Career Center

The VA Connecticut Healthcare System (VACHS) seeks an innovative and academically oriented Chief of Neurology to oversee - clinical care, research, and education. VACHS is a large tertiary hospital and major research facility with close affiliation with the Yale School of Medicine. A strong record in research and teaching, previous leadership experience, board certification, and outstanding interpersonal skills are essential for success. 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 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 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), b) OR [(2) Those approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA),OR (3) Other residencies (non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of five years of verified practice in the United States), 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. 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 or fee-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. Board Certification: The position being filled is required to be board certified by virtue of specific VHA policy (for example, as director of a cardiac catheterization laboratory or Director of Clinical Laboratory Medicine), VHA policy requiring board certification will apply. Proficiency in spoken and written English. ** SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED TO BE UPLOADED WITH APPLICATION ** Preferred Experience: A national/international reputation in his/her area of scholarship or research. Experiencing in leading teaching programs. A continuous record of highly regarded medical publications since the last appointment or promotion. Excellent interpersonal skills, mentoring skills and diplomacy as well as a good understanding of the Department of Veterans Affairs operations, rules and regulations. Developed and implemented Medical Center policy affecting patient care, treatment and services. Recruited and hired clinicians. Served on hospital and academic committees. Formulated long- and short-range goals and objectives, plans, and programs for the service. Coordinated interdisciplinary service activities. Collaborated with other service management and/or interdisciplinary teams in discussions of proposed new and/or revised service initiatives. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005/113, Part II, Appendix G2 Physician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["The Chief of Neurology is directly accountable to the Chief of Staff for program administration and overall compliance to VHA policies and procedures. An academic and research track record consistent with appointment as a mid-career Associate Professor or Full Professor of Neurology at Yale University School of Medicine is a significant factor in selection. The candidate should possess clinical and administrative experience to provide oversight for the Medicine Service. The candidate should have a strong interest and experience in teaching medical students and residents/fellows. The candidate should have a strong working knowledge of improving operational efficiencies. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. The duties of the Chief of Neurology include but are not limited to the following: The position requires excellent interpersonal skills, mentoring skills and diplomacy as well as a good understanding of the Department of Veterans Affairs operations, rules and regulations. Providing leadership and strategic vision for Neurology inpatient activities and outpatient clinics. Collaborate with other service chiefs and program managers at VACT, and the Chair of Neurology at the Yale School of Neurology. Collaborates with executive leadership, managerial and clinical leaders in formulating local Medical Center Policy, resource planning for manpower, equipment and space. Support the academic mission and oversee training and research opportunities. Guide the development and implementation of programs such as medical practice, professional standards, personnel issues, quality, and performance improvement. Recommend clinical privileges for each member of the service. Recommend staff salaries to the Chief of Staff after review of the staff person's performance. Engage in clinical service activities in his/her area of specialization. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Chief of Staff of VA Connecticut Healthcare System. This position is responsible for recruiting and hiring clinicians and is also responsible for monitoring provider performance and medical outcomes. The Chief of Neurology sits on a number of important committees and attendance and participation are critical elements of this position. Formulates long- and short-range goals and objectives, plans, and programs for the service. In formulating such plans, coordinates with the Chief of Staff and facility management to integrate the Medical Center and VISN objectives. Coordinates the interdisciplinary service activities with other services and clinics of the facility by collaborating with other service chiefs in the Medical Center to achieve optimum interdepartmental cooperation and patient flow to assure that quality patient care is maintained. Defines the requirements, functions, and scope of the service to other services. Collaboratively involved with other service management and/or interdisciplinary teams in discussions of proposed new and/or revised service initiatives. Participates in multidisciplinary meetings on a regular basis. Participates in the development and implementation of Medical Center policy affecting patient care and services. This involves collaborating with colleagues in developing, implementing, and evaluating philosophy, objectives, policies, and standards essential for delivering optimal care to patients. Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases\nPaid Time Off: 50-55 days of annual paid time offer 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)\nRetirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA\nInsurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)\nLicensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory\nCME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement\nMalpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided\nContract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM"]