General Surgeon Fresno VA Surgical Excellence with Personal Well-Being

Are you a dedicated and skilled General Surgeon committed to serving our nation's heroes? The VA Central California Health Care System in Fresno, CA invites you to join our exceptional team in providing high-quality surgical care to veterans. Enjoy a rewarding career in a state-of-the-art facility while benefiting from a vibrant and supportive community.

General Surgeon Role Overview:

As a General Surgeon at The Fresno VA, you will provide comprehensive surgical services to veterans. This role involves performing a full range of surgical procedures, addressing diseases that require surgical diagnosis and/or treatment for palliation or cure. The Surgeon will have assigned operating room time and clinic time, providing direct patient care in outpatient clinic, inpatient setting, operating room, Emergency Department, and other locations as deemed necessary by leadership. You will also offer preoperative and postoperative care, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. The Surgical Department at The Fresno VA strives to maintain a safe working environment, identifying and addressing safety and well-being concerns within the General Surgery Section.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform a wide range of general surgical procedures
• Provide preoperative and postoperative care, including patient education and follow-up
• Collaborate with other healthcare providers to develop and implement patient care plans
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care and outcomes
• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of patient encounters
• Educate and mentor residents, medical students, and other healthcare trainees
• Participate in clinical boards, meetings, and committees as required

Why You Should Join Us:

1. Impactful Work: Provide essential surgical care to veterans, ensuring their health and well-being. Your expertise and dedication 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 advanced surgical diagnostics and treatments. Our commitment to excellence means you'll have access to the latest medical technologies and resources.
3. Collaborative Environment: Join a dynamic team of skilled professionals who are passionate about providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Benefit from a multidisciplinary approach that includes experts from various fields.
4. Competitive Compensation and Unmatched Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary range of $335,000 to $365,000 annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Performance Bonus: Additional performance-based incentives.
• Recruitment Incentive: Attractive recruitment incentive to help ease your transition into the role.
• Annual Cost of Living Increase: Adjustments to keep your salary competitive with inflation.
• 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.
• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Up to $200,000 in tax-free student loan repayment over five years.
• Paid Time Off: Physicians earn 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 federal holidays per year, and up to 5 days for authorized absence to attend CME training.
• Life Insurance: Coverage through the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Malpractice Liability Protection: Includes free liability protection with tail coverage provided.
• Continuing Medical Education (CME): Reimbursement available for CME expenses.
5. Work-Life Balance and Supportive Workplace: The VA Central California 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.

Lifestyle and Location:

Live and work in Fresno, a city known for its affordable living, pleasant climate, and proximity to some of California’s most stunning natural attractions, including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. Fresno offers a rich cultural scene, excellent educational institutions, and a welcoming community, making it an ideal place to balance a fulfilling career with a rewarding personal life.

• Convenient Location: Proximity to Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks for hiking, camping, and exploring.
• Educational Institutions: Home to California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), and other top-tier educational institutions.
• Healthcare Excellence: Access to comprehensive medical facilities and services.
• Outdoor Delights: Enjoy local parks, trails, and recreational areas for a variety of outdoor activities.
• Cultural Richness: Experience vibrant cultural attractions, museums, theaters, and a diverse dining scene.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Community-centered events and services, making it a great place for families.

Eager to Join Our Team and Make a Positive Impact?

Please email your CV to Gregory.Salmon@va.gov.

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 2025, employees under the age of 50 may contribute up to $23,500, while those over age 50 are eligible to make catch-up contributions that allow them to defer up to $31,000.
• 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