Physician - Pathologist

Veterans Health Administration • Houston, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is seeking a Physician Pathologist to provide comprehensive pathology care for Veterans through Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services. The pathologist coordinates and communicates with clinical providers about diagnoses to support continuity of care. The work assignment may include Surgical Pathology, Cytopathology, Autopsy services, and/or Clinical Pathology, depending on training, expertise, competency, specialty training, and certification; not all pathologists are expected to work in every discipline.

The role includes professional oversight of anatomic and/or clinical laboratory operations, participation in staff education and training, and supervision of trainees and residents. The pathologist works with the Chief of Pathology to support the VA mission and patient-centered care, meets applicable case turnaround-time requirements, participates in assigned medical center committees and multidisciplinary conferences, and provides coverage for colleagues on leave. On-call coverage is required 24/7 according to a monthly rotation schedule. Work schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This is an open continuous announcement that may be extended until the position is filled. Eligible applications may be referred at regular intervals as vacancies occur or as needed. The position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except where non-citizens may be appointed under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine from an appropriately approved or accredited school.
• Current, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Completion of qualifying residency training in an accredited core specialty training program leading to board certification eligibility, or an applicable alternative training and independent-practice pathway described in the announcement.
• Board certified or board eligible in Anatomic Pathology or Anatomic and Clinical Pathology.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Subject to required background/security investigation and, for selected applicants in testing-designated positions, pre-employment urinalysis.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program for VA Health Care Personnel.
• May be required to serve a probationary period and complete the online onboarding and application requirements.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.

Nice To Haves

• Additional fellowship training in Cytopathology, Hematopathology, or other pathology subspecialties.

Responsibilities

• Participate in Surgical Pathology, Cytopathology, Autopsy services, and/or Clinical Pathology, according to assignment and qualifications.
• Coordinate and communicate with clinical providers regarding diagnoses to ensure continuity of care.
• Provide professional oversight of anatomic and/or clinical laboratory operations.
• Provide support and educational interactions to pathology staff, including technicians, transcriptionists, technologists, supervisors, lab managers, and administrative staff.
• Participate in assigned on-site multidisciplinary interdepartmental conferences, such as tumor board; obtain Service Chief approval for off-site conferences.
• Participate in training and supervision of trainees and residents.
• Provide coverage for colleagues' pathology cases when they are on leave.
• Collaborate with the MEDVAMC Chief of Pathology to support the VA mission and patient-centered care.
• Meet turnaround-time requirements for surgical, non-Gyn cytology, Gyn cytology, FNA, autopsy, and other cases as defined by VHA policy and performance measures.
• Serve on medical center committees representing Pathology as assigned.
• Perform alternative or collateral duties, which may include management of a pathology laboratory subsection.
• Provide 24/7 on-call coverage according to the monthly rotation schedule.
• Perform other tasks designated or delegated by the Chief of Pathology.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, and regular salary increases.
• 50–55 days of paid time off per year, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and a possible five-day paid absence for CME.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Possible $1,000 per year CME reimbursement for full-time physicians with board certification.
• Free liability protection with tail coverage.
• No physician employment contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree