This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
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. Preferred Experience: Board eligible/Board Certified in Cardiology Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds) Light carrying (under 15 pounds) Use of fingers Both hands required Walking (1 hour) Standing (4 hours) Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Ability to distinguish basic colors Hearing (aid may be permitted) Emotional/Mental Stability
This is an open, continuous announcement and may be extended beyond the current closing date of February 27, 2026 until the position is filled. Eligible applications will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis during the duration of the announcement. Once a selection is made and the offer is accepted, the announcement may close pending no additional vacancies. Fayetteville is nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, and is an outdoor paradise with hiking, golf, fishing, rafting, boating, and four distinct seasons. Fayetteville is the home of the University of Arkansas "Razorbacks" which provides the community with a college atmosphere. The area is home to several fortune 500 businesses such as Wal-Mart, Tyson Foods, and J. B. Hunt Trucking, who have been generous benefactors for the community and the arts. In the neighboring community of Bentonville, Crystal Bridges Museum has been labeled as one the top 10 must see places in America. Fayetteville has outstanding public schools, excellent parks and trail system and is ranked as 4th "best college sports town" and 8th for business and careers by Forbes Magazine. Fayetteville is ranked as 7th best city in America to work, live and play by Kiplinger. The cost of living is 90% of the national average with affordable housing available in all price ranges. The Cardiologist is responsible for assuring the most effective delivery of cardiology care while meeting and exceeding compliance standards. The Cardiologist will provide expert consultation and treatment to patients in the outpatient Cardiology Clinic which will encompass noninvasive ambulatory cardiology consultation, clinical management, and diagnostic evaluation. In this role, the incumbent will also provide feedback and patient education to the patients and their families and will demonstrate excellence in all facets of patient care and meets or exceeds compliance standards. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May be provided for a highly qualified applicant Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Learn more. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance 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 Some of the responsibilities include: - Provide comprehensive care to include diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and education of patients with cardiac conditions in the outpatient and inpatient settings. - Complete documentation and coding of visits accurately and timely. - Evaluate, triage, and prioritize cardiology consult requests to ensure timely care for patients. - Conduct telemedicine visits for patients in outlying clinics. - Perform administrative tasks as assigned, such as peer reviews, Compensation and Pension evaluations, and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations (OPPE). - Coordinate care at VA or non-VA referral centers for patients requiring services not provided at the facility. - Attend staff meetings and service on committees, process improvement teams and workgroups as requested. - Completes CME as required to maintain competency in cardiology and medical licensure. - Completes HIPAA, Privacy and Security and other mandatory VA training in a timely manner Work Schedule: To be discussed with the supervisor during the interview process