Physician (Regular Ft) - Deputy Associate Chief of Staff (DACOS) of Diagnostic Imaging Service (DIS)

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.

The DACOS DIS accomplishes health care delivery mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs in general. Services provided are subject to scrutiny by Congressional interests, service organizations, the public and the media. The DACOS DIS is to be a physician, board certified or board eligible in Radiology or Nuclear Medicine, having completed an appropriate residency or fellowship. Certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support is required. The DACOS DIS will be responsible for the following tasks:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative (50%):

1. Share the responsibility for the overall management of DIS. This includes the organization of the administrative day-to day activities of DIS.
2. Provide leadership and accountability for all aspects of the service, assuring support of the mission and values of VASTLHCS and VISN 15.
3. Assume responsibility for carrying out the goals, objectives, and plans and policies established by the Medical Center Director (MCD).
4. Ensure the service functions as an integrated care delivery system, providing a full continuum of patient-focused imaging services for Veterans.
5. Utilize data about providers and available resources, to formulate strategic short term and long-range plans and goals for the service, and to address deficiencies.
6. Plan, implement, and manage the Performance Improvement/QM programs within DIS.
7. Formulate and implement general policies, procedures, standards, and goals and objectives for DIS that are consistent with, and supportive of, the mission of the VASTLHCS and VISN 15.
8. Formulate and implement general budgets as needed, and plan for equipment and supply purchases including high-cost high technology equipment.
9. Coordinate and integrate the interdepartmental functioning of DIS. This includes chairing relevant meetings.
10. Complete performance appraisal and serve as approving official for the ratings of the DIS practitioners as delegated by the ACOS DIS.
11. Ensure, with the assistance of discipline specific-subject matter experts, and the Medical Executive Board (MEB), that all DIS staff meet or exceed licensing requirements and clinical competencies in their fields.
12. Approve provider leave, including review of conference relevance and approval if appropriate for educational purposes.
13. VISN liaison for DIS issues, meetings, collaborative, and other activities as delegated by the ACOS DIS.
14. Participation in National Collaborative activities including related meetings and others as assigned by the ACOS DIS.

Clinical (50%)

1. Assess, consult, and treat patients with radiology needs requiring opinion or intervention, in the outpatient and inpatient settings. The DACOS DIS is responsible for diagnosis, management, and follow-up of patients in both settings, as appropriate for care of those patients. In some instances, the DACOS DIS will assess, diagnose, and make recommendations to other specialty services regarding management and follow-up of the patient.
2. Interpretation of the testing and other specialty imaging to establish diagnosis and assist in management of radiology conditions.
3. Assess the individual patient for appropriateness of procedures by evaluating the risks and benefits related to the patient's condition. Responsible for performing any radiology procedures covered under his/her credentials. Responsible for identification of radiology managed abnormalities to include, but not be limited to: core privileges contained in the credentials files. Makes clinical recommendations to specialty providers for follow up and management.
4. Act as the consultant for patients referred to him/her for input regarding radiology medical opinion or intervention.
5. The DACOS DIS will be responsible for the management of conditions requiring radiology intervention. When indicated the DACOS DIS will recommend transfer to a tertiary care center for risk reduction and to promote a safe outcome for the patient.

Additional Requirement:
Preferred Experience: The DACOS DIS is to be a physician, board certified or board eligible in Radiology or Nuclear Medicine, having completed an appropriate residency or fellowship. Certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support is required

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: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Use of fingers; Walking, 2 hours; Standing, 2 hours; Work closely with others; and work alone.