Leading the Future of Veteran Care: Physician Assistant Chief Role in Tucson
The Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System (SAVAHCS) is redefining how we serve those who have served us. We are currently recruiting a dedicated Physician to serve as an Assistant Chief/Deputy Associate Chief of Staff for Primary Care and Community Clinics. This leadership position is an opportunity to influence the standard of healthcare for Veterans in the Southwest while working within a highly supportive, mission-driven organization.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will act as a primary advisor on all clinical and administrative matters within the Primary Care and Community Clinics Service (PCCCS).
- Administrative Oversight: Lead, direct, and evaluate all service activities, including budgeting, staffing, and clinical policy development (80-90% of your time).
- Clinical Leadership: Supervise physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.
- Patient Care: Maintain a clinical panel of adult patients, utilizing electronic health records and coordinating with specialty services (10-20% of your time).
- Performance Metrics: Collaborate with leadership to ensure productivity and quality standards are consistently met.
Requirements
To be eligible for this executive-level role, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A degree from an accredited school of allopathic or osteopathic medicine.
- Licensure: A current, full, and unrestricted medical license in any U.S. state or territory.
- Training: Completion of an accredited residency program.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required.
- Language: Must be proficient in both spoken and written English.
Compensation & Benefits Comparison
| Benefit Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Salary | $287,000 - $297,000 |
| Paid Time Off | 50-55 Days (Annual, Sick, & Federal Holidays) |
| Insurance | Full Federal Health, Dental, Vision, & Life |
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401k with 5% matching |
| CME Support | Up to $1,000 reimbursement per year |
Application Tips
- Tailor Your CV: Ensure your administrative and leadership successes are clearly visible. Mention experience with staff supervision, budget management, and clinic workflows.
- Early Submission: The announcement is open until January 2027, but reviews happen on a rolling basis. Applying early significantly improves your chances of being referred.
- Prepare Documentation: Have your medical license, board certification details, and DD214 (if applicable) ready.
If you are a physician looking to transition into a high-impact administrative role while maintaining your clinical practice, the Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System offers the perfect balance. Join us in Tucson and help make a tangible difference in the lives of our Veterans.
Why This Physician-Primary Care-Assistant Chief/Deputy Acos Job Matters
Lead as an Assistant Chief of Primary Care at the Southern Arizona VA and shape the future of Veteran-centered medicine.
Physician-Primary Care-Assistant Chief/Deputy Acos Job Overview
The Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System is seeking an experienced Physician to join our team as an Assistant Chief/Deputy Associate Chief of Staff for Primary Care and Community Clinics. This is a critical leadership role that blends clinical excellence with high-level administrative oversight. As a champion of the 'Whole Health' model, you will manage staff, resources, and policy implementation while ensuring that our nation's heroes receive the world-class care they deserve in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Requirements for Physician-Primary Care-Assistant Chief/Deputy Acos
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy from an accredited institution
- Current, full, and unrestricted medical license in any U.S. State or Territory
- Completed residency training in a core specialty
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
- Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination mandates
Preferred Qualifications for Physician-Primary Care-Assistant Chief/Deputy Acos
- Board certification or eligibility in Internal Medicine or Family Practice by the ABIM or ABFM
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓50-55 days of total paid time off annually
- ✓Federal pension and 401k plans with 5% matching
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance
- ✓Free medical malpractice liability protection
- ✓Annual performance bonuses
- ✓CME reimbursement up to $1,000 per year
💡 How to Apply Physician-Primary Care-Assistant Chief/Deputy Acos Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician-Primary Care-Assistant Chief/Deputy Acos Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your current CV or resume.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the online portal.
- Submit your application package before the established cut-off dates.
- Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview invitations.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your CV clearly highlights both clinical experience and administrative leadership roles.
- Apply by the initial cut-off date to be included in the first round of referrals.
- Double-check that all licensure information is up to date and readily available.
- Clearly define any volunteer or academic experience that qualifies you for this senior role.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this leadership role?
The role is roughly 80-90% administrative, focusing on clinic operations, policy implementation, and staff supervision, with 10-20% dedicated to direct patient care.
Are there relocation incentives offered?
The announcement specifies that relocation/recruitment incentives are available for qualified candidates.
Is this a telework position?
No, this is a site-based position requiring physical presence at the Southern Arizona VA facilities.
Does this position require an employment contract?
No, VA physicians are federal employees and do not sign restrictive employment contracts.
What is the 'Whole Health' approach?
It is a patient-centered model that focuses on the individual's long-term well-being and life goals rather than just treating symptoms.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to the "Whole Health" model of care. At SAVAHCS, we provide a state-of-the-art network of facilities, including our major medical center in Tucson and seven Community Based Outpatient Clinics. We emphasize compassion, evidence-based research, and a collaborative environment where providers have the autonomy to create personalized care plans for every Veteran.