The Nephrologist provides expert opinion on level and appropriateness of care, for patients in the El Paso VA Health Care System requiring Nephrology services. Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized to highly qualified candidates. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). 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. 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. Licensure and Registration: 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: Those approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), b) OR Those approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA),OR 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. Physical Requirements: See outlined below. English Language Proficiency. Physicians appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7402(d) and 7407(d). Preferred Experience: Board Certified/Board Eligible in Nephrologist 2+ years experience in treating patients for renal conditions. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-2 Physician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, over 45 pounds; Heavy carrying, over 45 pounds; Straight pulling 1hr; Pulling hand over hand 5hr, Pushing 6hr, Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (6hrs); Standing (6hrs); Crawling 1hr; Kneeling 1hr; Repeated bending 1hr, Climbing, legs only 1hr; Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; 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 (aid permitted); ["The Nephrologist diagnoses kidney-related medical problems. Studies normal kidney function, kidney problems, the treatment of kidney problems and renal replacement therapy (dialysis and kidney transplantation). Nephrologist's diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the kidneys. Focus on non-surgical treatment and management of renal disorders. A Nephrologist focuses on kidneys and the entire renal system of the body and specializes in the management of patients with a wide range of renal disorders which include glomerulonephritis, renal cancer, hydronephrosis, etc. The Nephrologists may also perform pre-transplant assessments in some patients or assists in referral for consideration of transplant surgery. Nephrologist to diagnose, treat and manage any condition or disease which affects the kidney functions. This need not necessarily mean only the management of disorders of the kidney, but also the management of a wide range of systemic disorders, which may be responsible for malfunctioning of the kidneys which include high blood pressure, cancers, or diabetes. Duties and responsibilities of the Nephrologist also include but are not limited to: Examinations. Evaluates patients by examining thoroughly. Appropriate clinical, laboratory and other pertinent data is obtained to determine care the patient is provided. Diagnosis. Interprets and evaluates clinical data for the purpose of determining diagnosis and clinical status. Therapeutic Ability. Prescribes appropriate and timely treatment; applies indicated therapeutic procedures; recognizes and assesses changes in behavior, symptoms, signs, and other pertinent facts about the patient and modifies plan of treatment when indicated. Effectiveness in Emergencies. The incumbent is readily available; and quick in recognizing emergency situations and taking timely necessary action. Has active certification in BLS as required by facility Bylaws. Patient Management. Develops and maintains rapport and gains the confidence of patients and relatives through competence and interpersonal skills to the end that patients and others are informed participants in the treatment effort. Consultations and Specialty Skills. Recognizes the need for consultation and utilizing facility or clinic specialty skills in diagnosis and treatment. Responds to outpatient consultations in a timely manner, documents consultations according to procedure and is actively engaged with the primary team or clinician in collaborating on the patient's care and management. Record keeping. History/Physical and other examinations and changes in patient's status are promptly and completely recorded. Clear, accurate, and adequate clinical records are kept current and completed at time of discharge. The treatment plan is clearly stated. Teaching and Monitoring covering both the individual and group learning experiences where one serves as the learning facilitator in the role of a mentor or teacher for residents, trainees, or employees. Coordination of Educational Programs. Assesses educational needs for both continuing and basic education programs, using audits, self-assessment surveys, morbidity and mortality data, and new developments in health care. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Recruitment/Relocation Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Authorized, see details in 'Education section' 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, 8:00am-16:45pm"]

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