Summary

The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System is seeking a Physician (Cardiologist Non-Invasive) for the Harlingen VA Clinic in Harlingen - TX. The Cardiologist is responsible for patient care - patient/family education - and participation in any indicated clinical research in the Cardiology Section . This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine
• The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed
• Current - full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State - Territory - or Commonwealth of the United States - or in the District of Columbia
• Residency Training: Physicians must have completed residency training - approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification
• (NOTE: VA physicians involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status.) Approved residencies are: (1) Those approved by the accrediting bodies for graduate medical education - the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA) - in the list published for the year the residency - or fellowship if applicable - was completed
• OR (2) One year of post medical school training (internship - first year of residency - or transitional year residency) approved by ACGME or AOA followed by two years of post-training independent practice (performing under a full and unrestricted license) in the United States
• OR (3) Non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the United States (performing under a full and unrestricted license) performing duties related to the position they are applying for (United States fellowships would be creditable towards this requirement) - which the local Medical Staff Executive Committee deems to have provided the applicant with appropriate professional training and believes has exposed the Physician to an appropriate range of patient care experiences
• Exceptions: Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs and who would otherwise meet the basic requirements for appointment are eligible to be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs)
• PRPs must be fully licensed physicians (i.e. - not a training license) and may only be appointed on an intermittent basis
• PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged
• rather - they are to have a "scope of practice" that allows them to perform certain restricted duties under supervision
• Additionally - surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs
• In rare and unusual circumstances - the Facility Director can submit a memo to the VISN Director through the VISN Chief Medical Officer - who may approve requests for reasonable exceptions to the residency training requirement for Physicians whose composite record of experience - accomplishments - performance - and qualifications warrant such action
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary
• Some work may require movement between offices - hospitals - warehouses - and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work
• Work may also require walking/standing - in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site
• Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.

Duties

• The Cardiologist will provide comprehensive care for patients who have illnesses within the scope of cardiology
• The scope of these activities covers all phases of ambulatory care
• Additional duties include the following: Administrative Writes Medical Orders and prescriptions for non-controlled substances - as necessary - for the care of the patient in accordance with Federal and State law and approval of the supervising Physician
• Documents care provided in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS)
• Documents the detailed - targeted - initial history and physical examination required for evaluation in the electronic tool(s) required by VA
• Obtains consent and documents procedures performed for which the physician is responsible
• Provides education and counseling of patients and families in preventive care - medical conditions - and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs
• Reviews and revises policies and scope of practice/standards of operation to meet the needs of the National VA and VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System mandates
• Reviews and guides protocols in chronic patient managements including coordinating efforts with fee facilities to meet patients needs and maintain fiscal responsibility
• Clinical Responds to and completes consults received for the evaluation of Cardiology including: Performs a comprehensive - detailed - targeted - initial history and physical examination in compliance with national guidelines
• Orders diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests - X-rays - electromyography (EMG) - electrocardiograms (EKGs) and other tests
• Consults other disciplines - as necessary - to complete the patient evaluation
• Carries out health promotion and disease prevention activities including education and shared decision-making
• Competence in cardiology procedures is desirable and documentation of procedures within the past 12 months will be requested reflective of the scope of privileges requested
• Participate in all VISN and national level efforts in cadiac programs Responsible for all aspects of Cardiology care
• Provide or assist residents and/or the nurse practitioner in the process of evaluation and treatment of the cardiology patients - and actively participate in corrective actions against untoward responses to cardiac interventions
• Evaluate the patient to assess changes in the physical and mental status
• A progress note is written in the patient's chart
• Notes also include the concurrence with notes written by the resident - and attending notes as appropriate
• Perform outpatient cardiology consultation reviews - evaluations and treatment
• Participate in various committees - departmental and hospital in-service programs - and education programs
• Involved in continuous quality improvement through peer review process
• Staff cardiologists shall be responsible for outpatient care - and graduate and undergraduate medical education - and scientific research as appropriate
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.) VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package
• VHA Physician Total Rewards
• Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Learn more
• EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Pay: Competitive salary - annual performance bonus - regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory CME: Possible $1 -000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting