Job Description

Gastroenterology - Physician at South Texas VA Healthcare System - Veterans Health Administration summary:

The Gastroenterologist provides specialized care in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal and liver diseases primarily for veteran patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings at South Texas VA Health Care System. The role involves collaboration with an interprofessional medical team, participation in professional development, research, and patient education. The position offers comprehensive benefits, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for academic affiliation and career growth in a culturally rich environment.

Are you a dedicated and skilled Gastroenterologist looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our nation's veterans? The South Texas VA Health Care System, nestled in the culturally rich and scenic city of San Antonio, Texas, is inviting two compassionate professionals to join our esteemed medical team.

Job Summary: As a Staff Gastroenterologist at South Texas VA, you will:

• Provide compassionate, appropriate, and effective patient care, promoting health, preventing illness, treating disease, and caring for end-of-life needs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of biomedical, clinical, and social sciences, particularly in gastroenterology and hepatology, and apply this knowledge to patient care and education.
• Engage in practice-based learning to use scientific evidence for improving patient care.
• Maintain professional relationships with patients, their families, and other healthcare team members through strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commit to continuous professional development, ethical practice, and champion diversity and sensitivity.
• Understand and optimize healthcare systems for patient care improvement.

Work Environment:

• A mix of inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Patient population largely consists of veterans in the San Antonio area and surrounding regions.
• Work-life balance ensured with a reasonable pace of work.

Team Structure:

• Interprofessional team with 8 physicians, 3 advanced practice providers, 2 RNs, and fully staffed endoscopy suite.
• No supervisory requirement but includes participation in staff meetings, hospital committees, and peer review processes.

Facilities and Equipment:

• State-of-the-art Olympus endoscopes (purchased in 10/2025).
• Endoscopy suites are available at Audie Murphy Hospital and ambulatory surgery center.
• Inpatient facilities at South Texas VA Medical Center.

Professional Development:

• Affiliated with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
• Opportunities to work with fellows, residents, and medical students with potential adjunct affiliation.
• Research opportunities leveraging national databases and applying for research funding.

Patient Population:

• Commonly treated conditions include gastroesophageal reflux, Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal dysmotility, NAFLD, autoimmune hepatitis, cirrhosis, GI bleeding, and GI cancers.
• Patient demographics primarily older male veterans.

Quality of Life:

• Limited call requirements, shared equally among physicians (approximately 6 weeks of call duty per year).
• Flexible scheduling and potential for alternative tours of duty based on facility needs.

Community and Location Benefits:

• San Antonio offers a low cost of living, no state income tax, and a rich cultural heritage. It is known for its historical significance, vibrant downtown, and family-friendly atmosphere.
• The South Texas VA is the fastest-growing VA in the United States, providing numerous opportunities for career growth.

Basic/Preferred Qualifications:

• Board certified or board eligible in Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
• Experience in providing in- and outpatient care of GI and hepatology patients in a complexity level 1a facility.
• Proficiency in general endoscopic procedures (EUS/ERCP not required).
• Unrestricted unencumbered Medical License from any state.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Proposed compensation range: $380,000 - $400,000.
• Bonuses and Incentives:
• Recruitment and Relocation Incentives
• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)
• Up to $40,000 per year for up to 5 years, tax-free.

Health Insurance:

• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, vision, and long-term care.
• Coverage plans are available for eligible family members.

Retirement Benefits:

• Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
• Includes Social Security benefits, FERS basic benefits plan, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with generous agency matching contributions.

Paid Time Off:

• Annual Leave (Vacation): Up to 26 days per year.
• Sick Leave: 13 days per year with unlimited carryover.
• Paid Federal Holidays: 11 days per year.
• Paid Parental Leave.

Professional Development:

• Continuing Medical Education (CME) support.
• Opportunities for academic appointments and scholarly activities.
• Access to nationwide VA resources and professional networks.

Work-Life Balance:

• Limited on-call responsibilities shared equitably among colleagues.

Malpractice Coverage:

• Full malpractice liability protection covered by the VA.

Additional Benefits:

• Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) options.
• Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and resources.
• Wellness and work-life programs.

Licensure:

• VHA provides coverage for the cost of licensure and certification.

Keywords:

Gastroenterology, Physician, VA Healthcare, Veteran Care, Endoscopy, Hepatology, Patient Care, Medical Research, San Antonio Healthcare, Clinical Practice

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