General Surgeon Jobs
General Surgeon jobs are open across hospital systems, academic medical centers, community health organizations, and private surgical groups, from new attending to department chief, with specializations in trauma surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and colorectal surgery. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Summary
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.
Learn more about this agency
This job is open to
The public
Clarification from the agency
All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.
Duties
This is an Open Continuous Announcement and may be extended beyond the current closing date until the position is filled. Eligible applications will be referred at regular intervals, as additional vacancies occur and/or on an as-needed basis during the duration of the announcement. Once a selection is made and offer is accepted the announcement may close pending no additional vacancies.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards.
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May be eligible for highly qualified applicants
Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Learn more.
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Jennifer Isbell-Gross (Jennifer.isbell.gross@va.gov), the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
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
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- The General Surgeon assures the provision of high quality and safe patient care both in and outside the operating room.
- Clinical management and organization of General Surgery assessment and preparation of patients for surgery.
- The General Surgeons completes Initial evaluation and overall workup, H&P, and admission of general surgery patients.
- Manages patient caseload in the emergency department, medical imaging departments, ICU and in the Endoscopy Suites.
- Provides occasional consultative services to other service providers for outpatients and for patients admitted.
- Performs general surgery procedures (e.g. appendectomy, cholecystectomy and herniorrhaphy) and informs veterans to the risks as well as benefits of upcoming surgical procedures.
- Ensures appropriate post-operative care of patients and enters notes electronically in a paperless medical record system,
- The General Surgeon will perform other administrative duties as assigned by the Chief of Surgery.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
- 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.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation.
Basic Requirements:
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed.
- Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
- Residency Training: Physicians must have completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification. (NOTE: VA physicians involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status.) Approved residencies are:
- (1) Those approved by the accrediting bodies for graduate medical education, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA), in the list published for the year the residency, or fellowship if applicable, was completed; OR
- (2) One year of post medical school training (internship, first year of residency, or transitional year residency) approved by ACGME or AOA followed by two years of post-training independent practice (performing under a full and unrestricted license) in the United States; OR
- (3) Non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the United States (performing under a full and unrestricted license) performing duties related to the position they are applying for (United States fellowships would be creditable towards this requirement), which the local Medical Staff Executive Committee deems to have provided the applicant with appropriate professional training and believes has exposed the Physician to an appropriate range of patient care experiences.
- Exceptions:
- Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs and who would otherwise meet the basic requirements for appointment are eligible to be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs). PRPs must be fully licensed physicians (i.e., not a training license) and may only be appointed on an intermittent basis. PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged; rather, they are to have a "scope of practice" that allows them to perform certain restricted duties under supervision. Additionally, surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs.
- In rare and unusual circumstances, the Facility Director can submit a memo to the VISN Director through the VISN Chief Medical Officer, who may approve requests for reasonable exceptions to the residency training requirement for Physicians whose composite record of experience, accomplishments, performance, and qualifications warrant such action.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Board Certified or Board Eligible in General Surgery
Education
- Schools of medicine accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) for the year in which the degree was granted.
- Schools of osteopathic medicine approved by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) for the year in which the degree was granted.
- For foreign medical graduates not covered in (1) or (2) above, confirmation must be made that the medical school meets (or met) Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) eligibility requirement for year graduated.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a C.V. and/or resume. Other documents may be requested later in the process if needed.
How to Apply
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Agency contact information
1100 North College Avenue
Fayetteville, AR 72703
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. We will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued, and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Overview
Education and length of practice are considered through a formal pay-setting process to determine the final compensable salary (Base Pay + Market Pay)
- 0602 Medical Officer
- Credentialing
- Suitability/Fitness
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Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
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What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in general surgeon jobs.
- MD or DO degree with completion of a general surgery residency program
- Active or eligible board certification through the American Board of Surgery
- Current and unrestricted medical licensure in the state of practice
- Proficiency in laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical techniques
- Advanced Trauma Life Support certification for trauma-designated facilities
- Demonstrated experience with electronic health record systems and operative documentation
Tips for Your General Surgeon Job Search
Tailor your CV to case volume
Surgical employers want specifics, not summaries. List your annual case volume by procedure category, your first-assist versus attending ratios, and any fellowship-level exposure you have. Vague descriptions of operative experience get passed over fast.
Target hospitals by trauma designation
If you have trauma experience, filter your search by Level I and Level II trauma centers. These facilities actively recruit general surgeons with that background and often have more urgent hiring timelines than elective-focused community hospitals.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists general surgeon openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Verify board certification requirements upfront
Many hospital credentialing committees require active board certification or eligibility within a strict window of residency completion. Confirm whether a posting requires American Board of Surgery certification before investing time in the application.
Prepare for privileging questions in interviews
Surgical interviews often include detailed questions about your planned privilege requests. Know exactly which procedures you intend to request, have your case logs ready to support them, and be prepared to discuss any gaps in your operative history directly.
Negotiate your call schedule separately from salary
Call obligations affect quality of life and total compensation more than most surgeons expect. Clarify the call frequency, backup coverage structure, and how unassigned call is distributed before you sign, since these terms are often negotiable independent of base pay.
General Surgeon Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most general surgeons?
The most active employers for general surgeons right now are United Vein & Vascular Centers, OSF HealthCare, and US Department of Veterans Affairs, and the most openings are in New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to be strongest at large health systems and regional medical centers with active surgical programs.
How many general surgeon jobs are remote?
About 0% of general surgeon openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of surgical practice. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or telehealth components are post-operative follow-up consultations and surgical education roles rather than primary operative positions.
How do you become a general surgeon?
You complete a four-year undergraduate degree, earn an MD or DO from an accredited medical school, pass all three steps of the USMLE or the COMLEX series, and then complete a five-year general surgery residency. After residency, you apply for board certification through the American Board of Surgery, obtain state medical licensure, and secure hospital privileges at your employing facility.
How do you get hired as a general surgeon with limited attending experience?
Hospitals hiring new attendings expect a learning curve, so lead with your case volume, fellowship training if applicable, and any specialty exposure that fills a gap in their department. Community hospitals and critical access facilities often recruit new graduates more actively than academic centers. Being flexible on call obligations and procedure mix strengthens your candidacy when your experience is still early.
What does the general surgeon interview process look like?
The process typically starts with a phone or video screen with the physician recruiter or department chief, followed by an on-site visit that includes meetings with surgical staff, hospital administrators, and credentialing leadership. You may be asked to present a case or discuss your operative philosophy. A second visit or contract review conversation usually follows before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to general surgeon jobs?
You can find and apply to general surgeon jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from hospital systems, academic medical centers, and surgical groups across the United States. Find roles that match your specialty, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to each listing.
See All 72 General Surgeon Jobs
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