Expanding Practice Opportunities: Physician - Cardiologist at the Marion VA Medical Center

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) stands as a cornerstone of high-quality, patient-centered care in the United States. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) continually seeks accomplished medical specialists who are committed to delivering evidence-based, compassionate care to the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces. Currently, the Marion VA Medical Center in Marion, Illinois, has opened a search for a full-time Physician - Cardiologist within its Medicine Service.

This position presents a compelling opportunity for a board-certified or board-eligible cardiologist to advance their clinical practice within a collaborative healthcare ecosystem. Combining a competitive annual compensation framework ($340,000 to $390,000), generous student loan repayment initiatives (up to $200,000 via the Education Debt Reduction Program), and an attractive work-life balance, this vacancy offers healthcare professionals a highly rewarding career path.

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About the Agency: Veterans Health Administration

Guided by President Lincoln’s foundational commitment "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan," the Veterans Health Administration constitutes the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Serving millions of Veterans nationwide, the VHA integrates medical care, research, and healthcare education to continuously elevate standards of clinical excellence.

Life in Marion, Illinois

The Marion VA Medical Center is situated strategically at the intersection of Interstate 57 and State Route 13 in beautiful Southern Illinois. Serving a regional population with a vibrant local atmosphere, Marion is one of the fastest-growing communities in the region. The area boasts an appealing array of lifestyle amenities, including:

• Extensive nature trails, regional parks, and scenic lakes.
• Local wineries, golf courses, and outdoor recreation.
• Rich cultural opportunities including local theaters, athletic events, and community festivals.
• An affordable cost of living coupled with family-friendly neighborhoods and accessible public infrastructure.

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Job Responsibilities and Core Duties

Operating under the administrative direction of the Chief of Medicine and Chief of Staff, the incumbent Cardiologist will provide comprehensive non-invasive and specialized cardiovascular management across both inpatient and outpatient settings. The primary objective is to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a wide variety of heart and vascular conditions prevalent among the Veteran population.

Clinical and Diagnostic Expectations

• Comprehensive Care Management: Direct evaluation, diagnosis, and long-term care plans for patients presenting with coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, complex cardiac arrhythmias, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, and valvular disorders.
• Diagnostic Interpretation: Conduct and interpret fundamental diagnostic imaging and functional studies, including 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs), transthoracic/transesophageal echocardiography, exercise and nuclear stress testing, and continuous ambulatory cardiac monitoring.
• Procedural Interventions: Perform clinical procedures aligned with individual privileging credentials, which may encompass diagnostic cardiac catheterization, elective cardioversion, and cardiac device (pacemaker/ICD) interrogations and programming.
• Consultation & Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Provide rapid, high-quality consultative services for inpatient units, emergency evaluations, and outpatient primary care teams.
• Electronic Medical Records: Maintain precise, timely, and compliant documentation within the VA’s Electronic Health Record (CPRS/VistA) system.

Administrative, Academic, and Quality Improvement Duties

• Trainee Education: Mentor and supervise medical residents, fellows, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners participating in clinical rotations.
• Quality & Safety Metrics: Active involvement in peer review procedures, morbidity and mortality (M&M) conferences, and continuous quality improvement projects targeting heart failure readmission reductions and preventive cardiology.
• Regulatory Compliance: Uphold strict adherence to Joint Commission standards, American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) clinical practice guidelines, and VHA directives.

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Qualifications and Requirements

To ensure the delivery of exceptional medical care, candidates must satisfy both mandatory federal standards and specialized clinical qualifications.

Basic Requirements

1. Citizenship: Candidates must hold U.S. citizenship. (Non-citizens may only be considered if qualified citizen candidates are unavailable in accordance with VA policy).
2. Educational Credentials: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree earned from a school fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). Foreign medical graduates must possess active ECFMG certification.
3. Licensure: Possession of a current, full, and active medical license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
4. Residency Training: Completion of an accredited residency training program in an approved core specialty leading to board certification eligibility.
5. Language Proficiency: Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory.
6. Screening Standards: Applicants must pass a pre-employment physical assessment, background investigation, and pre-employment drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship.
• Board Certification or active Board Eligibility by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (AOBIM) in Cardiology.
• Demonstrated track record of clinical excellence in diagnostic and clinical cardiology.

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Salary Overview and Compensation Structure

Federal medical appointments under Title 38 provide structured compensation models designed to remain competitive with regional private practice markets.

• Annual Salary Range: $340,000 – $390,000 per annum.
• Pay Setting Process: Exact compensation within the advertised range is established by a formal VA Compensation Panel that evaluates individual credentials, subspecialty expertise, clinical achievements, and years of practice.
• Incentives: Eligible candidates may receive annual performance awards and periodic salary adjustments.
• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Authorized for this vacancy, the EDRP offers up to $200,000 over five years in tax-free reimbursement for eligible higher education loans.

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Comprehensive Federal Benefits Package

Joining the Veterans Health Administration grants access to one of the nation's most comprehensive benefits packages, emphasizing long-term security, wellness, and professional balance.

Benefit Comparison: VA Practice vs. Typical Private Practice

Benefit Area	Marion VA Medical Center	Typical Private Practice
Paid Time Off (PTO)	50–55 total days annually (26 annual, 13 sick, 11 federal holidays, CME time)	15–25 total days average
Malpractice / Liability	Full protection under Federal Tort Claims Act (includes free tail coverage)	Tail coverage often self-funded or restricted
Student Loan Repayment	EDRP authorized up to $200,000	Rare or subject to strict retention bonuses
Retirement Structure	Federal Pension (FERS) + 401(k)/TSP matching up to 5%	401(k) matching only without pension benefits
Restrictive Covenants	No non-compete clauses or private employment contracts	Strict non-compete agreements common
Licensure Flexibility	Single active license valid for practice in any state VA facility	Requires state-specific licensure per practice site

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Application Tips and Guidance

Applying for a federal physician appointment requires attention to specific documentation standards. Follow these strategic recommendations to strengthen your application submission:

1. Format an Exhaustive Curriculum Vitae (C.V.): Unlike brief private-sector resumes, federal medical C.V.s should fully outline your career history. Specify exact start and end dates (month/year) for medical school, internship, residency, fellowship, clinical appointments, and academic titles.
2. Highlight Subspecialty Credentials: Explicitly detail board certifications, test dates, board eligibility status, clinical procedures performed, and all current state licenses.
3. Document Veteran Status: If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure legible copies of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4) and completed SF-15 form (with supporting documentation) are uploaded at the time of initial application.
4. Prepare for EDRP Submission: If selected, apply for the EDRP student loan repayment benefit immediately upon entering on duty, as formal application must occur within four months of appointment.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is telehealth cardiology integration part of this position?

Yes. The position may require participation in regional VISN-level telehealth cardiology programs to extend specialist care to rural outpatient clinics.

Q: What are the standard shift schedule and on-call expectations?

Work hours are standard day shifts, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. On-call responsibilities are structured according to Medicine Service needs and shared among specialty care staff.

Q: How long will this job announcement remain open?

This position is advertised under an open-continuous announcement closing on March 26, 2027. Qualified applications are reviewed and referred to selecting officials periodically as vacancies arise.

Q: Is relocation allowance provided for this move?

No relocation incentives or reimbursement expenses are authorized for this position.

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This Cardiologist role at the Marion VA Medical Center offers an outstanding combination of professional fulfillment, competitive earning potential, robust debt relief support, and generous time off. Medical professionals seeking to deliver top-tier clinical care without the administrative burdens of private practice overhead or non-compete restrictions are encouraged to submit their credentials promptly.