Exciting Opportunity: Full-Time Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation) at the VA Hospital in Tucson, Arizona

Organization:  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Service Line:  Geriatrics & Extended Care (GEC)
Location:  Tucson, Arizona
Position Type:  Permanent, Full-Time

Join the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System and Make a Meaningful Impact

Are you a passionate, patient-centered Physiatrist seeking career advancement, work-life balance, and the chance to serve our nation’s Veterans? The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) invites you to apply for an exciting opportunity within our Geriatrics & Extended Care Service Line.

You’ll play a vital role delivering high-quality rehabilitative care to Veterans at both inpatient and outpatient settings. As Medical Director for our TBI/Polytrauma Program, you’ll help shape the future of Veteran rehabilitation while collaborating with an exceptional, interdisciplinary team.

Position Highlights:

• Provide inpatient rehabilitation consults for acute care & Community Living Center patients
• Lead the TBI/Polytrauma Program: clinical oversight, program leadership, evaluation & management of TBI sequelae, and team coordination
• Develop individualized rehabilitation plans to maximize patient independence & quality of life
• Work side-by-side with neurology, neuropsychology, therapy, nursing, and social work experts as well as hospitalists and surgeons
• Participate in quality improvement and program growth initiatives within the GEC

Work Schedule & Environment:

• Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
• No on call required
• Supportive, collegial culture focused on evidence-based care and continuous learning

Why SAVAHCS?

• Warm, vibrant Tucson community with a thriving arts scene, beautiful landscapes, and outdoor recreation
• Mission-driven work: Serve those who have served our country
• Access to robust academic & educational resources, including CME opportunities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Board certification or eligibility in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R)
• Experience with inpatient physiatry or TBI/Polytrauma program leadership
• Strong interdisciplinary teamwork skills
• Commitment to clinical excellence and Veteran-centered care

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Full, unrestricted medical license (any U.S. state or territory)
• Completion of an ACGME-accredited PM&R residency

Competitive Federal Benefits Include:

• Salary:  $250,000–$275,000/year, annual performance bonus, regular increases
• Sign-on Bonus:  Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Approved
• Paid Time Off:  50–55 days/year (annual leave, sick leave, holidays, CME)
• Retirement:  Immediate access to federal pension & 401K (up to 5% VA match)
• Health Insurance:  Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, life, long-term care coverage; many programs carry into retirement
• Liability:  Free, full malpractice coverage (including tail)
• Licensure:  Only one unrestricted U.S. license needed
• CME:  Up to $1,000/year reimbursement for full-time board-certified physicians
• No Employment Contract:  No significant moonlighting restrictions

Take Your Career Further—Apply Today!

Experience professional satisfaction and personal fulfillment as a member of our dedicated care team. Join us in Tucson and help transform lives every day.

To apply or for more information, contact:

Show Email Virginia.Deutsch@va.gov

Paid Time Off:

• 26 Days paid annual (vacation/personal) leave
• 13 Days paid sick leave each year with no limit on accumulation
• 11 Federal holidays  with pay annually
• 5 Days paid absence to attend approved CME courses

Insurance:

• Health Insurance : VA employees have an outstanding number of health insurance plans from which to choose (premiums are partially paid by VA) Lifetime Healthcare Insurance options available
• Dental & Vision : Our insurance options also include exceptional vision and dental plans (premiums are partially paid by VA)
• VA employees have the option to use Flexible Spending Accounts , which allow you to use tax-free dollars to pay for medical, dental, and vision care expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance plan
• Term life insurance , family, and additional coverage options are available with the cost shared by the Federal Government
• Long-term care insurance is available as an option

Federal Retirement Plan:

• VA employees are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). FERS is a three-tiered retirement plan composed of 1) Social Security benefits, 2) FERS-RAE basic benefits (pension), and 3) Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) which is a 401K-type plan
• How is the pension funded? VA employees automatically contribute 4.4% of their salary each pay period and the VA contributes 12.2% of the employee’s salary each pay period for a total annual contribution percentage equal to 16.6% of the employee’s salary
• Similar to the 401(k) savings plans widely available in the private sector, the TSP allows employees to tax defer a portion of their income each year, subject to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. For calendar year 2025, employees under the age of 50 may contribute up to $23,500, while those over age 50 are eligible to make catch-up contributions that allow them to defer up to $31,000.
• The Federal Government also provides an automatic basic contribution (1% of salary) and up to 4% of salary in matching contributions , depending on the amount of the employee contribution
• For retired military personnel, these benefits are in addition to full monthly retirement pay or pension
• In addition to FERS, VA provides health care insurance coverage for retired personnel
• Disability Retirement
• Employees are vested in a federal pension after only 5 years service