Summary
The VA North Texas Health Care System is seeking a full-time Medical Ophthalmologist to join their team. The ophthalmologist will perform primary clinical and minor surgical duties and is expected to treat a wide variety of general ophthalmic conditions, including those at the Ft. Worth VA Clinic. A Recruitment / Relocation Incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates. 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 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 physicians 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.
- United States Citizenship : Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
- Education : Doctor of Medicine (MD) or an equivalent degree in medicine or osteopathic medicine from a school approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed
- Licensure and Registration : Current full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia
- Residency Training : Completed residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to board certification eligibility; VA physicians in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status. Approved residencies include ACGME or AOA accredited programs, or other non-U.S. programs followed by a minimum of five years of verified U.S. practice deemed appropriate by the local Medical Staff Executive Committee
- Residents currently enrolled in ACGME or AOA accredited residency training programs and who would otherwise meet the basic requirements are eligible to be appointed as Physician Resident Providers (PRPs)
- PRPs must be fully licensed physicians (not training licenses) and may be appointed on an intermittent or fee-basis. PRPs are not independent practitioners and are privileged only under supervision
- PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged; they are authorized to perform certain restricted duties under supervision
- Additional PRP eligibility for surgery residents in gap years
- Physical Requirements : Moderate lifting (15–44 lbs.), light carrying (under 15 lbs.), push, reach above shoulder, use of fingers, walking, standing, both legs must function; hearing (aid permitted)
- English Language Proficiency : Proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7402(d) and 7407(d)
- Preferred Experience : Board certified in Ophthalmology, actively practicing clinical and minor surgical ophthalmology care, experience supervising ophthalmology residents in clinical and minor operative settings, and leadership experience
- Reference : VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005 – Part II – Appendix G‑2 Physician Qualification Standard (available at local Human Resources Office)
Duties
The Ophthalmologist functions as an integral part of the eye care team – examining the human eye and ascertaining defects of the visual systemFunction as independent provider under Memorandums of Understanding with Ophthalmology for glaucoma, diabetes, and macular degenerationPrimary eye and vision care services : prescribe glasses and contact lenses, order diagnostic imaging and laboratory studies, determine diagnosis, create treatment plan, and provide patient and family health educationProvide emergency care (evaluating, managing, triaging non‑surgical emergent eye conditions)Manage problem‑oriented care for patients with routine ocular complaintsPerform preventive health services, including mandated examinations such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma screeningsConduct clinical procedures : take medical and ocular history; measure visual acuity; test pupillary function; test color vision; assess extraocular muscle function and binocularity; test refraction and accommodation; examine external eye and adnexal structures; perform biomicroscopic evaluation, gonioscopy, fundus lens evaluation; conduct ophthalmoscopy, tonometry, and perimetryAdministrative or patient‑care duties as assignedSupervised by the Chief of Ophthalmology at Dallas VA Medical Center for quality, productivity, and adherence to performance measuresProductivity target : minimum of 16 complete exams per day on averageWork schedule : Monday–Friday, 8 : 00 a.m.–4 : 30 p.m.Recruitment Incentive : sign‑on bonus, authorized Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) for qualified candidates; former EDRP participants are ineligible for incentiveContact : vhaedrpprogramsupport@va.gov for EDRP coordinator questions / assistanceCompensation : competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases; paid time off : 50–55 days annually (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays, up to 5 days CME); traditional federal pension after 5 years, federal 401(k) with up to 5% employer match; federal insurance : health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care (many can be carried into retirement)Licensure : 1 full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory; CME reimbursement : possible $1,000 per year (requires full-time board certification)Malpractice : free liability protection with tail coverage providedContract : no physician employment contract; no significant restriction on moonlighting#J-18808-Ljbffr