The VA Palo Alto Healthcare System (VAPAHCS) is part of VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21), which includes facilities in California, Nevada and Hawaii. VAPAHCS is a teaching hospital, providing a full range of patient care services, with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and research, Comprehensive health care is provided through primary, tertiary and long-term care in areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics and extended care. The Research and Development Service excels as a leader in the Department of Veterans Affairs. The non-profit corporation, the Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR), has contributed to making VAPAHCS a leader in research.

VAPAHCS is affiliated with the Stanford University School of Medicine which provides a rich academic environment including medical training for physicians in virtually all specialties and subspecialties. Our Health Care System operates over 800 beds, including three nursing homes and a 100-bed homeless domiciliary - all to serve more than 67,000 enrolled Veterans.

The opportunity exists to serve as a Rheumatologist in Palo Alto, California. Work with a dynamic, collaborative, and engaged local team to manage high quality & efficient health care on site!

Summary:

• Assessment and care of new and returning patients with any number of rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders. (e.g inflammatory arthritic disorders, osteoarthritis, vasculitis, systemic lupus and similar inflammatory/fibrotic connective tissue disorders, bursal and soft tissue rheumatic disorders, inflammatory muscle diseases).
• Order diagnostics, consultations, medications and other therapies as medically indicated. The incumbent will be responsible for completing all required VA electronic documentation and appropriate correspondence with referring providers and VA multidisciplinary teams in a timely manner.
• Based at Palo Alto but will also be responsible for remotely supervising the RNP for Rheumatology Clinic patients as needed at the Livermore Division, and providing inbox coverage for LVD RNP when needed. Also responsible for triaging LVD consult requests to determine if appropriate to be seen at PAD or by LVD RNP.

Major duties:

• Provides timely evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of new and return Rheumatology Clinic outpatients, and evaluation and follow-up of inpatient Rheumatology consultation patients when assigned to the inpatient consulting service at Palo Alto.
• Performs diagnostic and/or therapeutic joint aspiration and injection procedures as medically indicated.
• Provides teaching and supervision of residents, fellows, and medical students who are assigned to the VA Rheumatology rotation.
• Oversees the musculoskeletal ultrasound program at PAD and provides evaluation, treatments/procedures, and follow-up for patients in the MSK Ultrasound Clinic. Triages and manages all MSK ultrasound referrals and follow-up requests.
• Provides care for Rheumatology patients via video/VVC and Telehealth
• Provides supervision and consultative assistance to the Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner based in Modesto-Livermore
• Provides triage and screening of Rheumatology consultation requests on a rotating basis with other Rheumatology section medical staff for PAD consult requests. Triages all Rheumatology consult requests for LVD and Ultrasound clinics.
• Participates in appropriate Rheumatology section research and quality improvement projects under direction of the Section Chief.
• Assists with peer review evaluations as needed under the direction of the Section Chief.

Requirements include:

• Completion of a U.S. based residency program and subsequent Board Eligibility and/or Board Certification in Rheumatology.
• Certified in the conduct of MSK ultrasound as recognized by the Ultrasound School of North American Rheumatologists (USSONAR) or the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Certification in Rheumatology (RhMSUS).
• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Schedule is flexible and includes a mixture of on-site clinic as well as telephone and video visits. Must live locally; this is not a remote opportunity.

Compensation details:

• Salary of $273,587 - $300,000 annually plus incentives
• Performance Pay up to $15,000 (These are based on measurable goals)
• This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Please reply with your CV to learn more!