Physician Assistant - Primary Care

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (ICVAHCS) is seeking a Full-Time, Physician Assistant to join the Primary Care Service Line at the VA Clinic Sterling, Illinois. Note: This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT through December 23, 2026. The first referral cut-off is September 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST, followed by weekly cut offs. 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. FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES: CLINICAL: The PA practices general medicine with a focus on community-based outpatient clinical care. Approximately 90% of the PA's time is dedicated to developing and maintaining an interdisciplinary approach to the direct care of general medicine clinic patients. The PA independently follows their own panel of general medicine patients, functioning as the primary care provider. This primary care/gatekeeper role is incumbent with a high degree of responsibility and independence. The location of the CBOC away from the Medical Center means that the PA's assessment skills and breadth of knowledge must be superior. In addition, he/she must be a highly effective communicator in order to negotiate with consultants at the VAMC regarding the triaging of patients he/she refers. These skills are required at a level that exceeds that of VAMC-based physician assistants. ADMINISTRATIVE: Because of the highly integrative approach used in community based outpatient clinics. The incumbent must work closely with his/her colleagues and must serve as a leader in developing processes to improve care and satisfaction. RESEARCH: Enrolls patients in active Ambulatory Care research protocols and completes follow-up visits with required studies. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Position(s) listed under this Open Continuous Announcement (OCA) MAY be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. Applicants selected for an EDRP-eligible position will be notified in their conditional job offer. The selectee must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit an EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program 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 review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov for questions/assistance. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00am-4:30pm. Alternative work hours, if desired, should be agreed upon at the time of hire. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

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