Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
Required Education:
MD/DO
Additional Information:
2 openings available.
Internal Number: 11677504
The Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks, at Fort Smith, AR, is seeking two (2) full-time, board certified, Optometrists. Preferred candidates possess excellent communication skills and has completed an Optometry Residency Program. We are fully committed to providing top quality medical care by serving and honoring America’s Veterans.
Candidates must possess an OD from an accredited institution, have completed residency training leading to board eligibility/certification, and possess an active, current, unrestricted license in any U.S. State.
Highlights of this opportunity:
Potential starting base salary range: $82,830-151,308K
Permanent full-time position
Daily schedule, Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
Provide comprehensive eye care services as well as follow-up care of existing conditions and management of emergency conditions.
Examination of the human eye to diagnose and treat abnormal conditions of the human eye or adnexa.
Prescribing of lenses, devices containing lenses, prisms, contact lenses, orthotics, vision training, pharmaceutical agents, and prosthetic devices to correct, relieve or treat defects or abnormal conditions or the human eye or its adnexa.
Referral to and consultation with other health care providers
VA offers an exceptional benefits package for physicians, including up to 55 days off annually, affordable health, life, vision, dental, and long-term care insurance, up to 12 weeks of paid paternity/maternity leave, malpractice insurance that includes tail coverage, and more. Working for federal employers allows you to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness after 10 years of service.
Don’t miss this chance to join our team and serve those who have served us! #WorkatVA
Fort Smith Fort Smith began as a military post, a location in town you can still visit today. It was built up as a Western town with a history of gunslingers and pioneers. Its many museums and historical sites tell an intriguing and entertaining story of a community that was built by imaginative, hardworking, progressive people. Shopping is plentiful in Fort Smith, and residents can find just about anything they need or want here. Fort Smith offers many different restaurants with a large variety of types of cuisine. From fast food to family dining, all of your favorite chains are here. You will also find small independent cafes and high-end dining options. Pizza parlors, grills, steakhouses, and Asian restaurants are all available. You can even find eclectic meals made by award-winning chefs. This is a town of parks and open spaces where you can always find a place to exercise or play outside. You can take a walk down on the riverfront, or you can start a game of soccer in one of the neighborhood parks. Large parks like Creekmore have swimming facilities and even a train. The lake is the place for aquatic activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. Put a kayak or canoe into the water to explore the landscape from the water. At night, the place to be in Fort Smith is downtown. You’ll find live bands playing all styles of music from rock to bluegrass in cool venues that are fun to see.
Conditions of Employment
U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
You may be required to serve a probationary period
Subject to a background/security investigation
Must be proficient in written and spoken English
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Must pass pre-employment physical examination
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel
Must possess and maintain all required licensures and certifications.
Must have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Note: Copy of current certification must be provided prior to establishing entry on duty date.
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.