Lead Veteran Healthcare: Service Line Chief Opportunity in Cape Girardeau

Are you a dedicated physician seeking a leadership role that offers both professional impact and an exceptional quality of life? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a highly qualified Service Line Chief for the Cape Girardeau VA Health Care Center in Missouri. This is a rare opportunity to influence the trajectory of care for our nation's heroes while maintaining a vibrant clinical practice.

Job Responsibilities

As the Service Line Chief, you serve as the senior clinical authority for assigned departments—including Mental Health, Primary Care, Radiology, and Specialty Care. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership: Managing operational performance, clinical access, and hospital flow.
Resource Oversight: Coordinating budget management and staffing needs.
Clinical Excellence: Maintaining your personal clinical practice to ensure high standards of patient care.
Quality Assurance: Leading peer review processes, credentialing compliance, and adhering to Joint Commission standards.

Specialty Preferences

While we welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds, we have a particular interest in:

Specialty	Status
Anesthesiology	Preferred
Cardiology	Preferred
Dermatology	Preferred
Gastroenterology	Preferred
Radiology	Preferred
Family/Internal Medicine	Considered

Requirements

Candidates must hold an active, unrestricted medical license and a degree from an accredited medical school. You must have completed an approved residency and be proficient in English. Additionally, all employees must participate in our seasonal influenza vaccination program and pass a pre-employment physical.

Salary and Benefits

Physicians at the VHA enjoy a top-tier compensation package:

Salary Range: $325,000 - $350,000 annually.
Leave: Approximately 50-55 days of total paid time off per year.
Retirement: Federal pension plus a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% matching.
Stability: Free liability protection with tail coverage—no private contracts required.

Application Tips

Tailor Your CV: Explicitly detail your leadership accomplishments, including budget management or performance improvement initiatives.
Verify Credentials: Have your medical school and residency documentation readily available.
Follow Up: After applying via USAJOBS, monitor your email frequently for status updates.

Cape Girardeau offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. By joining the VA, you are not just taking a job; you are taking a stand for the men and women who served our country. Apply today to begin your journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Why This Service Line Chief Job Matters

Lead the future of Veteran care in the heart of Southeast Missouri as a Service Line Chief with the Veterans Health Administration.

Service Line Chief Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a visionary physician leader for the Service Line Chief position at the Cape Girardeau VA Health Care Center. This dual-focused role combines high-level medical administration with active clinical practice. You will oversee operations, quality, and resources for several clinical services while providing direct patient care, significantly impacting the lives of those who served our nation.

Requirements for Service Line Chief

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment conditions are met).
Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy from an accredited institution.
Current, full, and unrestricted medical license in any U.S. state, territory, or DC.
Completion of an ACGME or AOA-accredited residency program.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Completion of a background investigation and drug screening.
Seasonal influenza vaccination compliance.

Preferred Qualifications for Service Line Chief

Board certification in a primary medical specialty.
Demonstrated experience in clinical leadership and medical administration.
Proficiency in VA performance measures and system redesign principles.
Strong background in resource management and budget oversight.
Proven history of leading multidisciplinary clinical teams.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary and annual performance bonuses.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
✓Defined benefit pension plan and 401k-style thrift savings plan.
✓Extensive paid time off (26 days annual, 13 days sick, plus 11 federal holidays).
✓CME reimbursement opportunities.
✓Free malpractice liability protection with tail coverage.
✓No mandatory physician employment contracts.

💡 How to Apply Service Line Chief Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Service Line Chief Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your current C.V. or resume.
Submit your application package online via the provided link by December 11, 2026.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Monitor your email for status notifications.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly highlights your clinical leadership experience and specialty certifications.
If you are a veteran, include your DD214 and any applicable preference documentation early.
Double-check that your license information is accurate and current.
Apply well before the closing date, as the announcement may close early if the position is filled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I continue to practice medicine in this role?

Yes, this position is designed for a physician leader who wishes to maintain clinical proficiency while managing the administrative and operational oversight of the service line.

Are there moonlighting restrictions?

The VA generally does not impose significant restrictions on moonlighting for physicians, provided it does not conflict with your duties.

Is relocation assistance offered?

Please refer to the specific job announcement details, as relocation incentives are not explicitly listed for this opening.

How does the pay setting work?

A formal pay-setting process is utilized based on experience, qualifications, and regional market data.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our 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." By joining our team, you become part of an organization that values whole-health, compassionate care, and evidence-based medicine.