offers a rewarding career path dedicated to veteran health. With a competitive salary, robust benefits package, opportunities for professional development in an academic setting, and the chance to utilize advanced endoscopic techniques, this position represents a significant advancement for any gastroenterologist. Join a mission-driven organization that values its physicians and is committed to providing the highest quality of care to America's heroes. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply and become part of the VHA's dedicated team.