Chiropractors provide treatment and care of spine-related neuro-musculoskeletal conditions to eligible beneficiaries. The chiropractor utilizes chiropractic manipulation to restore joint and related soft tissue function. This treatment may be provided in combination with other forms of treatment, such as stretching and strengthening exercises and physical or electrical modalities depending on the patient's specific needs.

Duties

The South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) chiropractor is responsible for program development, efficient management and coordination, performance improvement and evaluation of this program and services. The incumbent works collaboratively with referring providers in providing effective and timely chiropractic comprehensive assessments and treatment for patients with physical dysfunctions due to orthopedic, musculoskeletal and/or neuro-musculoskeletal problems. Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties Administrative: The incumbent develops, plans, coordinates, evaluates and integrates all program elements into a comprehensive Whole Health chiropractic program for the Health Care System. The incumbent actively participates in various multidisciplinary facility programs and committees maintaining professional relationships with other interdisciplinary services. The incumbent may participate in or support research studies of chiropractic care as a care provider or subject matter expert. Education: The incumbent develops and implements an educational plan to meet challenges of the Whole Health program. Chiropractors are expected to show effectiveness in teaching, monitor and coordinate educational activities, and comply with necessary trainee supervision. Clinical: Along with performing patient history and chiropractic physical examination, excluding vaginal examination, the incumbent performs inpatient and outpatient musculoskeletal and neuromuscular diagnoses and treatments that emphasize function, rehabilitation, and injury prevention as well as patient wellness. The incumbent consistently demonstrates expertise in assessing and treating referred patients with physical dysfunctions due to orthopedic, musculoskeletal and/or neuro- musculoskeletal disorders of the spine, peripheral joints, and soft tissues such as sprains/strains, disc herniation, degenerative, developmental, and acquired conditions of the spine and extremities. The incumbent promotes delivery of quality patient care by ensuring the adequacy of the therapeutic treatment, therapeutic exercise and activity instructions along with any other rehabilitation modality prescriptions. Types of modalities are, but not limited to; heat, cold, electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy and the use of low-level laser. The incumbent has clinical responsibilities that include interpreting diagnostic studies that evaluate a patient's musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems such as X-Ray, CT, myelography, bone scan, electromyography (EMG), bone density and MRI. The incumbent will complete encounters, closeout Chiropractic Consults and assure that CPRS documentation is also completed in timely manner following Facility Policy and Procedures. The incumbent exhibits leadership in initiating changes in patient care programs based on current concepts and research study findings. Keeping updated on Chiropractic treatment developments in the management and treatment of orthopedic, musculoskeletal and/or neuro-musculoskeletal problems through both, informal and formal continuing education. The incumbent may submit referrals to other clinicians, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, PM&R physicians, chemical dependency physicians, pain management physicians, and psychologists. As needed the incumbent may order and apply orthotics, supportive bracing, and other medical equipment necessary for patient care. May submit referral to appropriate provider when chiropractic care is deemed inappropriate or when patient conditions outside the scope of chiropractic care are suspected or detected through examination or as a result of diagnostic testing. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 7:30am- 4:00pm

Requirements

Qualifications

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. Education: Degree of doctor of chiropractic, or its equivalent, resulting from a course of education in chiropractic. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools or colleges approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved schools are: (1) United States schools or colleges of chiropractic listed as accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education, at http://www.cce-usa.org/, or equivalent agency, in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed. (2) Schools (including foreign schools) accepted by the licensing body of a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia as qualifying for full or unrestricted licensure. Licensure or Registration: (1) Doctor of Chiropractic (Except Residents). Current, full and unrestricted license to practice chiropractic in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. The facility Director may waive this requirement if the doctor of chiropractic is to serve in a country other than the United States and the doctor of chiropractic has licensure in that country. English Language Proficiency. Doctors of chiropractic appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d). Grade Determinations: Associate Grade. None beyond the basic requirements. Full Grade. Two years of full-time chiropractic practice or its equivalent. One year of full-time post-graduate residency specialty training from a chiropractic school or college accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education, or equivalent agency approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, is acceptable in lieu of the 2 years of practice. Candidate must have demonstrated the professional competence and performance necessary to provide independently the full range of clinical diagnosis and chiropractic treatment for the most prevalent neuro-musculoskeletal conditions including subluxation complex. Intermediate Grade. A doctor of chiropractic at the Intermediate grade meets the requirements for Full grade and the following: (1) A total of 4 years of chiropractic practice or its equivalent. Acceptable in lieu of 4 years of practice is completion of a 3-year full-time post-graduate residency program from an accredited U.S. chiropractic college, as evidenced by documentation of completion (e.g., transcript), which renders the doctor of chiropractic eligible for certification by a specialty board recognized by the American Chiropractic Association, the International Chiropractors' Association, or the American Board of Chiropractic Specialties to obtain Diplomate status. (2) Demonstrates a high level of professional attainment. Examples of such attainment are: (a) Is a recognized expert in dealing with a variety of unusually difficult chiropractic cases which are referred by other facilities for resolution and recommended courses of action to provide for maximum rehabilitation. Typically, in this capacity serves as a consultant to doctors of chiropractic or other professionals in other health care facilities. (b) Has assumed responsibility for a multi-faceted chiropractic program including clinical research and/or training requiring a high degree of competence and skill in developing innovative, new and advanced diagnostic and treatment techniques. Typically, the program is in an educationally affiliated health care facility having a chiropractic training program of moderate scope involving liaison with other medical services and affiliated schools. (c) Played a significant part in the conduct of research in a problem area of considerable scope and complexity that required novel approaches and which resulted in answers to important questions or important changes in existing methods and techniques. Publications authored by the doctor of chiropractic are of considerable value to others in the individual's field. Typically, overall contributions are recognized by serving on important committees or other bodies in the profession. (d) Has full responsibility for carrying out a chiropractic training program of significant size in which the doctor of chiropractic is responsible for maintaining liaison with the affiliated school and other educational institutions and professional or scientific organizations. The individual has displayed innovative approaches in development of curriculum and course content and in expanding and improving the educational program. Senior Grade. The Senior grade is restricted to selected leadership positions. The individual's qualifications, as well as the scope and complexity of the assignment, are considered. A doctor of chiropractic at the Senior grade meets the requirements for Intermediate grade and the following: (1) The doctor of chiropractic at this grade will meet one or more of the following: (a) Possesses such academic stature as would warrant a faculty appointment of a professorial level (i.e., full professor) in a school or college of chiropractic or other appropriate affiliated school or college. (b) Has been awarded Diplomate status by a specialty board recognized by the American Chiropractic Association, the International Chiropractors' Association, or the American Board of Chiropractic Specialties and is currently in good standing with the specialty board. (2) Demonstrates superior professional attainment. Examples of such attainment are: (a) Serves as a team leader in addressing major chiropractic problems affecting the continued provision of quality care health services at a Veterans Integrated Service Network or national level. The recommendations and conclusions of the doctor of chiropractic are highly regarded. (b) Has assumed responsibility for carrying out a major chiropractic program segment on a national level. (c) Conducts research in a difficult area of major scientific interest that has contributed to a substantial advance in the chiropractic health field with important professional publications. Preferred Experience: Board certified in chiropractic orthopedics or neuromusculoskeletal medicine, through International Academy of Neuromusoloskeletal Medicine (IANM) 5 years of clinical experience within a Federally Qualified Health Center, hospital, or medical center. Preferred chiropractic residency (1-3 years) within a Federally Qualified Health Center, hospital, or medical center. Preferred research experience and published in a peer-reviewed journal Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005/7 Part II Appendix G16 Doctor of Chiropractic Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: This position may require potentially long periods of continued Moderate lifting of 15-44 pounds, Light under 15 pounds, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking 2-3 hours, Both eyes required, Hearing (aid may be permitted), Mental & emotional stability.

Education

Contacts

• Address Audie L Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard San Antonio, TX 78229 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]