7 Reasons You Should Work at the VA!

The VA often gets a bad rap in the media. But, did you know: according to surveys of veteran patients, over 80% are "very satisfied" with their health care at the VA. Many people associate the VA with bureaucracy and inefficiency, but there are many hidden upsides to working at the VA. Trust me, I know. I've been working at the VA for 9 years!

1. No financial incentive 

Because the VA is a government-run single-payer system with salaried employees, there's virtually no financial incentive to perform procedures and surgeries. In some sense, working at the VA may be the closest thing to practicing medicine in its purest form, free from the demands of revenue targets and growth metrics. 

2. Stability 

I say it all the time: "the VA ain't going nowhere". Hospitals run on notoriously thin margins, and many community hospitals are at risk of closure, takeover, or downsizing. But the Department of Veterans Affairs is a Cabinet-level department, and the VA Secretary reports to the President. There's strong bipartisan political support for the VA, a true rarity in today's fractured political environment, and the VA budget has increased annually for the past several years. Private practices always live with some risk of instability, but the VA is arguably the most stable health care institution in the country.  

3. Work with residents

Many VA hospitals are training sites for residents and medical students. Working at the VA is a great way to participate in teaching and resident education without the pressures associated with a full-on academic department ("publish or perish", anyone?).

4. Benefits such as loan forgiveness, generous sick leave, family leave, 401(k), and pension

When compared to private practice, you'll earn much less at the VA, but there are numerous "hidden" benefits on offer at the VA. Being a government institution, the VA has very generous sick leave and FMLA leave. It also has a robust loan forgiveness program. Finally, the VA gives you a 401(k) and a defined benefit plan (i.e. pension) -- something incredibly valuable at a time when most companies are dropping their pensions. 

5. Work-life balance

The VA has a great work-life balance!

6. No OB, no trauma

Enough said!

7. Give back to your country.

This may sound hokey, but working at the VA is a way to represent our country, support our veterans, and give back. It's a great feeling to help those who have served in the defense of our country.