Advance Your Career: Section Chief Podiatrist at the Birmingham VA

The Birmingham VA Health Care System is currently seeking a distinguished leader to fill the role of Section Chief Podiatrist (Surgical Advisor, Rearfoot/Ankle). This is a premier opportunity for a highly skilled podiatric surgeon to influence patient care, lead clinical initiatives, and manage a dedicated section within a high-volume, mission-driven medical environment.

Job Responsibilities

As the Section Chief, you will wear multiple hats, balancing high-stakes surgery with organizational leadership.

Clinical Excellence

Performing complex surgical procedures including bunionectomies, limb salvage, rearfoot/ankle reconstruction, and digital deformity repair.
Evaluating patients in diverse settings, including the ER, ICU, and the OR.
Leading interdisciplinary efforts to reduce amputation rates among veterans with diabetic foot ulcers.

Administrative Leadership

Managing the daily operations of the Podiatry section.
Serving as the PAVE (Podiatric Amputation Prevention) Coordinator.
Working with internal and external stakeholders to streamline clinic efficiency and reduce patient wait times.

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$145,000 - $335,000
Location	Birmingham, Alabama
Education Requirement	DPM Degree + Residency
Citizenship	U.S. Citizens required

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-15 equivalent position, you must meet stringent federal criteria:

Education: A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from an accredited institution.
Experience: Completed residency training in an accredited program.
Licensure: An active, full, and unrestricted state license to practice podiatry.
Professionalism: Ability to pass a background security investigation and pre-employment physical.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position is competitive, ranging from $145,000 to $335,000 per year, depending on qualifications and the formal pay-setting process. Beyond the base salary, the VA offers:

EDRP: Up to $200,000 in student loan debt reduction.
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to top-tier federal health and retirement benefits.
Work-Life Balance: Dedicated federal leave policies.

Application Tips

Be Thorough: Federal resumes differ from corporate resumes. Detail every aspect of your clinical and administrative experience.
Documentation: If you are a veteran, ensure your DD-214 is included to claim preference.
Follow Deadlines: The application portal closes on November 9, 2026. Do not wait until the final hour to submit.

Serving as the Section Chief Podiatrist at the Birmingham VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence for our veterans. If you possess the surgical precision and administrative vision required for this role, we encourage you to apply today.

Why This Section Chief Podiatrist (Surg Adv Rft/Ank) Job Matters

Lead the future of veteran podiatric care and limb preservation in Birmingham. Advance your clinical and administrative career with the VA.

Section Chief Podiatrist (Surg Adv Rft/Ank) Job Overview

The Birmingham VA Health Care System is seeking an expert Section Chief Podiatrist to lead surgical advancements in rearfoot and ankle care. This is a critical leadership role that combines high-level surgical expertise with administrative management to improve outcomes for our nation's veterans.

Requirements for Section Chief Podiatrist (Surg Adv Rft/Ank)

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from an accredited school.
Completed or currently completing residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Current full and unrestricted license to practice Podiatry in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be appointed under specific conditions).
Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
Registration with Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Section Chief Podiatrist (Surg Adv Rft/Ank)

3-5 years of documented administrative leadership experience.
Demonstrated expertise in cross-disciplinary collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Board certification for faculty status if involved in academic training programs.
Proven ability to manage clinical programs and professional standards.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility (up to $200,000).
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
✓Professional development and research opportunities.
✓Paid time off and federal holidays.
✓Clinical support and interdisciplinary practice environment.

💡 How to Apply Section Chief Podiatrist (Surg Adv Rft/Ank) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Section Chief Podiatrist (Surg Adv Rft/Ank) Job

Create or log into a USAJOBS account.
Prepare your long-form resume or CV, transcripts, and relevant licensure documentation.
Complete the required online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package via the USAJOBS portal by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Monitor your email for status updates and confirmation notifications.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly highlights specific administrative and surgical experience.
Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; detail your accomplishments thoroughly.
Check your application status regularly via your USAJOBS account.
Submit all required documents, including DD-214 and SF-50 if applicable, to avoid disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?

Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.

What is the primary mission of this role?

The Section Chief is responsible for performing advanced podiatric surgery, managing the section's operations, and overseeing programs focused on limb salvage and diabetic foot care.

Is this a remote or virtual position?

No, this is an on-site position at the Birmingham VA Health Care System in Alabama.

What is the PAVE program?

*A: The PAVE (Podiatric Amputation Prevention) program is a critical VA initiative aimed at identifying risk and implementing aggressive limb-salvage strategies to improve veteran health.*

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

*A: Non-citizens may be appointed under specific circumstances when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides world-class care to those who have served our nation. The Birmingham VA Health Care System operates 11 locations throughout Alabama, including the main medical center in Birmingham. By joining our team, you become part of a network committed to medical research, training the next generation of healthcare providers, and providing compassionate, whole-health care to our Veterans.