The Section Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine is responsible for overseeing and leading a comprehensive team providing inpatient and outpatient care. The Section Chief is expected to have extensive clinical experience, particularly within the ICU, and will also be responsible for administrative, educational, and research responsibilities.
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. Additional Requirement: - Education: MD or DO degree from an accredited institution. - Licensure: Unrestricted license to practice medicine in the state/jurisdiction. - Board Certification: Board-certified in Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care Medicine. - Experience: Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience in pulmonary and critical care medicine, with significant ICU experience. - Leadership: Demonstrated leadership experience in a clinical setting. - Skills: Excellent clinical, leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Proficiency in use of electronic medical records (EMR). Preferred Experience: - Academic Achievement: Experience in academic teaching and research, with a track record of publications. - Quality Improvement: Certification or formal training in quality improvement methodologies. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Moderate Lifting (15-25 lbs); Moderate Carrying (15-25 lbs); Straight Pulling {up to 2-3 hours); Pushing (up to 2-3 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Walking (up to 1-2 hours); Kneeling (up to 1 -2 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 to 2 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable; Far vision correctable; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted).
Duties include but not limited to: 1. Clinical Care: Provide expert consultation and advanced care in pulmonary and critical care medicine, including but not limited to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, interstitial lung diseases, and sleep disorders. Manage all aspects of the intensive care unit (ICU), including direct patient care, consultation services, and oversight of ICU policies and procedures. Perform and supervise advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, and airway management. Clinical ICU Responsibilities: Conduct daily rounds in the ICU, including multidisciplinary rounds with nursing staff, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers. Lead the ICU team in developing and implementing individualized care plans for critically ill patients. Oversee the management of complex mechanical ventilation strategies and the use of advanced hemodynamic monitoring techniques. Coordinate and perform critical care procedures such as central venous catheterization, arterial line placement, endotracheal intubation, and bedside ultrasound. Ensure the early recognition and management of sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and other life-threatening conditions. Provide emergency care and resuscitation efforts as needed, including leading code blue and rapid response teams. Ensure continuity of care by coordinating with other specialists and transitioning patients to appropriate levels of care (e.g., step-down units, general wards) as required. Engage in family meetings and discussions to communicate patient status, goals of care, and advance care planning. 2. Leadership and Administration: Lead the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine section, ensuring high standards of clinical care are maintained. Collaborate with hospital administration to develop and implement policies and protocols that enhance patient care, safety, and operational efficiency. Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and accreditation standards. Develop, oversee, and manage the section's budget, staffing, and resource allocation. 3. Education: Provide training, mentorship, and supervision to medical students, residents, and fellows in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Participate in continuing medical education (CME) programs and ensure staff are up-to-date with the latest medical knowledge and best practices. 4. Research: Promote and participate in clinical research to advance the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine. Encourage staff and trainees to engage in research activities and support their scholarly pursuits. 5. Quality Improvement: Lead and participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes. Monitor and evaluate patient care practices, implementing changes as needed based on evidence-based guidelines. 6. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Foster collaborative relationships with other departments and specialties to ensure comprehensive patient care. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and hospital committees. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. 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 Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm