What to expect in a urology career at VA

Practicing urology at VA is unlike practicing anywhere else. You’ll serve a unique patient population in state-of-the-art facilities with flexible career paths and choices.

“VA is a great place to practice urology at any stage of one’s career,” said Dr. Jeffrey Jones, former lead flight surgeon for the International Space Station and a Navy Veteran who currently serves as chief of urology at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston. “Our mission is to make life better for our Veterans in any way we can.”

Flexible career path

At VA, you can practice full-time or part-time, either clinical, surgical or a combination of the two.

You’ll provide a full scope of services to millions of Veterans, ranging in age from 21 to 100+. Their care is often complicated by multiple co-morbidities and a high incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), mental health issues and substance/tobacco use.

You’ll not only collaborate with other urologists but with other departments and sections of VA hospitals, such as the laboratory, medicine, radiology and auxiliary services.

“There is excellent camaraderie among the urologists who work at VA hospitals across the country,” Jones said.

But direct patient care isn’t the only path at VA. You also can conduct clinical or translational research or transition to health care administration.

“VA offers opportunities for advancement and for research support that are not available to private practice or other academic urologists,” said Jones, who has been involved in cancer research throughout his career.

State-of-the-art care

Like many VA locations throughout the U.S., Jones said the urology department in Houston “offers state-of-the-art surgical/urological care that rivals any care available in the world.”

They employ the latest surgical techniques — including robotic, laparoscopic, open and endoscopic urologic surgery — and offer fully integrated video and imaging systems. Like all VA physicians, they use the nation’s largest integrated electronic medical record and national health services database to help provide care.

At the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System and other VA medical centers, there are two new procedures to help men who suffer from an enlarged prostate. Symptoms of the condition can range from irritating to obstructive to dangerous, and the new in-clinic procedures can bring quick relief.

We are also working to bring urology services to more Veterans in rural areas through telehealth, saving patients both time and money.

Enjoy excellent benefits

All VA physicians receive generous paid days off, an array of robust health insurance plans and a federal retirement package. You may also be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, a student loan reimbursement program.

You’ll be able to work anywhere in the United States and outlying territories with one active license, and your benefits will move with you if you switch to a new position at another VA facility.

Work at VA

Help improve the quality of life for our nation’s heroes with a urology career at VA.

• SEARCH VA urology careers.
• LEARN more about our benefits.
• EXPLORE VAcareers.va.gov.
• REACH a recruiter.