Diagnostic Radiologist

Diagnostic Radiologist Opportunity – VA Medical Center in Pittsburgh, PA

**Eligible for $200,000 in student loan repayment and hiring incentive**

Description:  The VA in Pittsburgh seeks a highly qualified Diagnostic Radiologist (board certified/eligible preferred) who will provide a spectrum of image interpretation, image-guided procedures and patient care services within the specialty of Diagnostic Radiology and may also possess additional subspecialty expertise. In addition to the clinical practice of general diagnostic radiology, other duties include contributions to quality assurance and performance improvement, oversight of technical quality, education of staff and trainees, committee assignments and other activities that support clinical operations and the mission, values and goals of the VA and the Medical Center. The Incumbent shall provide professional (physician) guidance for all necessary imaging services for which he/she is privileged. Approximately 100,000 examinations are performed annually, including Computed Tomography (CT), Ultrasound (general and vascular), Plain Film and Fluoroscopy, Bone Density, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography, Nuclear Medicine and IR exams.

Among the most innovative and forward-looking in the nation, the VA in Pittsburgh provides exceptional healthcare to our nation’s Veterans, trains America’s future healthcare providers, and conducts research that contributes to medical advancements. The VA offers incredible work-life balance with a generous benefits package including a multi-tiered retirement system (VA contributes 16.6% to pension and 5% match to a 401k plan), heath/vision/dental insurance, performance pay, and up to 55 days of paid leave per year.

Practice Highlights:

• Provide expertise and support in various facets of Diagnostic Radiology and patient care. Interpret general radiology examinations (plain film). Perform fluoroscopic examinations (contrast and non-contrast) with the assistance of a licensed technologist. Perform some IR procedures as privileged. Interpret CT examinations of the head, neck, body and extremities. Interpret general and some selected ultrasound examinations. Participates in Quality Management activities such as film quality review, clerical checks, peer review and other activities as required.
• Oversight of quality and safety:
• Review exam requests for appropriateness.
• Prescribe exam protocols and modify as needed for specific clinical indications.
• Provide oversight of technical image quality with feedback to technologists.
• Provide clinical oversight of medication administration, including contrast, preps and other medications relevant to the Imaging Service.
• Provide oversight and serve as resource for radiation and MRI safety and infection control practices.
• Participate in various aspects of quality assurance such as peer review, protocol review, appropriateness criteria and performance improvement.
• Image Interpretation and Consultation:
• Interpret imaging exams including relevant exam comparison and correlation with clinical information in CPRS. Generate reports that contain pertinent findings and measurements, a description of normal and abnormal structures, discussion of differential diagnoses, recommendations, and impression.
• Support patient care services with reports timely to the care being delivered with the method of communication appropriate to the level of clinical importance or acuity.
• Consult with providers on various aspects of imaging such as exam selection, review of results and other support functions.
• Participate in clinical conferences such as Tumor Board and others.
• Interact with patients to obtain relevant clinical history and physical exam findings within the scope of radiology practice, provide education to patients and support, obtain informed consent, issue disclosures when appropriate, document in CPRS, enter orders in CPRS, and other aspects of physician practice.
• Participate in the coordination of patient care: Contact clinical providers as relevant to assure effective patient care, discuss evaluation, management, follow-up and other aspects of coordinated, patient-centered care. Make timely and definitive notification of time-sensitive results and/or results that have major clinical significance.
• Integrate resources to provide current, optimal care: consult colleagues, research literature, maintain continuing education and other sources of current practice.

Work Schedule: Full time – rotating shifts, on-call, holidays

Preferred Experience:

• Body Imager with experience in reading Prostate, Rectal and Liver MRI.
• Ability to do procedures like Lumbar Puncture and Myelgrams and Arthrograms.
• Able to take call and read Neuro MRI and CT.

Benefits Highlights:

• Salary $300,000 - $400,000
• Student loan repayment up to $200,000 on eligible loans
• Regular salary increases and annual performance bonuses
• 50-55 days of paid time off (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 Federal holidays, up to 5 days for CME)
• Federal health/dental/vision/long-term care insurance offered
• Malpractice insurance with tail coverage provided
• No physician employment contracts and no significant restrictions on moonlighting

Pittsburgh Highlights:

• Family-friendly city with low cost of living and affordable housing in green, beautiful neighborhoods
• Abundant historical/cultural sites and events including the Carnegie Museums (Art, Natural History, Science, and Andy Warhol), a multitude of other visual/performing arts institutions, and a lively music scene featuring local, national, and international stars.
• Plenty of outdoor activities with green parks for hiking/biking (Schenley Park, Frick Park, and Highland Park) and rivers for canoeing and kayaking.
• If you are a sports fan, Pittsburgh is home to the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates professional teams.
• Pittsburgh International Airport for ease of travel to your other favorite destinations.

Interested physicians may send their CV to:

Michael Hahn

Physician Recruitment

US Dept of Veterans Affairs

Pittsburgh VA Medical Center

(412) 689-2414

Michael.Hahn4@VA.gov

Paid Time Off:

• 26 Days paid annual (vacation/personal) leave
• 13 Days paid sick leave each year with no limit on accumulation
• 11 Federal holidays with pay annually
• 5 Days paid absence to attend approved CME courses

Insurance:

• Health Insurance: VA employees have an outstanding number of health insurance plans from which to choose (premiums are partially paid by VA) Lifetime Healthcare Insurance options available
• Dental & Vision: Our insurance options also include exceptional vision and dental plans (premiums are partially paid by VA)
• VA employees have the option to use Flexible Spending Accounts, which allow you to use tax-free dollars to pay for medical, dental, and vision care expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance plan
• Term life insurance, family, and additional coverage options are available with the cost shared by the Federal Government
• Long-term care insurance is available as an option

Federal Retirement Plan:

• VA employees are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). FERS is a three-tiered retirement plan composed of 1) Social Security benefits, 2) FERS-RAE basic benefits (pension), and 3) Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) which is a 401K-type plan
• How is the pension funded? VA employees automatically contribute 4.4% of their salary each pay period and the VA contributes 12.2% of the employee’s salary each pay period for a total annual contribution percentage equal to 16.6% of the employee’s salary
• Similar to the 401(k) savings plans widely available in the private sector, the TSP allows employees to tax defer a portion of their income each year, subject to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. For calendar year 2020, employees under the age of 50 may contribute up to $19,500, while those over age 50 are eligible to make catch-up contributions that allow them to defer up to $25,500.
• The Federal Government also provides an automatic basic contribution (1% of salary) and up to 4% of salary in matching contributions, depending on the amount of the employee contribution
• For retired military personnel, these benefits are in addition to full monthly retirement pay or pension
• In addition to FERS, VA provides health care insurance coverage for retired personnel
• Disability Retirement
• Employees are vested in a federal pension after only 5 years service

The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System is an integrated healthcare system that proudly serves the Veteran population throughout the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. It is our mission to care for America’s Veterans and provide them with excellent health care.

The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System consists of three divisions: a major medical and surgical tertiary care facility, a behavioral health facility, and a community living center and a Veterans recovery center, all complemented by five community based outpatient clinics.

The city of Pittsburgh has been repeatedly ranked as the most livable US city by such publications as The Economist, Places Rated Almanac, and Forbes Magazine. The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System offers a unique opportunity to practice in a leading US medical community within an affordable and thriving city.