Physician (Director of Cardiac Anesthesia) Job in Houston, TX

Vacancy No. CBST-12609069-25-JD Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $300,000.00 to $400,000.00 Grade 15 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/21/2024 Close Date 12/3/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Houston, TX


Summary

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) located in Houston, Texas, is recruiting a fulltime
Director for Cardiac Anesthesia. MEDVAMC is a large multi-specialty facility affiliated with Baylor
College of Medicine (BCM) Anesthesiology Residency Program, Baylor College of Medicine Student
Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNA) program, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) Medical School, and
University of Texas Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNA) program.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.

Duties

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards.
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May be authorized for highly qualified applicants.
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:
The position will provide anesthesia coverage for all specialties of surgery, beside specializing in cardiac
surgeries in a care team approach. Must have experience with anesthetic management for cardiac,
Thoracic, and major vascular procedures and providing anesthesia for insertion of ventricular assist
devices and ECMO.
This position will also be experienced in performing neuraxial (epidural and spinal) anesthesia. Additional
responsibilities include the provision of anesthetic care including transesophageal echocardiography for
Non-Cardiac Anesthesia Procedures.
As Director of Cardiac Anesthesia, the incumbent will be responsible for writing and updating standard
Operating Procedures for the Cardiac anesthesia section. Also, responsible for coordinating with the
residency site director and education committee the development of resident education curriculum.
Educational responsibilities: Coordinating with the residency site director and education committee the
development of resident education curriculum and actively participate in the evaluation of residents
rotating through the VA anesthesiology department.
1. Supervisory Controls
The Director of Cardiac Anesthesia reports directly to the Chief of Anesthesiology or designee at
MEDVAMC.
2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
a. Comprehensive medical management of patients to be rendered unconscious or insensitive to pain
and stress during surgical, dental, and certain medical procedures including preoperative,
intraoperative, and postoperative examination, consultation, management, monitoring, evaluation and
treatment.
b. Knowledge and expertise in the following anesthesia core requirements: assessing, consulting, and
preparing patients for anesthesia; rendering patients insensible to pain during surgical, therapeutic, and
diagnostic procedures; monitoring and restoring homeostasis in perioperative and critically ill patients;
diagnosing and treating painful syndromes; managing cardiac and pulmonary resuscitation.
c. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diverse group of professional staff
and management officials.
4. Clinical Responsibilities (80% of time)
a. Administration of general anesthesia (inhalation and intravenous) including invasive monitoring.
b. Administration of regional anesthesia including spinal, epidural, and peripheral nerve blocks.
c. Placement of venous catheters
d. Placement of arterial catheters and interpretation of arterial pressures and waveforms.
e. Placement of pulmonary artery catheters and interpretation of pressures/wave forms
f. Airway management including cricothyroidotomy
g. Management of ventilator dependent patients and one lung ventilation
h. Expertise in the following anesthesia core requirements: assessing, consulting, and preparing patients
for anesthesia; rendering patients insensible to pain during surgical, therapeutic, and diagnostic
procedures; monitoring and restoring homeostasis in perioperative and critically ill patients; diagnosing
and treating painful syndromes; managing cardiac and pulmonary resuscitation. Communicate
effectively orally and in writing with a diverse group of professional staff and management officials.
i. Supervision of CRNA staff, physician residents, SRNAs and medical students in the comprehensive
medical management of patients.
5. Academic/Teaching/Training: (10% of time)
a. Teaching medical students, residents and SRNAs as
required.
b. Taking part in departmental Journal Club and M & M activities.
c. Initiate QA projects focused on cardiovascular disease.
d. Teaching and training of other medical and paramedical personnel including but not limited to
Respiratory Therapist, Critical Care Physicians, Advanced Practice Nurses, etc.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, (Post Call, Late Shift, weekend, 24 hour call).

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.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • 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).
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

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.
  • Basic Life Support is required
  • Board certified or board eligible
  • Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
Additional Requirement:
1. Completed Fellowship training in cardiac anesthesia.
2. National Board of Echocardiography-Advanced Perioperative
Transesophageal echocardiography certification
3. Ensuring ongoing excellent clinical care of cardiac surgical and
interventional patients, both in personal clinical practice and in
supervision of the clinical care provided by the cardiac anesthesiologists.
4. Experience with delivering anesthesia for cardiac surgery patients
including coronary artery bypass grafting, valvular lesions, aortic surgery,
mechanical assist devices, structural heart procedures, and liver
transplant.
5.Providing strong mentorship and support for both the quality and
growth of research and other academic endeavors of cardiac anesthesia
faculty.
6.Promoting high quality clinical education of medical students,
anesthesiology residents, and SRNAs.
7.Fostering local, national and international professional leadership by
the cardiac anesthesia faculty.
8. Continuing and welcoming collaborations between the cardiac
anesthesiologists and members of other medical specialties in order to
develop highest quality multidisciplinary clinical and research approaches
to clinical problems.
9.Continuing and welcoming collaboration between MEDVAMC cardiac
anesthesia and Baylor's department of anesthesiology.
10. Experience of providing anesthesia for vascular surgery (open and
endoscopic), orthopedic surgery (total joint arthroplasty and fractures),
elecrophysiology and interventional cardiology procedures, Thoracic
surgery, Neurosurgery, and out of operating room procedures(MRI,
gastrointestinal endoscopy, bronchoscopy and interventional radiology)
11. Experience working in a collaborative team model of anesthesia care.
12. Demonstrates the ability to share expertise within or beyond the
facility through leadership or as an active participant in interdisciplinary
groups (e.g. committees, task forces, projects, formal teaching,
publications or other professional activities).

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements:
Heavy Lifting, 45 pounds and over
Light carrying, under 15 pounds
Straight pulling (1-2 hours)
Pushing (1-2 hours)
Reaching above shoulders
Use of fingers
Both hands required
Walking (4-6 hours)
Standing (4-6 hours)
Kneeling (4-6 hours)
Repeated bending (1-2 hours)
Both legs required
Near vision correctable at 13' to 16' to Jaeger 1 to 4
Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other
Both eyes required
Depth perception
Ability to distinguish basic colors
Ability to distinguish shades of colors
Hearing (air may be permitted)
Wear protective clothing and equipment to include radiation safety, PPE (apron, goggles and thyroid shield) on a frequent basis

Environmental Factors:
Outside and inside
Radiant energy
Electrical energy
Slippery or uneven walking surfaces
Working around machinery with moving parts
Working closely with others
Working alone
Protracted or irregular hours of work

Education

Degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been obtained from an institution whose accreditation was in place for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved schools are:
  1. Schools of medicine accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) for the year in which the degree was granted, or
  2. Schools of osteopathic medicine approved by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association for the year in which the degree was granted.
  3. For foreign medical graduates not covered in (1) or (2) above, facility officials must verify with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) that the applicant has met requirements for certification, and must obtain a copy of the ECFMG certificate, if claimed by the applicant. [If the applicant does not claim an ECFMG certificate, facility officials must still confirm that the medical school meets (or met) ECFMG eligibility requirements for the year the candidate graduated.
NOTE: The Under Secretary of Health or designee in the VHA Central Office may approve the appointment under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 of a physician graduate of a school of medicine not covered above if the candidate is to be assigned to a research, academic, or administrative position with no patient care responsibilities. The appointment will be made only in exceptional circumstances where the candidate's credentials clearly demonstrate high professional attainment or expertise in the specialty area.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or other supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a C.V. and/or resume. Other documents may be requested later in the process if needed.


How to Apply

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
To apply for this position online complete steps 1 and 2 above by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/03/2024 to receive consideration. Please note, this announcement may close prior to the closing date indicated if the position is filled through other means. If you are unable to apply online before the closing date click here and include the CBST-12609069-25-JD in the Notes field.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Agency contact information

Jessica Dinicola-Ortiz
Address
Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center
2002 Holcombe Boulevard
Houston, TX 77030
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. We will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.