OPT Pulmonologist Jobs
Pulmonologist jobs on OPT require STEM-designated program enrollment to qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of authorized training. Most roles are hospital-based and require active medical licensure, making early ECFMG certification and residency completion critical before your OPT clock starts.
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INTRODUCTION
The Pulmonology Division is seeking a full time Pulmonologist to join our collaborative, high performing team of 18 pulmonologists and 4 advanced practice providers. This role is a full time, 1.0 FTE role and will oversee the Western Region areas to include: Ashburn, Leesburg and Inova Loudoun Hospital.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Completes initial assessments and evaluations of new patients and provides ongoing monitoring of patients' medical conditions while providing treatment.
- Orders prescription medications and diagnostic procedures while authorizing and coordinating all specialty and ancillary services.
- Participates in the development of such programs as preventive health screenings, immunization programs, professional community outreach, quality assurance and others.
- Participates in a wide range of clinical research projects and studies.
- Participates in multidisciplinary team activities such as case conferences.
- Provides in-service staff development and clinical teachings to trainees rotating through medical practice.
- Maintains a consultative relationship with nurses, social workers, staff clinic nurses and rehabilitation staff.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: MD or DO Degree
- Experience: Completed ACGME residency training and subsequent fellowship with ABMS board certification in pulmonary medicine or board eligible
- Certification/Licensure: Current Virginia medical license and DEA, Ability to achieve full and unrestricted hospital privileges at all Inova Hospitals
- Payer Credentialing: Ability to successfully complete the credentialing process by third-party payors and Ability to enrolled as a CMS Medicare/Medicaid payor
- Medical Staff Credentialing: Successful completion of credentialing for Medical Staff membership and appropriate clinical privileges sufficient to perform all
FEATURED BENEFITS
- Committed to Team Member Health: offering medical, dental and vision coverage, and a robust team member wellness program.
- Retirement: Inova matches the first 5% of eligible contributions – starting on your first day.
- Tuition and Student Loan Assistance: offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up to $10,000 for student loans.
- Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost.
We are Inova, Northern Virginia’s leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Every day, our 25,000+ team members provide world-class healthcare to the communities we serve. Our people are the reason we're a national leader in healthcare safety, quality and patient experience. And from best-in-class facilities to professional development opportunities, we support them at every step. At Inova, we're constantly striving to be ever better — to shape a more compassionate future for healthcare.
Inova Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Pulmonologist
Confirm your program's STEM classification
Pulmonology fellowships tied to biomedical sciences or clinical research often qualify for STEM OPT extension. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before accepting a position, as the classification determines whether you get 12 or 36 months of OPT.
Secure ECFMG certification before OPT begins
Most U.S. hospitals require active ECFMG certification for international medical graduates. Without it, your OPT authorization won't help you start work. Begin the certification process during residency, well before your program end date approaches.
Target academic medical centers first
Academic hospitals and university health systems are more experienced with OPT paperwork and H-1B visa sponsorship pipelines. They hire pulmonology fellows regularly and often have dedicated HR staff who understand work authorization requirements for international medical graduates.
Time your OPT application around fellowship graduation
OPT must be applied for within a specific window relative to your program end date. Work with your DSO at least 90 days before your fellowship ends to file on time and avoid any gap between graduation and authorized employment start.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship intent during interviews
OPT gives you up to three years, but you'll need H-1B sponsorship for long-term work authorization. Ask directly whether the hospital has sponsored H-1B visas for physicians before and whether they plan to do so for this role.
Document all clinical and research duties carefully
For STEM OPT extensions, your training plan must reflect work directly tied to your degree field. Keep detailed records of research involvement, clinical trial participation, and any academic responsibilities that demonstrate a direct connection to your STEM-designated program.
Pulmonologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as pulmonologists in the United States?
Yes, but only if you hold a valid EAD and meet all state medical licensure requirements. Most states require ECFMG certification, USMLE completion, and an active fellowship or attending position at an accredited institution. Your OPT work authorization must be active before your first day of clinical work.
Does pulmonology qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree program's CIP code, not the job title itself. If your fellowship or graduate program is classified under a qualifying STEM category such as biomedical sciences or clinical research, you may be eligible for the 24-month extension. Confirm with your DSO and check your I-20 program classification before assuming eligibility.
How do I find pulmonologist roles that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by sponsorship willingness, making it far more efficient than searching general job boards. You can browse pulmonology and physician roles where employers have indicated openness to candidates on OPT or those requiring H-1B sponsorship shortly after.
What happens if my OPT expires before I complete my pulmonology fellowship?
If your OPT EAD expires mid-fellowship, you lose work authorization and must stop working immediately. The most common solution is your employer filing an H-1B petition under cap-exempt status, which hospitals affiliated with universities or nonprofit research organizations can often do. Start the H-1B conversation with your program director at least six months before your EAD expires.
Do pulmonology employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Academic medical centers and large hospital systems have historically been strong H-1B sponsors for physicians. Pulmonologists are in high demand, particularly in critical care and sleep medicine subspecialties, which strengthens your negotiating position. Confirm sponsorship intent before signing any employment agreement, and request it in writing as part of your offer.