The University of Michigan Medical School has a close and long-standing affiliation with the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (VAAAHS) for purposes of enhancing patient care, education and research.
VA Opportunities
VA Ann Arbor physicians are employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs on either a full-time or a part-time basis. They hold a faculty appointment in a clinical department of the Medical School.
The VA Ann Arbor system provides a rich environment for basic science, clinical and health services research. The system supports a Health Services Research and Development Program, and a Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center. The VA National Center for Patient Safety is also located in Ann Arbor.
Full-time VA physicians are eligible for research space and support through the VA. Many also have funding from other sponsors, primarily the NIH.
University of Michigan resident physicians and medical students participate in clinical training at the Ann Arbor VA as part of their core educational experience. University of Michigan Schools of Dentistry, Social Work, Nursing, and Public Health are also affiliated with the VA Ann Arbor system.
Faculty Appointments
There are two types of faculty appointments at the Veterans Administration Medical Center: compensated (which are in 8th increments) and without compensation (WOC).
If your U-M Medical School appointment includes compensated duties at the VA Medical Center as a physician, you will be responsible for time-keeping and allocation of your VA effort.
You will be required to complete mandatory education requirements at the VA each fiscal year, and be required to be BLS certified. You will need to be re-certified every two years.
The VA Medical Center has instituted random drug testing for all employees, and you may be requested at any time during your employment to complete this testing.
For additional information, please contact your department or the Human Resources Office at the Ann Arbor VA, 734-761-7940, or your U-M Medical School department.