Staff Physician - Orthopedic Section Chief

Summary 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. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. Responsibilities VA St. Louis Health Care System seeks an accomplished orthopedic surgeon to lead as Section Chief of Orthopedic Surgery. This role combines clinical expertise with administrative leadership and education in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Recruitment/Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized and may be offered to highly qualified individuals. Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Learn more. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance 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 The Section Chief provides strategic and operational leadership for the Orthopedic Surgery Section, ensuring high-quality, Veteran-centered care. Approximately 30% of the role is administrative and management, including oversight of clinical scheduling, provider productivity, access to care, compliance with VA policies, Joint Commission standards, and medical staff bylaws. Responsibilities also include performance evaluations of orthopedic staff, collaboration on budget, equipment, and space planning, and oversight of the orthopedic residency program in partnership with Washington University. The remaining 70% of the role is dedicated to direct clinical care, including outpatient, inpatient, and operative responsibilities. Major Responsibilities Leadership & Administration (30%): Direct section operations, strategic planning, and quality improvement initiatives. Represent the section in interdisciplinary committees and leadership forums. Ensure compliance with documentation standards, coding accuracy, and timely completion of clinical records. Education & Residency Oversight: Supervise and mentor orthopedic residents and medical students and advanced practice providers. Ensure compliance with ACGME and affiliate training requirements. Provide structured feedback and contribute to resident evaluations and academic development. Oversee the orthopedic residency program in collaboration with Washington University, fostering an academic environment and supporting curriculum development. Research (as applicable): Support or lead clinical research initiatives aligned with orthopedic innovation and Veteran care. Promote scholarly activity, including publications and quality improvement projects. Clinical Care (70%): Deliver comprehensive orthopedic care in outpatient and inpatient settings. Perform a full range of surgical procedures within the surgeon's subspecialty (e.g., complex joint reconstruction, shoulder/elbow repair, trauma stabilization, or functional restoration). Participate in general orthopedic call coverage and multidisciplinary care coordination. Work Schedule: Full-Time tour of duty to be negotiated upon selection. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Complete all application requirements detailed in the

Created: 2026-04-04