VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System provides primary and secondary levels of medical care to a Veteran population in the five counties of Central and Western Massachusetts for more than 120,000 men and women. There is an extensive network of residential settings from the board and care homes to skilled nursing care. We are looking for a skilled Podiatrist to join our wonderful team
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Podiatrist Basic Requirements Degree as a doctor of podiatric medicine, or its equivalent, from a school of podiatric medicine approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Approved schools are United States schools of podiatric medicine approved by the Council on Podiatry Education of the American Podiatry Association in the year in which the degree was granted. ~AND~ Completed, or currently completing, residency training, or its equivalent, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification. VA Podiatrists involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status. Approved residencies are: (1) Those approved by the accrediting bodies for graduate medical education, the Council on Podiatric Medical Education, in the list published for the year the residency was completed, or (2) Other residencies and training experiences, or their equivalents, which the local Professional Standards Board determines to have provided an applicant with appropriate professional training. ~AND~ Currently hold, or will hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice Podiatry in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia. Preferred Experience: VA experience preferred, but not required. Experience in wound care and surgical procedures preferred. Experience in lower extremity sports medicine preferred. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Eligible applicants must be physically and mentally able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to themselves or others. Depending on the essential duties of a specific position, usable vision, color vision, hearing or speech may be required.
The Podiatrist provides quality patient care in collaboration with other health care professionals. The incumbent will perform specific duties within his/her approved scope of practice. They must qualify to perform duties as a podiatrist, have completed an accredited residency and/or possess experience which has qualified the individual to perform general duties and some specialized functions and procedures without supervision. Staff podiatrists may also include attending podiatrists who train physician residents, assigned in facilities with residency training programs, and consultants who are capable of giving authoritative views and opinions on subjects in their field of medicine. Other duties include but not limited to the following, Provide podiatric services in outpatient, urgent care, inpatient, and telehealth settings, including the diagnosis/treatment/management of podiatric medical and surgical disorders and conditions. Perform minor podiatric procedures in an office setting. Perform clinical review, triage, and management of podiatric consults. Play active role in teaching of trainees including residents, medical students, and others, when appropriate. Ensure accurate and timely medical record documentation. Participate in committees, peer review process, and other administrative responsibilities as assigned by the Chief of Specialty Service, the Medical Director of Specialty Medicine/Surgery, or another designee. Biomedical Evaluation of the Lower Extremities to assist in the management of Pathology by controlling the contribution of abnormal gait and foot functions to the patients' symptomology. Neuropathic or Vascular Ulcerations Osteoarthritis of the bunion joint Development and use of devices which disperse or remove weight bearing from certain parts of the foot which are ulcerated or painful together with necessary local care of local pathology. Identification/treatment of "static" foot problems (e.g., heel pain, flatfoot deformity, hammer toes), by performance of bio mechanical evaluation of the lower extremities and utilization of highly specific devices which place the foot or digits in a more functional position and redistribute weight bearing to reduce or eliminate discomfort. Local care of corns, calluses and pedal ulceration. Local care of deformed, painful and/or infected nails which may result in significant extension of infection, ulceration, disability, or gangrene; particularly in patients predisposed to infection or its extension by systemic disease (diabetes mellitus). Outpatient clinical procedures including: Surgical and chemical nail procedures, Soft tissue procedures (including Incision/biopsy soft tissue lesions, repair of simple lacerations, I&D-localized abscess, ulcer debridement), Foreign body removal (superficial/subcutaneous) and non-surgical treatment of tendons and non-displaced fractures of the foot and ankle. Actively participates in ongoing process of performance improvement in Podiatry. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. 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 Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00a - 4:30p) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized