Champion Compassionate Care: Palliative Care Physician Position at VA Palo Alto!

Join Our Distinguished Team as a Palliative Care Physician at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System in Palo Alto, CA!

Are you driven by a passion for palliative care and a commitment to serving our nation's heroes? The VA Palo Alto Health Care System invites you to be a part of an extraordinary team that's making a difference in the lives of veterans every day. Located in beautiful Palo Alto, CA, you'll not only find a rewarding career but also a vibrant community to call home.

The Palliative Care physician may be primarily assigned inpatient attending responsibilities in the inpatient hospice unit, attending responsibilities on the Palliative Medicine consultation service, and/or attending responsibilities in the outpatient clinic. The physician is responsible for providing an admission H&P, assessment, diagnosis & management plan, referrals as deemed necessary, inpatient or outpatient consultations, supervision of palliative care fellows and rotating medical trainees, evaluating referrals for inpatient admission or consultation, leading and participating in family conferences, being an active member of the interdisciplinary team, and participating with outpatient Palliative Medicine clinical care. The incumbent may participate in all activities pertinent to the inpatient hospice unit, consultation service involving the hospital and the CLCs, and outpatient areas of clinical care. The incumbent also participates in and directs activities pertaining to quality improvement, strategic planning, Long Term care Institute (LTCI) and The Joint Commission accreditation process.

Why You Should Join Us:

1. Impactful Work:Be at the forefront of palliative care, providing compassionate, patient-centered care to veterans with serious illnesses. Your expertise will directly impact their quality of life, making each day at work profoundly meaningful.
2. State-of-the-Art Facility:Work in a modern, well-equipped facility that supports cutting-edge palliative care and treatments. Our commitment to excellence means you'll have access to the latest medical technologies and resources, empowering you to deliver top-notch care.
3. Collaborative Environment:Join a team of esteemed professionals who are not only colleagues but also collaborators in patient care. Share knowledge, innovate together, and benefit from a multidisciplinary approach that includes experts from various fields working in unison to provide comprehensive care.
4. Competitive Compensation and Unmatched Benefits:Enjoy a competitive salary range of $260,433 to $300,000 annually, designed for your well-being and peace of mind. In addition, you'll also be eligible for:

• Performance Bonus: Additional performance-based incentives.
• Recruitment Incentive: Attractive recruitment incentive to help ease your transition into the role.
• Annual Cost of Living Increase: Guaranteed adjustments to keep your salary competitive with inflation.
• Biennial Salary Review: Regular evaluations every two years to ensure equitable compensation aligned with your performance and industry standards.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits. Multiple plan options, with coverage beginning on the first day of employment.
• Retirement Benefits: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) featuring a pension plan, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matching up to 5%, and Social Security benefits. This provides a secure retirement foundation.
• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Up to $200,000 in tax-free student loan repayment over five years.
• Paid Time Off: Physicians earn 50-55 days of paid time off per year, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays, and up to 5 days of paid absence for CME. Additional leave up to 1 week based on administrative duties.
• Life Insurance: Coverage through the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Malpractice Liability Protection: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided.
• Continuing Medical Education (CME): Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification).
• No Employment Contract: No significant restrictions on moonlighting.

5. Work-Life Balance and Supportive Workplace:The VA Palo Alto Health Care System is committed to creating a supportive work environment that allows physicians to focus on providing excellent care without sacrificing personal well-being. We offer flexible scheduling, comprehensive support services, and a collaborative culture that promotes work-life balance.
6. A Commitment to Innovation and Excellence:The VA is dedicated to continuous improvement and innovative practices. Be part of an organization that values research, implements the latest medical advancements, and strives for excellence in all aspects of patient care.
7. Make a Lasting Difference:Your role as a Palliative Care Physician at the VA isn't just a job—it's a mission. You'll have the opportunity to give back to those who have given so much for our country, providing care that honors their service and promotes their well-being.

Discover Palo Alto, CA: Palo Alto is a vibrant and dynamic city offering a high quality of life and numerous attractions:

Discover Palo Alto, CA: Palo Alto is an exciting and vibrant city located in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering an exceptional quality of life and a wealth of opportunities for both personal and professional growth:

• Educational Excellence: Palo Alto is home to the prestigious Stanford University, providing world-class educational opportunities and cultural experiences. Additional top-rated schools and academic institutions make this area an ideal place for continuous learning and growth.
• Healthcare Hub: Beyond the VA, the region hosts several leading medical facilities, including the Stanford Health Care system, making it a thriving environment for healthcare professionals.
• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy an array of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking in the picturesque foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains to exploring scenic parks like the Stanford Dish, Shoreline Park, and Foothills Park.
• Rich Cultural Scene: Experience a vibrant arts community with numerous galleries, theaters, music venues, and cultural events. The Stanford Theatre and the Palo Alto Art Center are just a few of the cultural treasures in the area.
• Diverse Dining and Shopping: Savor a diverse culinary scene featuring everything from upscale dining to farm-to-table eateries and vibrant farmers' markets. Palo Alto's downtown and Stanford Shopping Center offer excellent shopping options.
• Proximity to Major Attractions: Palo Alto's central location offers easy access to renowned destinations like San Francisco (just 30 miles north), the beaches of Santa Cruz, and the famous vineyards of Napa Valley.
• Strong Community Spirit: Known for its friendly residents and welcoming atmosphere, Palo Alto fosters a strong sense of community, supported by various neighborhood associations and community organizations.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join us in making a difference. Honor the service, enrich your career, and live life to the fullest in beautiful Palo Alto!

The Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System is a large and complex facility with inpatient, outpatient, residential and homeless services. Located in Palo Alto, CA, the heart of Silicon Valley, with beautiful weather, great food, a large multicultural population and a multitude of outdoor activities. Palo Alto is 30 miles from San Francisco, the beach and the mountains.

Paid Time Off:

• 26 Days paid annual (vacation/personal) leave
• 13 Days paid sick leave each year with no limit on accumulation
• 11 Federal holidays with pay annually
• 5 Days paid absence to attend approved CME courses

Insurance:

• Health Insurance: VA employees have an outstanding number of health insurance plans from which to choose (premiums are partially paid by VA) Lifetime Healthcare Insurance options available
• Dental & Vision: Our insurance options also include exceptional vision and dental plans (premiums are partially paid by VA)
• VA employees have the option to use Flexible Spending Accounts, which allow you to use tax-free dollars to pay for medical, dental, and vision care expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance plan
• Term life insurance, family, and additional coverage options are available with the cost shared by the Federal Government
• Long-term care insurance is available as an option

Federal Retirement Plan:

• VA employees are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). FERS is a three-tiered retirement plan composed of 1) Social Security benefits, 2) FERS-RAE basic benefits (pension), and 3) Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) which is a 401K-type plan
• How is the pension funded? VA employees automatically contribute 4.4% of their salary each pay period and the VA contributes 12.2% of the employee’s salary each pay period for a total annual contribution percentage equal to 16.6% of the employee’s salary
• Similar to the 401(k) savings plans widely available in the private sector, the TSP allows employees to tax defer a portion of their income each year, subject to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. For calendar year 2020, employees under the age of 50 may contribute up to $19,500, while those over age 50 are eligible to make catch-up contributions that allow them to defer up to $25,500.
• The Federal Government also provides an automatic basic contribution (1% of salary) and up to 4% of salary in matching contributions, depending on the amount of the employee contribution
• For retired military personnel, these benefits are in addition to full monthly retirement pay or pension
• In addition to FERS, VA provides health care insurance coverage for retired personnel
• Disability Retirement
• Employees are vested in a federal pension after only 5 years service