Staff Gastroenterologist – John J. Pershing VA Medical Center

Location: Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Schedule: Monday–Friday, Days | Outpatient-Focused | No Call, No Weekends, No Holidays

Aptive is seeking a full-time Gastroenterologist to support a mission-driven opportunity with the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, MO. This role offers unmatched work-life balance, stable scheduling, and the opportunity to care for America’s Veterans in a supportive clinical environment. With a predictable weekday schedule, no ERCP requirements, and strong nursing and administrative support, this position is ideal for a physician seeking meaningful practice without the pressures of production-based systems.

Position Overview

The Gastroenterologist will provide comprehensive GI care across outpatient, inpatient, and limited nursing home settings while performing standard endoscopic procedures and managing gastrointestinal diseases common among Veterans. The physician will join a Specialty Care Service committed to expanding GI access and improving continuity of care for the region.

This position is outpatient-focused, with one dedicated procedure day per week and no unassigned call. The practice environment prioritizes patient-centered care, quality, and provider well-being.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform GI evaluations, consultations, follow-up visits, and longitudinal management for Veterans.
• Diagnose and treat gastrointestinal diseases, including chronic liver disease and Hepatitis C.
• Perform standard GI procedures, including:
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• Colonoscopy
• Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)
• Paracentesis
• ERCP and advanced endoscopy are not performed at this facility.
• Provide conscious sedation in accordance with VA procedural guidelines.
• Collaborate with nursing staff, clerical teams, and other specialties to ensure efficient patient flow and coordinated care.
• Offer consultative GI support to inpatient units and affiliated community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs).
• Document care accurately using VA electronic medical systems (training provided).
• Contribute to ongoing process improvement and quality initiatives within Specialty Care.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Outpatient-focused GI practice at the Poplar Bluff VA Medical Center.
• Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. with potential flexibility depending on staffing and candidate needs.
• One dedicated procedure day weekly; remaining days structured for outpatient visits.
• Patient load:
• 10–14 clinic appointments per day
• 6–8 procedures per procedure day
• No weekends, no holidays, no unassigned call.
• No telework availability due to national Return to Office policy.
• Dedicated nursing team; shared administrative and clerical support within Specialty Care.
• APP support may be added as service volume grows.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive federal physician pay structure: $380,000–$400,000 (base + market pay; $400k federal cap).
• Eligible for Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) up to $200,000 over 5 years.
• Comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance (VA covers up to 75% of premiums).
  • Federal retirement programs (FERS pension + Social Security + TSP with up to 5% VA match).
  • 50 days of paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays).
  • Malpractice coverage with tail included.
  • CME support and no-cost VA CME opportunities.
• PCS relocation may be requested for approval.
• No employment contracts, non-compete clauses, or RVU pressures.

Credentialing Requirements

US Medical License: Must hold an active, unrestricted medical license in any U.S. state or territory.

Training Requirement: Must have completed a U.S.-based ACGME-accredited Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship.
DEA: Required.

BLS/ACLS: Both must be completed prior to start date (not required at time of application).

Board Certification: Not required; however, board eligibility or certification in Gastroenterology is preferred.

Citizenship:

• U.S. citizens strongly preferred.
• Non-U.S. citizens may be considered, but the position must be posted on USAJobs before selection.
• If a qualified U.S. citizen applies, justification is required to select a non-citizen.
• Many successful hires in this specialty nationwide have been non-U.S. citizens.

• MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school
• Completion of an ACGME-accredited Gastroenterology fellowship
• Unrestricted medical license in any U.S. state or territory (VA-wide licensure flexibility)
• DEA eligibility
• BLS required (ACLS may be required and can be provided by VA)
• Strong communication skills and commitment to Veteran-centered care

• Board Certification in Gastroenterology (preferred, not required)
• Experience in general GI practice and routine endoscopic procedures
• Interest in shaping and growing a single-provider specialty service
• Experience working with rural or underserved patient populations

Arrow ARC supports Veterans Health Administration facilities and offices across the U.S. with health care staffing and program support via the 10-year Integrated Critical Staffing Program (ICSP). We provide staffing solutions to address critical shortages in VHA medical facilities caused by turnover, recruitment issues, seasonal needs, surges or emergencies.

Arrow is a certified Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business joint venture between Artemis ARC and Aptive Resources, two award-winning companies that share an agile, mission-focused, results driven approach in the federal sector.​ Arrow provides management consulting services and specializes in working with federal government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and Office of Personnel Management.​

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.