Lead Medicine in a Unique VA-DoD Integrated System as Chief of Medicine

Chief of Medicine

VA Great Lakes Health Care System (VISN 12)

Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center

North Chicago, Illinois

Lead Medicine in a Unique VA–DoD Integrated System

The Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center is the nation's first fully integrated Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense health care facility, caring for Veterans, active‑duty service members, retirees, and their families in one coordinated system. As Chief of Medicine, you will shape clinical care, operations, and strategy across a broad range of medicine subspecialties in a truly joint environment.

Key Leadership Responsibilities

1. Provide executive leadership for Medicine services, including cardiology, gastroenterology, hematology/oncology, pulmonary/critical care, neurology, nephrology, rheumatology, dermatology, endocrinology, hospitalist and intensivist programs.
2. Maintain an active clinical panel (at least 20% time) while directing approximately 80% effort toward strategic, operational, and quality leadership.
3. Plan and oversee resource management for Medicine (budget, FTE, space, equipment, and long‑range capital needs) in collaboration with senior leadership and VISN 12.
4. Recruit, develop, evaluate, and mentor interdisciplinary staff; set performance standards; oversee promotions, discipline, and training.
5. Ensure compliance with VA, VISN 12, and Navy Medicine policies while advancing evidence‑based practice, patient safety, and performance improvement.
6. Serve as a key member and/or chair of FHCC governance bodies and represent Medicine in local and national committees.

Preferred Background

1. At least 5 years of clinical practice experience and 5 years of progressive supervisory or service‑line leadership.
2. Demonstrated success in program development, quality improvement, and interprofessional collaboration in complex health systems.
3. Familiarity with VA or military medicine is highly desirable given the integrated VA–Navy mission.

Schedule

1. Standard Monday–Friday schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., supporting a balanced professional and personal life.

Why Lovell FHCC

Lovell FHCC offers an opportunity to practice mission-driven medicine in a team-based, integrated setting serving a uniquely diverse patient population

1. Integrated mission: Care for Veterans alongside active‑duty Sailors, recruits at Naval Station Great Lakes, retirees, and family members in the only fully VA-DoD integrated facility in the country.
2. Comprehensive services on site: Full spectrum of medical and surgical specialties, mental health services including PTSD programs, women's health, and community living center services.
3. Collegial environment: Staff consistently highlight supportive colleagues, strong teamwork, and a collaborative culture bridging VA and Navy medicine traditions.

Live and Thrive in North Chicago, Illinois

North Chicago combines the accessibility of the Chicago metropolitan region with the comfort and affordability of a vibrant Lake County community.

Community, Culture & Recreation

North Chicago nestles along the shores of Lake Michigan in historic Lake County, offering residents a unique blend of small-town charm and metropolitan vibes. The community features:

1. *Too many exciting details to list!

About Department of Veterans Affairs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is one of the nation’s largest integrated healthcare systems, dedicated to honoring and serving America’s Veterans through exceptional care, research, and support. Our physicians and healthcare professionals provide high-quality, evidence-based treatment across more than 1,300 facilities, helping Veterans lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. At VA, we offer rewarding careers where clinical excellence meets purpose, professional growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact on those who’ve served our country.