Section Chief for the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders (SCI/D) Service

The South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) is seeking a skilled, compassionate, and motivated Physician to serve as the Outpatient Section Chief for the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders (SCI/D) Service at the Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. This is a full-time, leadership-focused clinical and administrative role supporting one of the nation's largest and most respected VA healthcare systems.

Position Overview

The SCI/D Outpatient Section Chief provides both hands-on clinical care and high-level administrative leadership. The role supports four other physicians and a multidisciplinary clinical team providing care to approximately 600 Veterans living with spinal cord injuries or disorders.

Primary responsibilities include:

Administrative Duties: • Lead outpatient SCI/D physicians and assigned staff.
• Participate in staff meetings, committees, accreditation activities, and peer review.
• Ensure timely documentation, credentialing maintenance, mandatory training completion.
• Manage time and leave processes, clinic cancellations, and clinical coverage needs.
• Oversee productivity, access metrics, open encounters, and consult management.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Nurse Manager on efficient clinic operations.
• Support performance improvement and quality initiatives across the service.

Clinical Duties: • Maintain active privileges and clinical practice in the physician's specialty.
• Deliver high-quality patient care including assessment, diagnosis, and management.
• Demonstrate strong clinical judgment using evidence-based medicine.
• Communicate effectively with Veterans, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Model professionalism, ethics, and a commitment to continuous growth.
• Provide off-tour inpatient/consult coverage on a rotational basis (nights, weekends, holidays).

Work Environment

• Outpatient practice based at Audie Murphy VA Hospital.
• Review SCI/D service consults for neuro-rehab appropriateness.
• Participate in facility-wide performance measures including access and utilization.
• Engage in accreditation, quality management, peer review, and hospital committees.
• Maintain licensure, board certification, and academic affiliate requirements.
• Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30am–4:00pm.

Team Structure: Four physicians, Assistant Nurse Manager, two RNs, one LVN, one CNA
• Full interdisciplinary support: physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, pharmacy, social work

Patient Population: Approx. 600 Veterans with spinal cord injuries or neurologic disorders
• Highly rewarding care environment serving chronic and complex neuro-rehab needs

Professional Development

Qualifications

Basic/Preferred Qualifications: Board Certified or Board Eligible in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation or Neurology
• Experience in neurorehabilitation (inpatient or outpatient), specializing in SCI/D preferred
• Experience or interest in spinal cord medicine, pain, musculoskeletal medicine, or rehab subspecialties
• Minimum three years of supervisory or leadership experience

VA Employment Requirements: • U.S. Citizens strongly encouraged; non-citizens will be considered when qualified candidates are not available
• Unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state or territory
• Completion of residency training approved by the VA
• Successful background check and onboarding requirements

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.