Advance Your Career: Physician (Primary Care) Section Chief at the VA

Are you a visionary physician looking to marry clinical excellence with strategic leadership? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) is currently hiring a Physician (Primary Care) Section Chief. This unique role invites experienced practitioners in Family or Internal Medicine to lead clinical teams dedicated to the well-being of our nation’s heroes. With a focus on innovation, teaching, and compassionate care, this role is perfect for those ready to make a significant impact in the medical field.

Job Responsibilities

The Section Chief role is a blend of high-level clinical practice and administrative leadership. You will spend 60% of your time in clinical practice and 40% managing the strategic direction of the primary care department.

Clinical Excellence: Delivering expert-level primary care, including diagnosis, treatment planning, and medication management.
Leadership: Supervising clinical staff, managing labor-management relations, and standardizing clinical practices.
Operations: Ensuring compliance with quality metrics, business planning, and resource allocation.
Education: Participating in the mentorship of residents and supporting continuous learning within the facility.

Requirements

To be considered for this high-impact role, candidates must meet rigorous standards:

Education: Degree of Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine from an approved school.
Licensure: A full and unrestricted license to practice in any U.S. state or territory.
Experience: Completion of an accredited residency program in a core specialty.
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is generally required.
Professionalism: Ability to pass security background checks and pre-employment physicals.

Salary Overview & Comparison

Positions at this level are compensated based on experience and the complexity of the role. Below is a snapshot of the compensation and professional environment:

Feature	Compensation/Detail
Salary Range	$275,000 - $335,000 per year
Loan Repayment	EDRP up to $200,000
PTO	50-55 Days (Annual/Sick/Holiday)
Pension	Traditional Federal Pension/401K

Benefits

The VA provides a comprehensive total rewards package that recognizes the dedication of its physicians. Beyond the competitive salary, you will benefit from:

Financial Security: Federal 401K with employer matching up to 5%.
Liability Protection: Free medical malpractice and tail coverage.
Work-Life Balance: No restrictive physician employment contracts; reasonable work hours (8:00 am - 4:30 pm).
Growth: Annual reimbursement for continuing medical education (CME).

Application Tips

Customize Your CV: Highlight your specific leadership experience and your history in primary care settings.
Use Keywords: Mirror the language of the job description regarding clinical competencies and administrative tasks.
Prepare for the Process: Gather your medical credentials and license verification early.
Engagement: Ensure you mention your interest in teaching or research if you are applying for a leadership role, as this is a key component of the ECHCS mission.

This role offers more than just a paycheck; it provides an opportunity to build a legacy of service. If you are a physician ready to lead and improve the quality of care for our Veterans, we encourage you to submit your application today. Join a team where your expertise directly contributes to the honor and health of those who have served.

Why This Physician-(Primary Care)-Section Chief Job Matters

Lead the future of primary care for those who served—advance your clinical leadership career as a Section Chief with the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System.

Physician-(Primary Care)-Section Chief Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Physician to serve as the Section Chief of Primary Care for the Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS). In this pivotal leadership role, you will balance expert clinical care for Veterans with strategic administrative oversight. You will guide a multidisciplinary team, influence program development, and help shape the future of healthcare delivery within a state-of-the-art medical environment. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for a physician to grow their professional footprint while ensuring our nation's heroes receive the world-class medical attention they deserve.

Requirements for Physician-(Primary Care)-Section Chief

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply per VA policy).
Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine degree from an accredited institution.
Current, full, and unrestricted medical license in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Completion of an ACGME or AOA-approved residency program.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Ability to pass pre-employment physical and drug screening.
Successful completion of a background/suitability investigation.
Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician-(Primary Care)-Section Chief

More than 3 years of clinical leadership experience.
More than 5 years of experience in primary care.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and database management.
Prior experience working within the VA or federal healthcare system.
Specialized clinical focus in women's health and chronic pain management.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Annual salary between $275,000 and $335,000.
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility up to $200,000.
✓Comprehensive federal insurance package (health, vision, dental, life, long-term care).
✓Generous PTO: 26 days annual leave, 13 sick days, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Federal pension and 401k-style savings plan with employer matching.
✓Professional liability protection with tail coverage.
✓Annual CME reimbursement opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Physician-(Primary Care)-Section Chief Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician-(Primary Care)-Section Chief Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review your resume to ensure it reflects your clinical and leadership achievements.
Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application and required supporting documents (CV/Resume).
Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly outlines your leadership experience, as this is a Section Chief role.
Highlight specific experience with chronic pain management and women's health if applicable.
Submit your application early, as the announcement may close if the position is filled.
Double-check your supporting documentation, specifically your medical license and board certification details.
Clearly articulate your volunteer or community service experience if it relates to your clinical background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation assistance available?

While relocation is marked as false in the system, the position does offer recruitment/relocation incentives for qualifying applicants, to be discussed during the selection process.

Does this role involve research or teaching?

Yes, ECHCS is a teaching hospital. The Section Chief role includes supervision of residents and active participation in research and educational activities.

Can I work remotely?

This position requires significant on-site leadership and clinical engagement, so while some tasks may be eligible for telework, it is not a fully remote position.

What is the EDRP program?

The Education Debt Reduction Program is a generous student loan reimbursement benefit provided by the VA, offering up to $200,000 for qualifying applicants.

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans, the VHA is committed to President Lincoln's promise: “To care for him who shall have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.” Joining the ECHCS means working in a cutting-edge environment that prioritizes research, academic training, and patient-centered treatment.