What makes working at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) so different for physicians? VA careers offer numerous opportunities to improve your quality of life and practice medicine how you’ve always wanted.

VA careers are patient-centric

Taking your time with patients is a priority when it comes to how we approach medical care at VA. Not only does it help ensure the safety of our Veterans, but it also makes them feel valued, which is essential to forming meaningful, trusting physician-patient relationships.

“At VA, each patient is so much more than their presenting complaint. Their history, their experiences, and their culture matter,” Dr. Neil Patel and Dr. Chad Kessler explained. “VA physicians, being free of arbitrary productivity targets, have the time to really listen and get at the heart of what truly ails their patient.”

Our pace offers more time to practice medicine at a high level. Whether that means time to do research on an issue or confer with colleagues to determine the best possible outcome for a Veteran seeking care, you’ll find that time at VA.

VA careers are team-based

Speaking of conferring with colleagues, our patient-aligned care teams (PACTs) are the cornerstone of care at VA. Proactive and personalized, PACTs provide positive coordinated care through professional collaboration.

Composed of health care professionals, family members, and caregivers, PACTs place the Veteran at the center of their care. No matter what area of expertise you practice, you’ll be part of a cooperative team tailored to the specific needs of the Veteran you’re serving.

“Working for VA is a way to be a part of a dynamic team of dedicated professionals who collectively strive to make a difference while we excel and grow in our professional capacities,” said Dr. Hussain Haideri. “It is more than rewarding in many ways.”

VA careers are rewarding

Physician jobs at VA come with unique employment benefits not found in other health care systems. These rewards are guaranteed to improve your quality of life, even as you provide care and support to the Veterans we serve.

We have options that can help you escape the lingering burden of student debt. Our loan repayment programs can provide tens of thousands of dollars in relief, or even eliminate your student debt altogether.

VA physicians are covered under federal tort laws, so you can focus on your patients and being a better physician. Instead of practicing defensive medicine and worrying about the cost of malpractice insurance, our physicians provide care that’s grounded on what Veterans truly need.

We can also help you if you’re stuck in a service contract with your current employer. Thanks to our Contract Buy-Out Program, VA is authorized to buy out service contracts when you work at one of our rural VA medical centers or an affiliated community-based outpatient clinic.

VA careers are everywhere

Your reasons can be personal or professional, but sometimes, you just need a change of scenery. Regardless, there’s no need to leave your VA career behind or to sacrifice the benefits you’ve earned as part of our team.

VA has more than 1,300 facilities across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and even some U.S territories. With one active, unrestricted license, you can work just about anywhere, and still enjoy the same great benefits your work deserves.

Whether you choose the big city or the open frontier, in a facility big or small, you’ll find a career that grows with you and the chance to support our mission of providing the best care possible to Veterans.

VA careers are flexible

When you bring your physician training to VA, you’ll earn 13 to 26 days of paid annual leave, as well as 13 sick days annually, with unlimited accumulation. We also celebrate 11 paid federal holidays and offer up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave if the time comes to expand your family.

That’s because we understand the value of spending time with your loved ones or pursuing your interests. With a career working at VA, you’ll find ample time to step back and recharge your batteries.

“Physician life doesn’t have to be 100 or 0. There are places where you can find a balance. VA is a nice place to land,” said Dr. Nisha Mehta. “It was a natural fit for what I needed, and it allowed me to be a mom and still practice medicine. Working at VA provided the lifestyle we wanted.”

Work at VA

Physician careers at VA offer rewarding, fulfilling opportunities to serve those who have served. Explore openings nationwide and learn about what VA has to offer.