🟢 Status: OPEN | Closes: June 30, 2026 | Source: USAJOBS.gov
VA Primary Care Physician Jobs 2026 — Eastern Colorado Health Care System | Apply Now
The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS), is hiring a Primary Care Physician (Staff Physician) for 2026 at its state-of-the-art campus in Aurora, Colorado — a gateway to the Denver Metro area and the Rocky Mountains. This is a permanent, full-time Title 38 physician position offering a highly competitive salary determined by education and years of practice, plus one of the most generous student loan repayment packages in all of federal medicine — up to $200,000 over five years.
This announcement is open until June 30, 2026. If you are a board-certified or board-eligible MD or DO ready to provide exceptional care to America’s Veterans, apply now.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Physician — Primary Care (Staff Physician) |
| Agency | VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) |
| Department | US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| Job Control Number | 861942700 |
| Location | Aurora, Colorado (Denver Metro Area) |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time |
| Appointment Type | Permanent — Title 38 (Excepted Service) |
| Pay Type | Title 38 — Base Pay + Market Pay (competitive with private sector) |
| Estimated Salary | $200,000 – $250,000+ per year (base + market pay, DOE) |
| Open Date | March 20, 2026 |
| Closing Date | June 30, 2026 |
| Who May Apply | US Citizens + Non-citizens when qualified citizens unavailable |
| License Required | Current, full, unrestricted MD/DO license |
| Degree Required | Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) |
| Student Loan Repayment | Up to $200,000 via EDRP (5 years) |
| Travel Required | Occasional |
| Telework | Not applicable — direct patient care |
| USAJOBS Link | Click Here to Apply |
About the Role
As a Primary Care Physician at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, you will provide comprehensive, expert-level outpatient primary care to America’s Veterans — the men and women who have served this country. You will function as a lead provider in a Patient-Aligned Care Team (PACT) model alongside nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and medical support staff.
The VA’s primary care model is nationally recognized for being patient-centric rather than profit-driven — your schedule is designed to allow real time with your patients, not dictated by insurance reimbursements. The Eastern Colorado Health Care System serves Veterans across a large catchment area and is affiliated with the University of Colorado School of Medicine, providing opportunities for academic teaching of residents and medical students.
“There’s an appeal in what we offer in that we treat patients, not numbers. Our work is about what the patient needs, not about the bottom line or what insurance will reimburse. That’s liberating.” — James Marfield, VA National Recruitment Service
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive, expert-level primary care to Veterans across the full spectrum of outpatient primary care medicine
- Function as lead provider in the Patient-Aligned Care Team (PACT) model with NP/PA, RN, LPN, and Medical Support Assistant team members
- Manage acute and chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, COPD, PTSD-related health conditions, and complex multi-morbidity cases
- Conduct health maintenance, preventive care, and wellness evaluations for enrolled Veterans
- Coordinate specialty referrals, care transitions, and inpatient admissions as clinically appropriate
- Utilize the VA’s Electronic Health Record system (Oracle Health/Cerner) for documentation, orders, and care coordination
- Participate in the education and supervision of medical residents and students from affiliated University of Colorado School of Medicine programs
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives, peer review, and patient safety programs
- Engage in continuing medical education and VA-sponsored professional development programs
- Support Veterans’ significant others and caregivers as part of whole-health care delivery
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Licensure
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | Doctor of Medicine (MD) OR Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from an accredited US or foreign medical school |
| Residency | Completion of residency training in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or General Practice |
| Board Status | Board Certified or Board Eligible in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine |
| License | Current, active, full, and unrestricted medical license from any US state or territory |
| DEA Registration | Current DEA registration or ability to obtain one required |
| BLS/ACLS | Basic Life Support (BLS) required; ACLS preferred |
| Foreign Graduates | Must provide ECFMG certificate and successfully completed US residency program |
Additional Requirements
- US Citizenship: Preferred; non-citizens may be appointed when qualified US citizens are unavailable
- Background Investigation: Full VA credentialing and privileging process required
- Drug Test: Required
- Physical Exam: Required pre-employment
- VA Credentialing: Must successfully complete VA medical staff appointment and privileging process
- Immunizations: Required per VA policy (TB test, influenza, COVID-19, hepatitis B, etc.)
- Single License: One active, unrestricted license works at all 1,300+ VA facilities nationwide — no need for state-by-state licensing
Salary, Student Loan Repayment & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Pay + Market Pay | Competitive with private sector — determined by education, specialty, and years of experience |
| Estimated Annual Salary | $200,000 – $250,000+/yr (Aurora/Denver market rate) |
| EDRP — Student Loan Repayment | Up to $40,000/year — max $200,000 over 5 years — TAX FREE — no payback if you leave early |
| SELRP — Specialty Loan Repayment | Up to $40,000/year — max $160,000 over 4 years (family medicine, internal medicine eligible) |
| Health Insurance | Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) — among the best in the US |
| Dental & Vision | Federal Employees Dental & Vision (FEDVIP) |
| Retirement | Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) + VA physician retirement enhancements |
| TSP (401k equivalent) | Thrift Savings Plan with 5% agency matching |
| Paid Leave | 26 days vacation + 13 days sick leave per year |
| Holidays | 11 paid federal holidays |
| Life Insurance | Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) |
| Malpractice Coverage | Full federal tort coverage — no personal malpractice insurance needed |
| Nationwide Mobility | One license = work at any of 1,300+ VA facilities across all 50 states |
| No Prior Authorization | Practice medicine without insurance pre-authorization requirements |
| CME | Funded Continuing Medical Education (CME) allowance |
| Relocation | Recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives may be available |
| Teaching | Academic appointment opportunity through University of Colorado School of Medicine |
How to Apply
Step 1 — Create a free account on USAJOBS.gov
Step 2 — Prepare your CV/federal resume (physicians may submit a full CV — include education, residency, board certifications, medical license numbers, and all clinical experience)
Step 3 — Prepare required documents: medical school diploma, residency completion certificate, current medical license, board certification certificate, DEA registration, and BLS/ACLS certification
Step 4 — Search for Control Number 861942700 or apply directly: www.usajobs.gov/job/861942700
Step 5 — Complete the online application and submit all documents before June 30, 2026
Step 6 — If selected, complete VA credentialing, privileging, background investigation, drug test, and physical examination
⚠️ Important: VA physician hiring includes a full credentialing and privileging process which takes 60–90 days after selection. Start your application early. For personalized recruiter assistance, visit vacareers.va.gov/connect-with-a-recruiter. All applications must be submitted through USAJOBS.gov.
Veterans’ Preference
Veterans with an honorable discharge are eligible for 5-point or 10-point hiring preference on this position. Disabled veterans may qualify for additional preference. Physician veterans transitioning from military medicine (Flight Surgeons, Military Medical Officers, Combat Physicians) are especially competitive for VA primary care roles. The VA is the nation’s largest employer of veterans — over 30% of VA employees are veterans themselves.
About VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System serves Veterans across eastern Colorado and surrounding states from its state-of-the-art main campus in Aurora, Colorado — just east of Denver and at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. The system includes the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, a 182-bed acute care hospital, as well as multiple community-based outpatient clinics across the region. ECHCS is affiliated with the University of Colorado School of Medicine and is recognized for providing high-quality, innovative care to Veterans including those with traumatic brain injury, PTSD, polytrauma, and complex multi-system conditions. Aurora offers outstanding quality of life with access to world-class outdoor recreation, a thriving cultural scene, and one of the most livable metro areas in the United States.
Disclaimer
FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job notification website. This listing is sourced from USAJOBS.gov for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest details and apply directly at www.usajobs.gov/job/861942700. We are not affiliated with the VA, ECHCS, or any US government agency.
Sources:
- Physician – Primary Care – USAJOBS #861942700
- Make Your Perfect Match with a Physician Career at VA – VA Careers
- Student Loan Repayment – VA Careers
- VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
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