Physician/Epidemiologist (Director, Center for Population Health and Epidemiology)
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Application
Details
Posted: 12-Mar-24
Location: Salisbury, North Carolina, North Carolina
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 778387800
The Salisbury VA Healthcare System is growing, dynamic VA facility committed to expanding its clinical and research activities. We are seeking a talented and driven Physician/Epidemiologist to establish and lead a Center for Population Health and Epidemiology. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on veterans' health while collaborating closely with the research activity at our affiliated academic center, the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. 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. Board certification in a relevant specialty. Strong background in epidemiology, population health, or related fields. Proven experience in designing and conducting epidemiological research studies. Demonstrated ability to secure external research funding through grants or other sources. Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. Eligibility for a faculty appointment at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Commitment to the mission of the Veterans Administration and improving the health and well-being of veterans. Publication record demonstrating scholarly contributions to the field of epidemiology or population health. 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 (45 lbs and over); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; walking (3 hours per day); standing (6 hours per day); kneeling (2 hours per day); ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted). ["Position Overview: The Physician/Epidemiologist will play a pivotal role in establishing and leading the Center for Population Health and Epidemiology. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape and drive population health research initiatives, with a specific focus on veterans' health. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, promoting synergistic research endeavors between the VA and academia. Additionally, the incumbent will hold a faculty appointment at Wake Forest University, further contributing to the academic mission. Primary Duties: Establish and lead the Center for Population Health and Epidemiology, focusing on veteran health issues. Develop and implement a strategic vision for the center, aligning it with the mission of the Veterans Administration. Lead a team of researchers and support staff in conducting high-quality epidemiological research, data analysis, and result interpretation. Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams within the VA Medical Center and the Wake Forest University School of Medicine to promote research synergy and knowledge exchange. Design and oversee research studies, including study design, data collection, statistical analysis, and publication of findings. Secure external research funding through grant applications and other funding opportunities to support the center's initiatives. Serve as a mentor and provide guidance to junior researchers, residents, and fellows. Stay updated with advancements in epidemiology, population health, and related fields to incorporate cutting-edge practices into research activities."]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. At VA Long Beach Healthcare System, our health care teams are deeply experienced and guided by the needs of Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Our medical center provides primary care and specialty health services, including cardiology, mental health care, treatment for spinal cord injuries and disorders, suicide prevention, women’s health services, and more.