Physician - Clinical Pathology Section Chief

Core Clinical Responsibilities

Interpret laboratory findings, test results, and correlate abnormalities with pathological states.

Perform and oversee diagnostic work in hematology, chemistry, coagulation, microbiology, and related laboratory sections.

Ensure validity of test results, determine need for additional testing, and report urgent/critical values promptly.

Evaluate specimen suitability, manage accessioning, and ensure proper identification throughout all phases of testing.

Maintain continuous readiness for accreditation and regulatory standards (CAP, CLIA, JC, OIG, FDA, AABB).

Implement & monitor quality control systems, engage in corrective action documentation, and lead performance-improvement initiatives.

Conduct compliance checks including instrument maintenance, inventory control, temperature logs, and proficiency testing.

Oversee daily operations and guide technical staff in performing complex diagnostic procedures.

Apply scientific and technical advances to develop new assays or modify testing protocols when needed.

Provide direction for specialized laboratory sections (e.g., hematology/coagulation/chemistry).

Provide consultation to clinicians on test interpretation, selection of appropriate studies, and implications for patient management.

Participate in interdisciplinary clinical discussions and collaborate with inpatient/outpatient services to ensure coordinated patient care.

Instruct clinical pathology residents, students, and newly hired lab staff in testing methods and laboratory principles.

Lead or contribute to educational initiatives and ensure personnel maintain competency in evolving laboratory practices.

(Not all clinical pathologists perform these; scope varies by role.)

Oversee or contribute to laboratory policy development, competency programs, and workflow optimization.

Support organizational initiatives, performance metrics, and operational efficiency assessments.

Manage or advise on inventory, resource allocation, and laboratory documentation systems.

Provides supervisory oversight of staff clinical pathologists.

Conduct or collaborate on research regarding pathology methods, diagnostics, and laboratory innovation.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus):
Potentially available for highly-qualified candidates. Relocation Incentive:
Potentially available for highly-qualified candidates. Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment):
Learn more. EDRP Authorized:
Contact visn
10hredrpslrp, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Pay:
Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases. Education and length of practice are considered through a formal pay-setting process to determine the final compensable salary (Base Pay + Market Pay). 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