Geriatrics Physician

The physician shall provide Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine services required for VA beneficiaries. The physician shall provide care at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. Fellowship trained in Geriatrics and/or Palliative medicine, along with Board Certification in Geriatrics and/or Palliative medicine, required. Two years Clinical and Administrative experience in the care of high risk high need, preferred. Also, a high level teaching experience for organizational affiliated Health Professional Trainees (HPT) to include the Geriatric and Palliative Medicine Fellowship, a plus. All labor and services shall be provided including management, supervision, teaching, consultations and reports.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• The GEC physician's actual clinical activity shall be a function of the VAMC Executive Committee of the Medical Staff clinical privileging process and the overall demand for emergency services.

• Provides direct hands-on patient care in the programs of the GEC. Performs assessments and develops treatment plans. Ensures documentation of medical assessments and observations are documented accurately and in the proper document.

• Responsible for the proper delegation of duties, teaching and medical supervision of subordinate personnel.

• Implements, evaluates and is consulted on medical policies, procedures and instructions.

• Establishes interpersonal and intra-departmental relationships to enhance optimal patient care.

• Demonstrates competent and effective oral and written communication.

• Provides appropriate patient/family member teaching and education; evaluates effectiveness and level of patient/family member understanding of teaching provider.

• Analyzed data for quality improvement and assurance.

• Utilizes the CPRS computer software/program for entering and signing of medical orders such as laboratory studies, radiological studies, etc.

• Maintains familiarity and compliance with hospital infection prevention policies and procedures, ensuring the use of antiseptic methods of all in-clinic procedures.

• Ensures a safe work environment and employee safe work habits.

• Cross Coverage and take calls (remote overnight) for GEC programs to include, CLC, GeriPACT, Inpatient/Outpatient Palliative programs as needed

• The provider shall follow Medical Center policies for referrals or consults.

• The GEC physician shall be required to consult with other specialty practitioners for consultative opinions and continuation of care.

• The provider shall inform patients of the required referral or consult by indicating the specialty involved

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. (except when in "on call" status); however, subject to change, depending on the needs of the service/medical center.

        LOAN REPAYMENT:  Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. 

 The more than 2,000 employees and volunteers of the Washington DC VA Medical Center take great pride in providing world-class health care to all Veterans in an environment that fosters compassion, commitment and service.

 Our mission is to respect and serve our Nation’s Veterans by honoring them with excellent health care at our main facility and at our five community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) located in Ft. Belvoir, VA; Southeast Washington, DC; and in Greenbelt, Charlotte Hall and Camp Springs, MD. The Medical Center also operates a Community Resource and Referral Center for homeless and at-risk Veterans which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 The Medical Center’s culture and presence is transforming to meet the needs of more than 106,903 Veterans who are enrolled for VA health care in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. In FY 2013, the Medical Center had more than one-million (1,263,472) patient encounters and we are excited about expanding programs and offering services to meet the unique needs of Veterans.

The Medical Center
The Washington DC VA Medical Center, located within sight of the Nation’s Capitol, is the only health care system that specifically provides care to Veterans. Offering tertiary care in a Complexity Level IB hospital, allows ours staff to provide comprehensive primary and specialty care in medicine, surgery, neurology and psychiatry. The Medical Center has 175 acute care beds, 30 Psychosocial Residential Rehabilitation Treatment beds, and a 20-suite Fisher House. Also, the Medical Center is home to an adjacent 120-bed Community Living Center which provides Veterans with geriatric long-term care, hospice and palliative care.

Specialized Services
We provide specialized services and care for Veterans such as: invasive and noninvasive cardiology, home based primary care, women’s health, MRI, PET/CT center, interventional radiology, renal care, trauma services, nutritional services, homeless outreach, compensated work therapy, substance abuse treatment, recreation therapy, and alternative therapies as well as a wide variety of Telehealth services.

We are home to the VISN 5 Polytrauma Network Site and Polytrauma Amputation Network Site and ensure the coordination of lifelong rehabilitation services to Veterans with brain injuries and limb loss, as they progress from acute care to their homes.

OEF/OIF/OND Veterans
The Medical Center’s OEF/OIF/OND Program Office is ready to assist returning Veterans with care coordination as well as VA benefits, claims issues, and support to help ease their transition from active duty to civilian life. Together, the Case Manager and Veteran or Service Member will work as a team to deal with the physical, emotional, and social concerns associated with being a combat Veteran.

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