Research opportunities abound at VA

Dr. Daphne Friedman joined VA as an oncologist at the right time for her career. After doing research at Duke University, she transitioned to VA as a clinician specializing in blood cancers. While she originally joined to focus on patient care locally at the Durham VA, she has benefited from the wealth of research opportunities VA offers its physicians. In addition to seeing patients locally, Friedman takes care of patients virtually through the National TeleOncology service and conducts research largely focused on improving the outcomes of patients with blood cancers.

“VA offers a great career opportunity,” said Friedman. “A physician’s career trajectory can go many ways. There’s a lot of flexibility, based on what you are interested in, and the patient population is extremely grateful.”

The National TeleOncology service is currently hiring oncologists to join in the dynamic offerings available at VA. Opportunities are available to join Friedman and her colleagues in bringing innovative care to Veterans across the country.

VA invests in physicians’ research interests

VA ranks as one of the leaders in the nation for health research. Thousands of studies are conducted each year, and VA is invested in our physician scientists being on the cutting edge.

“VA offers career development and merit awards specific to VA researchers,” said Friedman. “They give physicians guaranteed, protected time to do their research. You also have assurance your employment will continue after the research is over.”

Awards are available for a variety of research opportunities. Look at what’s offered for both Biomedical Laboratory and Clinical Science Research and Development.

Cross-collaboration opportunities

While each individual VA Medical Center and clinic may be small, the opportunities across the national network of VA facilities are vast. It’s easy to connect with other experts at other VA facilities as well as at affiliated academic institutions to discuss ideas and pursue projects that inspire you. Recently, Friedman collaborated with fellow physicians and researchers at other VA facilities on a tele-oncology proposal that recently received funding from the National Institute of Health.

“The bidirectional relationships between institutions makes research stronger because it’s not one person working in a bubble,” said Friedman.

Come work in VA Oncology

VA is looking for academic oncologists or hematologists who are licensed to practice in the United States for our National TeleOncology service. In this position, you will:

• Promote, direct, evaluate and oversee the management of high-quality patient care delivery;
• Provide hematology/oncology care by telehealth;
• Join heroes serving heroes at the largest integrated provider of oncology care in the nation.

Cancer specialties VA is looking to fill include:

• Gastrointestinal
• Genitourinary
• Thoracic
• Head and neck
• Benign hematology
• Malignant hematology
• Rare cancers

Benefits of working with VA

At VA, you’ll walk shoulder to shoulder with Veterans on every step of their cancer journey. Working in oncology at VA means you will have:

• Generous paid time off and work-life balance;
• Manageable patient loads and clinical expectations, meaning extended time with patients for true patient-centered care;
• Expanded opportunities to advance your interests in clinical research.

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Work at VA today

• Apply today at USAjobs.gov
• Join the Future of Cancer Care
• Learn more about NOP at va.gov
• Contact cancer@va.gov to learn more

NOTE: Positions listed in this post were open at the time of publication. All current available positions are listed at USAJobs.gov.