The Orthopedic Surgeon (Shoulder/Elbow Specialist) provides specialized surgical and non-surgical care for patients with shoulder and elbow conditions. This intermittent role requires flexibility and availability to meet the needs of the orthopedic service and is intended for an individual actively enrolled in an Orthopedic Surgery Shoulder/Elbow fellowship through an established Academic Affiliate Partner of VA St. Louis Health Care System.
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. Proficiency in spoken and written English. Preferred Experience: Intended for an individual actively enrolled in an Orthopedic Surgery Shoulder/Elbow fellowship through an established Academic Affiliate Partner of VA St. Louis Health Care System. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The work is largely office based and in a sedentary setting. No manual labor is required above ordinary situations. Incumbent must be capable of using a computer given that all clinical charting is electronic.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. The Orthopedic Surgeon (Shoulder/Elbow Specialist) provides specialized surgical and non-surgical care for patients with shoulder and elbow conditions. Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis: Order and interpret diagnostic studies such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and arthrograms pertinent to the shoulder and elbow. Diagnose acute and chronic conditions affecting the shoulder and elbow, such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, arthritis, fractures, dislocations, and tendinopathies. Surgical Treatments: Plan and perform advanced shoulder and elbow surgeries, including but not limited to arthroscopic procedures, rotator cuff repairs, shoulder arthroplasty, fracture fixation, and ligament reconstruction. Utilize cutting-edge surgical techniques and technologies to optimize patient outcomes. Non-Surgical Treatments: Develop and implement comprehensive non-surgical treatment plans, including medication management, physical therapy, and injection therapies. Provide expert consultation and management for patients with complex shoulder and elbow conditions. Inpatient and Outpatient Care: Manage preoperative and postoperative care for surgical patients, including hospital rounds and discharge planning. Conduct outpatient clinics to evaluate and treat patients with shoulder and elbow problems. Inpatient Rounds: Conduct daily inpatient rounds to assess patient progress, address new or ongoing concerns, and modify treatment plans as necessary. Collaborate with the orthopedic surgical team, nursing staff, and other healthcare providers during rounds to ensure cohesive patient care. Post Operative Care Responsibilities and Management: Monitor patients postoperatively, managing pain, preventing infections, and monitoring for any potential complications. Develop personalized postoperative care plans including medication management, wound care, physical therapy, and activity restrictions. Ensure adequate pain control through appropriate prescribing and adjustment of pain management strategies. Discharge Planning: Develop comprehensive discharge plans in collaboration with the healthcare team, ensuring that patients are appropriately prepared for discharge. Provide patients and caregivers with detailed instructions on postoperative care, medication management, wound care, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments. On-Call Duties: Participate in the hospital's on-call rotation to provide emergency orthopedic surgical care for shoulder and elbow injuries. Respond promptly to on-call requests, providing emergency assessment, diagnosis, and surgical treatment when needed. Resident Supervision: Supervise and mentor orthopedic residents during clinical and surgical activities, providing educational instruction and guidance. Evaluate resident performance, offering constructive feedback and supporting their professional development. Facilitate a learning environment that encourages inquiry, skill development, and professional growth. Patient Education and Counseling: Educate patients and their families on conditions, treatment options, postoperative care, and rehabilitation. Provide detailed instructions on activity modifications, exercises, and lifestyle changes to promote recovery and prevent recurrence of injuries. Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate and timely medical records in the electronic health record system. Ensure compliance with hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory standards. Professional Development: Engage in continuing medical education activities to stay updated with advancements in shoulder and elbow surgery and care. Attend departmental meetings, conferences, and workshops to enhance professional knowledge and skills. Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with the orthopedic department to provide coverage and meet departmental needs. Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team. 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) Part-Time/Intermittent work schedules can change the benefits available. 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 Work Schedule: Intermittent