Become a Leader in Veteran Healthcare: Chief of Primary Care Opportunity
Are you a visionary medical professional seeking to shape the future of patient care? The Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, is currently seeking a Chief of Primary Care to provide leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for our primary care services. This is a unique opportunity to serve those who have served our nation while advancing your career in a dynamic, high-level administrative role.
Job Responsibilities
The Chief of Primary Care acts as the primary administrative lead for the Primary Care Service. Reporting directly to the Deputy Chief of Staff, you will be the engine behind the strategic delivery of care across our various facilities and community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs).
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Strategic Leadership: Develop business plans aligned with VHA, VISN 7, and facility-wide priorities.
- Operational Oversight: Manage personnel, space, equipment, and operating budgets.
- Clinical Excellence: Drive performance improvements using metrics like access, continuity, and the PACT Compass.
- Human Resources: Mentor and supervise a diverse team of physicians, physician assistants, and APRNs.
- Education: Champion academic affiliations and clinical teaching programs.
Comparison: Administrative vs. Clinical Focus
| Feature | Administrative (90%) | Clinical (10%) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Strategy & Business Planning | Direct Patient Care |
| Responsibility | Resource Allocation & HR | Consultation & Access |
| Impact | Facility-wide Policy & Quality | Individual Veteran Health |
Requirements
To qualify for this leadership role, candidates must demonstrate a strong medical and administrative background:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Education: Degree in Allopathic or Osteopathic Medicine.
- Licensure: Active, full, and unrestricted medical license.
- Experience: Completed residency training in an accredited program.
- Communication: Proven proficiency in spoken and written English.
Salary and Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation package designed to attract top-tier medical leadership:
- Salary Range: $275,000 – $350,000 per year.
- Debt Reduction: Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which can provide up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
- Work-Life Balance: 50-55 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
- Security: Federal retirement pension and 401(k) matching up to 5%.
- Support: Liability protection and potential annual CME reimbursement.
Application Tips
This position is listed under an Open Continuous Announcement. To stand out, ensure your C.V. clearly articulates your accomplishments in managing multidisciplinary teams and meeting budgetary or performance targets. Don't wait—submit your application early to ensure consideration as vacancies emerge.
If you are ready to transition your clinical expertise into a leadership role that directly impacts the health and well-being of our nation’s heroes, we invite you to apply. Join the Charlie Norwood VAMC team in Augusta and help us set the standard for excellent, accessible Veteran care.
Why This Physician (Chief Primary Care) Job Matters
Lead the future of patient care at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center—a high-impact role for a visionary physician leader.
Physician (Chief Primary Care) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated and experienced Chief of Primary Care to join our team in Augusta, Georgia. This leadership position is primarily administrative (90%) with a clinical component (10%), focusing on the strategic direction, business planning, and operational success of Primary Care services. You will oversee multidisciplinary teams across multiple sites, ensuring our Veterans receive compassionate, high-quality, and accessible care while driving performance metrics and fostering academic collaboration.
Requirements for Physician (Chief Primary Care)
- 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 from any U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia.
- Completion of an ACGME or AOA-accredited residency training program.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Chief Primary Care)
- Progressive leadership experience in outpatient Primary Care settings.
- Experience managing Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT), Women's Health, and community-based outpatient clinics.
- Proven ability to supervise physicians, physician assistants, and APRNs.
- Budgetary and operational resource management experience.
- Familiarity with Joint Commission/OIG readiness and provider evaluation processes (FPPE/OPPE).
- Experience supporting academic affiliations and clinical teaching.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive salary and annual performance bonuses.
- âś“Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
- âś“Comprehensive federal insurance including health, vision, dental, and life.
- âś“Federal pension plan and 401(k) matching up to 5%.
- âś“Generous paid time off (50-55 days annually including holidays).
- âś“Continuing Medical Education (CME) reimbursement.
- âś“Free malpractice liability protection with tail coverage.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Physician (Chief Primary Care) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physician (Chief Primary Care) Job
- Create or log in to your account on the official federal careers portal.
- Upload your current C.V. or resume.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your leadership experience and management of multidisciplinary teams.
- If you are a veteran, include your DD214 to claim preference.
- Double-check that your medical license information is accurate and up to date.
- Apply early; while this is an open continuous announcement, positions can be filled at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of this role?
This position is 90% administrative and 10% clinical, focusing on overseeing Primary Care operations, business planning, and team leadership.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, though it is not guaranteed for every selection.
Are there opportunities for student loan repayment?
Yes, this position may be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides reimbursement for qualifying educational loans.
What is the work schedule?
The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, though this may shift based on agency needs.
Is there a contract?
No, VA physicians are not required to sign a traditional employment contract, offering more flexibility in your career.
Can I moonlight?
Yes, there are no significant restrictions on moonlighting as long as it does not conflict with your duties at the VA.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As part of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Charlie Norwood VAMC is a center of excellence, providing comprehensive health care that honors our Veterans through clinical innovation, compassion, and academic rigor.