Physician-Chief Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Summary This full-time, Chief Cardiothoracic Surgeon position is assigned to the Operative Care Line (OCL) at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in Houston, Texas, one of the most complex facilities in the VA healthcare system. Responsibilities VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May be approved for highly qualified candidate. 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 Duties include, but not limited to: The division of cardiothoracic surgery at the MEDVAMC has a tradition of excellence and innovation in patient care, education, and research. We specialize in the treatment of complex adult cardiac surgery and offer coronary artery bypass, valve repair and replacements, complex re-operations, aortic aneurysm surgery, including valve sparing aortic root replacements, minimal access valve surgery with endovascular and transcatheter procedures including TAVR and surgery for advanced heart failure such as durable and temporary mechanical circulatory support, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and heart transplantation. Providing the range of advanced cardiac procedures and services (to include aortic arch surgery, heart transplant, and left ventricular assist device placement) of an experienced Cardiothoracic surgeon formally trained in cardiac transplantation and assist device implantation, to patients in the Operative Care Line. Directing and treating the course of treatment of the advanced cardiothoracic surgery procedures for a wide range of patients from the healthy young to the geriatric patient, and/or from critically ill to the severely traumatized. Demonstrating a proficiency of providing cardiac critical care services in the intensive care unit. Evaluating complex patients, initiate the appropriate workup with appropriate tests, imaging and needed studies to provide evidence-based care needed to treat patients requiring cardiothoracic surgery and care. Performing the entire range of cardiothoracic surgeries to include cardiac transplant, performing procedures under circulatory arrest. Placing bridge and destination ventricular assist devices and performing extracorporeal life support procedures. Work Schedule: To be discussed during the interview 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). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the

Created: 2026-03-16