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The VA Texas Coastal Bend Health Care System, Harlingen, Texas is seeking a full time Physician (Pain Specialist-Non-Interventional) responsible for patient care, patient/family education, and participation in any indicated clinical reserch in Pain. A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed. Licensure and Registration: Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Residency Training: Physicians must have completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification. (NOTE: VA physicians involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status.) Approved residencies are: Those approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), b) OR Those approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA),OR Other residencies (non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of five years of verified practice in the United States), which the local Medical Staff Executive Committee deems to have provided the applicant with appropriate professional training and believes has exposed the physician to an appropriate range of patient care experiences. Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs and who would otherwise meet the basic requirements for appointment are eligible to be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs). PRPs must be fully licensed physicians (i.e., not a training license) and may only be appointed on an intermittent or fee-basis. PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged; rather, they are to have a "scope of practice" that allows them to perform certain restricted duties under supervision. Additionally, surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs. Physical Requirements: See outlined below. English Language Proficiency. Physicians appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. ? 7402(d) and 7407(d). Preferred Experience: Board Certified/Board Eligible in Internal Medicine, PM&R, Anesthesia, Family Practice, Psychiatry or Neurology Experience in Pain Medicine including Opiod Pain Management Completion of Pain fellowship preferred. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-2 Physician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: light lifting, under 15 pounds; light carrying, under 15 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (8hrs); Standing (8hrs); Repeated bending (2-4hrs); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Mental/ Emotional Stability; Ability to perform privileges Independently perform physical exam; Cognitive Stability. ["The Physician (Pain Specialist Non-Interventional) provides comprehensive care for patients who have illnesses within the scope of acute and chronic pain. The scope of these activities covers all phases of ambulatory care. Other responsibilities may include education of medical students and residents and/or supervision of other providers. The majority of the Pain specialist's time is devoted to patient care and education, with the remaining time set aside for performance improvement activities, creative research to improve patient care, activities sufficient to maintain proficiency in state-of-the-art pain care. The Pain Specialist should have experience in managing patients within the full spectrum of pain disorders and other organ systems as they contribute to pain. Further, the Pain specialist should demonstrate knowledge of preventive medicine and primary care as related to Pain (e.g. complications of disorders & treatments, side effects of medications used), the role of non-physician health care professionals and health care evaluation. Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: The Pain Specialist requires appropriate time mapping and resources to ensure they are empowered to meet expected proficiencies in administration, clinical practice, education, and research. Administrative Duties: Writes Medical Orders and prescriptions for non-controlled and controlled substances, as necessary, for the care of the patient in accordance with Federal and State law. Documents care provided in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) in accordance with Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System requirements. Documents the detailed, targeted, initial history and physical examination required for evaluation in the electronic tool(s) required by VA. Obtains consent and documents procedures performed for which the Pain specialist is responsible. Provides education and counseling of patients and families in preventive care, medical conditions, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs. Review and revise policies and scope of practice/standards of operation to meet the needs of the National VA and VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System mandates Review and guide protocols in chronic patient managements including coordinating efforts with prosthetics department to meet patients needs and maintain fiscal responsibility Clinical: Responds to and completes consults received for the evaluation of Pain, including: Performs a comprehensive, detailed, targeted, initial history and physical examination in compliance with national guidelines. Orders diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests, X-rays, electromyography (EMG), electrocardiograms (EKGs) and other tests. Orders appropriate medications related to managing subacute or chronic pain with controlled and non-controlled substances, incorporating the Opioid Safety Initiatives to facilitate safer prescribing. Work in an interdisciplinary manner with PT/OT, Pain PharmD, Pain Psychology, PMR& and Interventional Pain to optimize chronic pain manage and improves functional outcomes. Educates patients on pain neuroscience concepts to encourage better understanding of active chronic pain management. Carries out health promotion and disease prevention activities including education and shared decision-making Participate in all VISN and national level efforts in Pain programs. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Authorized, see details in \"Education Section\" 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"]

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