Advance Your Career as a Cornea Ophthalmologist with the South Texas VA

Are you a dedicated ophthalmologist looking to balance complex surgical work with a meaningful mission? The South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) is currently hiring a Board-Certified or Board-Eligible Ophthalmologist to join our team in San Antonio, Texas. This position offers the rare opportunity to perform advanced corneal procedures while mentoring the next generation of surgeons in a premier academic environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Corneal/External Disease Ophthalmologist, you will lead the diagnostic and surgical efforts within the Ophthalmology section. Key responsibilities include:

Advanced Surgical Care: Performing complex corneal transplants (DSEK, DMEK, PK, DALK), cataract surgeries, and ocular surface procedures.
Clinical Education: Teaching and supervising resident physicians, ensuring high educational standards.
Research: Participating in ongoing clinical research, reviewing manuscripts, and serving as a subject matter expert.
Patient Advocacy: Providing comprehensive ophthalmological care to our Veteran population.

Requirements

To be considered for this excepted service position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Licensure: A full, current, and unrestricted license to practice medicine.
Education: Completion of an ACGME/AOA accredited residency.
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is generally required.
Background: Must pass a security investigation and initial drug test.

Comparison Table: VA vs. Private Practice

Feature	VA Physician Role	Private Practice
Benefits	Full Federal Package	Varies by Employer
Liability	Free Malpractice Coverage	Often Paid by Physician
Student Debt	EDRP Loan Reimbursement	Often Out-of-Pocket
Patient Base	Service-Oriented (Veterans)	General Population
Work Schedule	Predictable (Mon-Fri)	Often Irregular

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $200,000 to $400,000 per year, depending on qualifications and local market analysis. Beyond salary, the VA "Total Rewards" package includes:

EDRP: Up to $200,000 in student loan repayment.
Paid Time Off: Over 50 days of combined annual leave, sick leave, and holidays.
Retirement: A robust federal pension and 401(k) with agency match.

Application Tips

Tailor Your CV: Emphasize your specific experience with corneal surgeries and academic teaching.
Highlight Research: If you have published or contributed to clinical research, ensure this is clearly marked on your application.
Submit Early: While the announcement is continuous, applying before the first cut-off date (September 30, 2026) ensures you are included in the first round of referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an employment contract? A: No, this role does not require a formal Physician Employment Contract.

Q: Can I participate in CME? A: Yes, the VA supports continuous learning and offers a $1,000 annual reimbursement for full-time board-certified physicians.

Serving the nation's Veterans is more than a job—it is a calling. At the South Texas VA, you will find a supportive environment, advanced surgical tools, and the freedom to practice medicine without the overhead of private billing. Apply today to start your journey with the VA.

Why This Physician (Ophthalmology) - Edrp & Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job Matters

Transform lives by providing expert ocular care to our nation's heroes at the South Texas VA Health Care System. Join a mission-driven team offering competitive pay, EDRP student loan support, and a supportive clinical environment in beautiful San Antonio.

Physician (Ophthalmology) - Edrp & Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job Overview

The South Texas VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Physician (Ophthalmology) to specialize in Cornea and External Diseases. In this role, you will perform high-level clinical and surgical duties, oversee resident education, and participate in vital research. This position is located at the North West Health Care Center in San Antonio, Texas, and offers an exceptional federal benefits package including the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).

Requirements for Physician (Ophthalmology) - Edrp & Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply under specific VA policy).
Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy from an accredited institution.
Current, full, and unrestricted medical license in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
Completed residency training in an ACGME or AOA accredited program.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Subject to a pre-employment background investigation and drug screening.
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Ophthalmology) - Edrp & Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

Board certification or eligibility by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
Completed fellowship in Cornea and External Disease.
Expertise in complex corneal transplants (DSEK, DMEK, PK, DALK).
Proficiency in ocular surface disease management and infectious corneal conditions.
Extensive experience in complex cataract surgery.
Proven history of providing clinical and surgical supervision for residents.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary and annual performance bonuses.
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
✓50-55 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
✓Traditional Federal Pension plan.
✓Federal 401(k) with matching agency contributions.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Free malpractice liability protection with tail coverage.
✓CME reimbursement up to $1,000 annually for full-time staff.

💡 How to Apply Physician (Ophthalmology) - Edrp & Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician (Ophthalmology) - Edrp & Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Upload your updated C.V. and resume.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package before the cutoff date or the final closing date.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal for notifications.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your surgical experience and academic involvement.
Have your medical license and board certification documentation ready for verification.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure your DD214 is uploaded correctly.
Apply by the first cut-off date to ensure your application is reviewed in the initial cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Education Debt Reduction Program available for this role?

Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP. You must submit an application within four months of your appointment date to be considered for student loan reimbursement.

Can I work in private practice while employed by the VA?

The VA allows for moonlighting under minimal restrictions, provided it does not conflict with your primary clinical duties or result in a conflict of interest.

Is this a remote or telework position?

While this role is predominantly clinical and onsite, some telework eligibility may exist for administrative tasks depending on departmental needs.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The South Texas VA Health Care System is one of the nation's largest providers of Veteran care. Serving a 35-county region, the STVHCS operates two major campuses and numerous clinics. We are proudly affiliated with UT Health San Antonio, maintaining a focus on research, high-quality patient care, and resident education. Our staff of over 4,900 professionals provides care to more than 114,000 Veterans, making us a cornerstone of the regional healthcare landscape.