Chief of Gastroenterology (Faculty Appointment) - VA Maryland Health Care System/University of Maryland SOM

The Baltimore VA Medical Center, in collaboration with the University of Maryland School of Medicine, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief of Gastroenterology. This is a full-time faculty appointment for a senior gastroenterologist with demonstrated leadership ability, excellence in patient care, a passion for teaching, and a commitment to clinical research. The Chief will oversee all aspects of the Gastroenterology Section, ensuring high-quality care for veterans, mentoring faculty and trainees, and advancing academic and research initiatives.

Location:

Baltimore VA Medical Center (VAMC) & University of Maryland School of Medicine

Baltimore, MD

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Gastroenterology Section at the Baltimore VAMC.
• Oversee all clinical operations, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based, and veteran-centered care across both inpatient and outpatient services.
• Perform and supervise endoscopic procedures, including colonoscopies, upper endoscopies (EGDs), and other diagnostic/therapeutic procedures.
• Foster collaboration with other departments, ensuring interdisciplinary care and coordination.
• Mentor and guide the development of gastroenterology faculty, fellows, and residents in clinical, educational, and research activities.
• Participate in the recruitment, retention, and performance evaluations of gastroenterology staff and trainees.
• Lead clinical research initiatives and contribute to the academic mission of the University of Maryland School of Medicine through publications, presentations, and external funding opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with VA and institutional policies and guidelines, particularly in relation to patient safety, quality improvement, and clinical outcomes.
• Represent the Gastroenterology Section in departmental meetings, committees, and other leadership forums at the VAMC and the University.
• Oversee the development and implementation of new clinical programs, technologies, and innovations in gastroenterology care.
• Participate in teaching programs for medical students, residents, and fellows, including formal lectures, bedside teaching, and clinical supervision.

Qualifications:

• MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school.
• Board certification in Gastroenterology.
• Minimum of five years of clinical and academic experience in gastroenterology.
• Proven track record in leadership roles, program development, and administration.
• Experience with clinical research and a strong academic background with a history of scholarly publications.
• Eligible for licensure in the state of Maryland.
• Commitment to patient care, teaching, and advancing the field of gastroenterology.

Academic Appointment:

This position includes a faculty appointment at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with a rank commensurate with the candidate’s experience, academic achievements, and leadership ability. The successful candidate will have opportunities to advance within the academic track through research, mentorship, and service contributions.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Access to advanced medical facilities and research resources at both the Baltimore VAMC and the University of Maryland.
• Opportunities for leadership development, academic collaboration, and professional growth.
• Support for continuing medical education (CME) and possible student loan repayment programs through the VA.
• A highly collaborative and supportive academic environment.

More Compensation Details:

Receive annual base pay increases, when signed into federal law (as of 2024, the 5-year average increase was 2.92%), biennial within-grade or “step” longevity increases, and biennial market pay increases resulting from additional credentials, promotions, or local market changes.

As a modern health care facility, the Baltimore VA Medical Center offers Veterans state-of-the-art technology and clinical services. The medical center is home to the world’s first filmless radiology department, which allows health care providers to have nearly instant access to patient radiology images.

The Baltimore VA Medical Center is the acute medical and surgical care facility for the VA Maryland Health Care System and offers a full range of inpatient, outpatient and primary care services. As a surgical specialty care facility, the medical center serves as the neurosurgery referral center for the VA Capitol Health Care Network.

The medical center’s "patient friendly" design features plant-filled atriums, natural light from overhead skylights and comfortable patient rooms and waiting areas. Located next to the University of Maryland Medical Center with a walkway connecting the two facilities, the medical center maintains an active affiliation with the University in the sharing of staff, resources and technology.

Having one of the largest funded research and development programs in the VA system enhances the medical center’s ability to provide state-of-the-art medical techniques and treatments to Maryland’s Veterans. The medical center is also home to the following specialized clinical and research centers:

• Epilepsy Center of Excellence
• Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center
• Maryland Exercise and Robotics Center of Excellence
• Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center of Excellence

The Baltimore VA Medical Center is located in a vibrant city neighborhood on the campus of the University of Maryland at Baltimore and is within walking distance of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium (home of the Baltimore Ravens), Lexington Market and the Inner Harbor. There is free valet parking for patients in the medical center’s garage, and Light Rail, Metro and bus services are located nearby. For patient convenience, a shuttle runs weekdays to and from the Perry Point; Martinsburg, West Virginia; and Washington, DC, VA Medical Centers and the Fort Howard, Glen Burnie and Loch Raven VA Outpatient Clinics.

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