The VA Central Iowa Healthcare System is recruiting a full-time Chief of Pulmonology in Des Moines, IA, responsible for inpatient and outpatient Pulmonary/Critical Care consultations, procedural services (bronchoscopy, EBUS, thoracentesis, ECMO, etc.), Sleep Medicine (if credentialed), and direct supervision of pulmonary staff including providers and the respiratory therapy chief. The role includes teaching, quality improvement, potential research, and administrative/leadership duties across the VA Medical Center and affiliated CBOCs.
$410,000 SalaryDr market context available for comparison
$200,000 loan repayment support
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
11 weeks PTO or vacation disclosed
Academic/VA – inpatient and outpatient, with CBOC satellite coverage · VA Medical Center (federal government) · Both inpatient and outpatient
AI-structured from the official posting·View original
Posted pay vs real comps
$330k$410k$520k
Physician-reported range Reported median
Physician-reported range shown; the employer did not post pay for this role.
Compensation
Type
SalaryDr Market Context
Market context
$330,000 – $520,000
Structure
salary
Loan repayment
$200,000
PTO
11 weeks
$330k$410k$520k
Physician-reported range Reported median
This is SalaryDr Market Context computed from 9 verified physician submissions (region cohort). It is not the employer's posted pay. The employer did not disclose pay.
Academic/VA – inpatient and outpatient, with CBOC satellite coverage
Facility type
VA Medical Center (federal government)
Patient population
Veterans (adult)
Community snapshot
Peer median
$460k
85 reports · national
Active supply
2
2 in Des Moines, Iowa
Transparent pay
0/2
state roles with reviewed pay
Work-life
4.0/5
1 physician reports
Cost of living
89
below U.S. avg (100) · BEA Regional Price Parities
Schools
+0.2
grade levels vs U.S. avg · NAEP 2024
85 SalaryDr Pulmonology reports in national show a $460,000 median.
2 active Pulmonology roles in Iowa, including 2 in Des Moines, Iowa; 0 include reviewed transparent pay.
Physicians in this comparison cohort report 4.2/5 average job satisfaction.
Questions to ask the employer
How is the $200,000 loan repayment structured — forgiven over time, contingent on service years, or paid up front?
What is the call schedule, and is call compensated separately or built into the base?
Generated from this posting's disclosed facts and the SalaryDr comparison — bring them to the first recruiter call.
Work Design
Schedule
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Shift type
Day shift, standard business hours
Inpatient / outpatient
Both inpatient and outpatient
Coverage model
Pulmonary/Critical Care coverage at VA Medical Center and affiliated CBOCs; e-consult services; travel to CBOCs as assigned
Admin burden
High – chief-level role with direct supervision of providers and respiratory therapy chief, performance appraisals, clinical oversight, participation in facility/VISN/national workgroups and committees, e-consult review, and compliance with VA administrative deadlines
The VA Central Iowa Healthcare System is recruiting (1) full-time Physician - Chief of Pulmonology. The Chief of Chief of Pulmonology will provide consultation services and follow up Pulmonary/Critical Care patients, in the inpatient and outpatient setting, at the VA Medical center in Des Moines, or one of the affiliated CBOCs (Community Based Outpatient Clinics). The Chief of Pulmonology may also provide Sleep Medicine services if appropriately credentialed.
Will directly supervise Pulmonary staff ( to include providers and respiratory therapy chief) and complete all performance appraisals and clinical oversight. Supervising or collaborating responsibilities and performance will be noted in the physician's performance evaluation. Have procedural expertise including but not limited to Diagnostic and Therapeutic Bronchoscopy, Endobronchial Ultrasound and biopsy, Ultrasound guided Thoracentesis, Chest Tube placement, ThoraVent placement, ECMO management, Mechanical ventilation, Rapid Sequence intubation, Moderate Sedation and may include Percutaneous Tracheostomy, Endobronchial Valve placement among others which will be identified in privileges. Provide expert consultation and treatment for patients with Cardiac conditions Conduct comprehensive evaluations, including history taking, physical examinations, and the ordering of diagnostic labs and tests and studie. Interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests and follow-up on test results in a timely manner. Develop and implement individualized treatment plans for patients with Pulmonary conditions Provide patient and family education regarding Pulmonary conditions, treatment plans, and self-management strategies, utilizing educational tools and resources to enhance patient understanding and compliance Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including Pulmonary APPs and Respiratory therapy to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences if indicated, including discharge planning Communicate effectively with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient care in the electronic medical record system May be tasked to travel to Community Based Outpatient Clinics as requested/assigned by the ACOS-SC. May be asked to participate in facility, VISN or National workgroups and/or committees. Provide Electronic Consultation services (E-Consults) and reviews consults for determination if appropriate for Care in the Community or local/regional VA services. Ensure compliance with VA policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Participate in quality improvement initiatives and adhere to clinical guidelines and best practices. Engage in continuing education and professional development activities to maintain board certification and clinical competence. Participate in research activities, if applicable, and contribute to the academic mission of the VA clinic. Provide supervision and education to students and other trainees, as applicable. Serve as a resource and mentor to other healthcare providers within the VA clinic. Administrative work shall be completed in accordance with facility policy and assigned deadlines. Will work within privileges at all times, unless necessitated by an emergency. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Learn more. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance at VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & 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 ineligible to apply. Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm. Additional information may be provided during an interview.
U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Your application, resume, C.V., and/or other supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
Help us build a better physician job board
We just launched this — your take shapes what we fix next.