7 Reasons You Should Work at the VA!

The VA often gets a bad rap in the media. But, did you know: surveys of veteran patients have found that over 80% are "very satisfied" with VA health care. 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 there for 10 years! Here are 7 things that make the VA a nice place to be an anesthesiologist:

1. No financial incentive 

Since the VA is a government-run single-payer system with salaried employees, there's virtually no financial incentive to perform procedures and surgeries. Practice 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 downsizing or outright failure. 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. It's even insulated from the now-routine government shutdowns (the VA has its own protected funding). 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

Most large 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 (~$200k!!!). Finally, the VA gives you a 401(k) and a defined benefit plan (i.e. pension) -- something incredibly valuable at a time when pensions are becoming a historical relic in many companies. 

5. Work-life balance

The VA has a great work-life balance--enough said. Excuse me while I go sip my mai tai now.

6. No OB, no trauma

No explanation needed!

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.