The Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (ICVAHCS) is seeking a full-time Physician - Psychiatrist (Primary Care Mental Health Integration) to join the Mental Health Service Line at the VAMC Iowa City, IA. Note: This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT through September 9, 2026. The first referral cut-off is July 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST, with monthly cut-offs on the 1st.
Applications received after each cut-off will be reviewed as needed until the position is filled.
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran.
This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. The psychiatrist will function within the concept of physician with training in Mental Health diseases.
These functions shall include: Obtain an appropriate health history and physical examination on patients who present to the Outpatient Psychiatry, Inpatient Psychiatry, Urgent Care, Inpatient Medical units and other assigned clinical areas as appropriate.
Interpret the history and clinical findings, order laboratory tests, radiographic studies, ancillary tests and requested consultations within the context of the psychiatric illness; as well as perform additional evaluations of the patient to secure a comprehensive differential diagnosis and treatment plan.
Perform patient care functions including staff physician responsibilities in the Outpatient Psychiatry, Inpatient Psychiatry, Urgent Care, Inpatient Medical units, and other assigned clinical areas as appropriate. Supervise the physician assistants, Psychiatry Fellows, Psychiatry Residents and Medical Students in the various mental health settings.
Interact and coordinate the clinical activities and needs of the assigned Mental Health clinics with the psychiatric physician assistants, case manager, nurse practitioners, and social workers. Provide education and counseling for patients regarding mental health conditions and the prescribed treatment plans and the planned medication coordination with the health care team.
Evaluate the health needs of the population referred for management of mental health diseases and develop strategies to optimally care for this population within the resource limitations that exist. Assist the ACOS, Mental Health Service Line in the administrative duties of the Mental Health Service Line including tasks with participation on committees, quality assurance and management of clinics as needed.
The psychiatric physician will participate in appropriate record keeping responsibilities related to the VA database and electronic health record. The psychiatric physician will participate in an annual, structured proficiency review.
This review will include the following: overall assessment of clinical proficiency and the physician's scope of practice, results in departmental/service monitoring and evaluation of drug utilization, medical record review and any other objective quality improvement data that is available. The ACOS, Mental Health Service Line or designee will complete the review. The Chief of Staff will concur with the review. Additional Clinical duties as delegated.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. 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. Learn more EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHAVISN23EDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of annual paid time offer 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 Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:30am-4:00pm.
Alternative work hours, if desired, should be agreed upon at the time of hire.
Degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been obtained from an institution whose accreditation was in place for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved schools are: Schools of medicine accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) for the year in which the degree was granted.
Schools of osteopathic medicine approved by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) for the year in which the degree was granted. For foreign medical graduates not covered in (1) or (2) above, confirmation must be made that the medical school meets (or met) Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) eligibility requirement for year graduated.
NOTE: The Under Secretary of Health or designee in the VHA Central Office may approve the appointment under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 of a physician graduate of a school of medicine not covered above if the candidate is to be assigned to a research, academic, or administrative position with no patient care responsibilities.
The appointment will be made only in exceptional circumstances where the candidate's credentials clearly demonstrate high professional attainment or expertise in the specialty area.
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $260000 – $315000/yr.
Applications close on 2026-09-09.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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