Leading Cardiac Excellence: Director of Advanced Heart Failure at VA Boston
The VA Boston Healthcare System is seeking an expert clinician and visionary leader to fill the role of Director of Advanced Heart Failure. This pivotal position offers the opportunity to practice at the intersection of high-volume tertiary care and elite medical research. If you are a cardiologist dedicated to transforming heart failure treatment, this role offers an unparalleled platform to influence the lives of our nation's Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As the Director of Advanced Heart Failure, you will lead the charge in developing and overseeing complex programs, including:
- Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Services: Collaborating closely with Massachusetts General Brigham (MGB).
- Specialized Programs: Leading initiatives in the Cardiac Amyloid and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy programs.
- Administrative Liaison: Acting as the primary clinical link between the VA Boston Healthcare System and MGB.
- Teaching & Mentorship: Training the next generation of cardiovascular specialists, including fellows and residents.
Comparison Table: Why Choose the VA?
| Feature | Private Practice | VA Physician Role |
|---|---|---|
| Malpractice | Expensive / Paid by physician | Covered (with tail coverage) |
| Student Loans | Often out-of-pocket | EDRP (Up to $200k) |
| Pension | 401k only | Federal Pension + 401k Matching |
| Academic Ties | Variable | Direct Harvard Medical School links |
Requirements
Candidates must possess an MD or DO degree and a full, unrestricted medical license in the U.S. Essential requirements include Board Certification in Cardiovascular Disease and eligibility or certification in Advanced Heart Failure. Furthermore, candidates must have at least one to two years of high-volume experience with mechanical circulatory support systems.
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position is highly competitive, ranging from $350,000 to $400,000 annually, supplemented by performance bonuses. Beyond the paycheck, the total rewards package is robust:
- 50-55 days of total paid time off annually.
- Federal health, dental, and life insurance programs.
- Generous retirement package including both a pension and matching 401k.
This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence in cardiovascular medicine. By joining the VA Boston team, you will be part of a collaborative, high-performing environment that values your expertise, supports your research, and rewards your dedication to our Veterans.
Why This Physician - Director Of Advanced Heart Failure Job Matters
Join the forefront of cardiac innovation at the VA Boston Healthcare System, where your expertise in Advanced Heart Failure can directly impact the lives of those who served our nation.
Physician - Director Of Advanced Heart Failure Job Overview
The VA Boston Healthcare System is seeking a highly skilled Physician to serve as the Director of Advanced Heart Failure. This critical leadership role involves managing complex cardiac cases, spearheading new clinical programs in mechanical circulatory support and heart transplantation, and shaping the future of cardiology through research and education. In partnership with Massachusetts General Brigham, this position offers a unique blend of high-level clinical practice, academic instruction at Harvard Medical School, and administrative leadership within the nation's premier healthcare network for Veterans.
Requirements for Physician - Director Of Advanced Heart Failure
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment conditions are met).
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
- Current, full, and unrestricted medical license in any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Completion of an ACGME or AOA-approved residency program.
- Board Certification in Cardiovascular Disease.
- Board Certification or eligibility in Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology.
- 1-2 years of experience in a high-volume mechanical circulatory support and heart transplant center.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician - Director Of Advanced Heart Failure
- Prior experience in leading academic medical programs.
- Demonstrated track record of clinical or basic research, or quality improvement initiatives.
- Strong administrative skills for cross-institutional liaison roles.
- Experience teaching residents, fellows, and medical students.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive annual salary range of $350,000 to $400,000.
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) with up to $200,000 in student loan repayment.
- ✓Comprehensive Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- ✓Generous paid time off: 26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, and 11 Federal holidays.
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan and 401k-style savings plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Malpractice liability protection with tail coverage.
- ✓Professional development support, including possible CME reimbursement.
- ✓Recruitment/Relocation incentives available for highly qualified candidates.
💡 How to Apply Physician - Director Of Advanced Heart Failure Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician - Director Of Advanced Heart Failure Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
- Prepare your current C.V. and resume.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of October 19, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience with high-volume mechanical circulatory support and transplants.
- If you are a Veteran, ensure you upload your DD214 to receive proper preference consideration.
- Double-check that your medical license information is current and accurate.
- Review your application for completeness, as omissions may negatively impact your eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for loan repayment?
Yes, this role is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement for qualifying participants.
Do I need to be Board Certified?
You must be Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease, and either Board Certified or board-eligible in Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology.
Is there a research component to this job?
Yes. The VA Boston Healthcare System is a leader in VA research funding, and the successful candidate is expected to participate in clinical or basic research and may receive an academic appointment at Harvard Medical School.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling the promise of caring for those who served. The VA Boston Healthcare System stands as a premier teaching and research facility, heavily affiliated with Harvard Medical School and the Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine. As the largest recipient of VA intramural research funds, our facility provides a dynamic environment for physicians to advance their careers while providing life-saving care.