Psychiatrist (Assistant Chief of Psychiatry)

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.

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.

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 : (1) Those approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), b) OR (2) Those approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA),OR (3) 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. Proficiency in spoken and written English. 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 : Physical qualifications required the ability to stand, walk, bend, and move freely.

Must be able to utilize good body mechanics in lifting or restraining patients. Must have good hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity.

Must be clean and neat in appearance. Must be emotional stable and cooperative. Work is accomplished predominantly in an administrative setting.

The clinical surroundings involve working with the acute and chronically physically and mentally ill patients, which may cause discomfort related to negative verbal and physical activities from these patients.

Position requires periodic travel from the Medical Center its four Community Based Outreach Centers. Position also may require minimal travel into the community to meet with community agencies and partners who provide assistance and support to the facility and its Veterans.

This position requires close visual acuity to perform an activity such as, preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing;

viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; and repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and / or fingers. Work involves regular and recurring exposure to infection and contagious diseases.

Infection Control Standard Precautions are required as safety precautions, such as hand hygiene, gloves, gowns or masks, which may be required for personal protective equipment and to promote a safe environment.