Gastroenterology is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the digestive system. Such disorders may involve the digestive tract, the pancreas, the liver, or the gallbladder.
These issues are particularly acute for Veterans. For example, gastrointestinal problems are among the illnesses identified as impacting many Gulf War Veterans following service in the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War, making gastroenterology an important expertise at VA.
However, providing essential, expert care to Veterans is not the only reward to be found when you choose to work as a physician at VA.
Valuable employment benefits
No matter the role you choose—from direct patient care to research—there are some rewards that just won’t change, because we value you the way you value our Veterans.
VA knows that your time is important, and we give you more of it by offering 13-26 days paid leave, as well as 13 sick days annually, 11 paid federal holidays each year, and 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
When the time comes to retire, your finances will be secure. VA employees have access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which allows you to tax-defer a portion of your income each year, similar to a 401(k).
With Federal Employees Health Benefits, you can prepare for the unexpected and choose from a variety of plans that all cover preexisting conditions for you and your family. We’ll also help you prepare for what comes next with Federal Employees Group Life Insurance, which covers you and eligible family members.
All those benefits are in addition to any benefits you earned if you served in the military. As a VA employee, you can choose to carry over eligible military service time that can be added to your total years of service for retirement purposes.
Student loan support
By coming to work at VA, new physicians can qualify for loan assistance through our Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program (SELRP), which focuses on medical specialties that have been identified as needed within VA, including gastroenterology.
SELRP provides a loan repayment offer of $40,000 each year, up to a maximum of $160,000 over 4 years. In return, you agree to practice at a VA facility, working 12 months in a full-time position for each $40,000 of loan repayment. The minimum commitment is 24 months under the terms of the program.
In return for your service, the $40,000-per-year repayment can be applied to any amount of principle or interest under a loan used to pay for your education. You can also apply the funds to tuition expenses, fees, books, equipment, laboratory expenses, and even living expenses.
For doctors already well established in their careers, we can offer the Education Debt Reduction Program, which provides student loan repayment of up to $200,000 for those who choose a health care career providing top-notch care to America’s Veterans.
Research opportunities
Yes, we did mention research above. VA has been at the forefront of research and development for decades, and we pioneered research in the field of gastroenterology.
In 1955, Dr. Morton I. Grossman became chief of gastroenterology at the Greater Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Dr. Grossman is considered the father of modern gastrointestinal physiology and studied how nerves and hormonal influences control gastrointestinal reactions.
Dr. Rosalyn S. Yalow, a Nobel laureate, devoted much of her research work to the study of gastrointestinal hormones, which are provided by an endocrine gland and transmitted by the blood to the tissue on which they have a specific effect.
Dr. Andrew V. Schally, another of VA’s Nobel laureates, also studied gastrointestinal hormones. Schally has demonstrated that the hypothalamus, a part of the brain located just above the pituitary gland, regulated the endocrine system.
This research has significantly contributed to advancements in medical care for Veterans, and we support and encourage research because we know health care isn’t just about treating patients, but also about finding new ways to help people feel better, faster.
Cutting-edge technologies
In support of gastroenterology programs across the nation, VA’s National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) has deployed over 100 artificial intelligence (AI) devices to assist with colonoscopy in over 40 VA facilities.
While there’s no substitute for human intelligence, these devices have been employed with the idea that they can significantly increase the detection rate of issues during routine colonoscopies.
“I’m excited that we have AI devices becoming available at VA facilities, demonstrating VA’s commitment to best-in-class, innovative care,” said Dr. Jason Dominitz, VA national executive director of gastroenterology.
Coupled with our research and development, investments in technology like this are part of what makes VA an innovating and exciting place to work for physicians, including gastroenterologists.
Work at VA
Bring your expertise to a job serving Veterans at VA and find yourself reaping rewards better than you ever thought possible.
- EXPLORE what VA has to offer physicians.
- READ the top 10 reasons people work at VA.
- CONSIDER what it means to be of service to Veterans.
- SEARCH for an opportunity near you.
