At VA, gastroenterologists can build better futures 

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has always been at the forefront of advancements in medical care. For specialty physicians like gastroenterologists, that means an opportunity to work at the cutting edge of patient care, all while earning amazing benefits.  

Embracing the future of health care 

At VA, our commitment to caring for Veterans has always pushed us to implement new treatments and procedures that have later been adopted in health care systems the world over.  

With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), VA supported our National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) by deploying AI-assisted devices to assist with colonoscopy in dozens of facilities. In turn, our gastroenterologists have embraced this technology to conduct more precise and consistent exams.  

“I think the push was to see if it had an impact on the quality of procedures and the quality of outcomes for patients,” said Dr. Douglas Boyce, a gastroenterologist in the Ashville VA Healthcare System. “It really comes down to whether you can prevent cancer and provide good care. In many ways, VA was ahead of the curve in getting it implemented.” 

Coupled with our research and development, investments in new technologies like this are part of what makes VA an innovating and exciting place to work for physicians, including gastroenterologists. 

Finding new ways to heal 

Did you know that VA pioneered significant 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. 

For physicians like you—experts in your field—knowing that we support and encourage research like this provides an opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of Veterans, as well as patients the world over.  

That’s because, at VA, we know health care isn’t just about treating ailments, but also about finding new ways to contribute to whole health. 

Benefits that matter to you  

No matter the role you choose—whether that is direct patient care or research or some combination of the two—our employment benefits don’t change, because what’s important to you is important to us. 

If time is your most valuable commodity, we’ll make sure you have plenty of it, with 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 it comes to caring for yourself and your family, we offer the choice of a variety of health plans, and all cover preexisting conditions. Additionally, we pay up to 75% of health premiums, a benefit that can continue into retirement, making our insurance some of the best you’ll find.   

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). 

And for the Veterans who choose to join our ranks, all those benefits are in addition to any 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. 

Join our team 

Build a career as a gastroenterologist by working on the cutting edge of health care, and reap the rewards of serving those who have served in the process.