The incumbent serves as a staff pathologist in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) at VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (VA TVHS), Nashville Campus. The staff pathologist is directly responsible to the Chief, P&LMS. Responsibilities include participating in the day-to-day care of hospital patients by providing and interpreting laboratory information to help solve diagnostic problems and to monitor the effects of treatment. 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 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 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), b) OR [(2) Those approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA),OR (3) Other residencies (non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of five years of verified practice in the United States), 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. 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 or fee-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. Proficiency in spoken and written English. Preferred Experience: Board certified in anatomic pathology and/or clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-2 Physician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. ["Duties include, but are not limited to: Signs out Anatomic Pathology reports on a regular schedule (may include surgical pathology, cytopathology, or autopsy pathology). Clinical duties, anatomic duties and privileges involving special expertise may be designated on the Pathology Privileges document. Contributes to the operation of effective and safe laboratories that follow standards established by applicable accrediting and regulatory agencies which may include College of American Pathology (CAP), The Joint Commission, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies). Ensures accurate clinical laboratory test results with turn-around-times that meet the reasonable and possible expectations of the medical staff and accrediting agencies, when adequately supported with necessary resources from administration and human resources. Performance of the clinical laboratory is monitored continuously, and results recorded in the quality assurance/staff minutes. Ensures accurate anatomic pathology services (surgical pathology, cytology, and autopsy) with turn-around-times that meet the reasonable and possible expectations of the medical staff and accrediting agencies when adequately supported with necessary resources from administration and human resources. Turn-around-times are monitored monthly and reported in the quality assurance/staff minutes. Promotes an effective, balanced relationship with academic affiliates that results in a joint and mutually advantageous partnership; ensures communication and coordination between the laboratory services and the clinical services. Participates in the Laboratory Quality Improvement Plan in collaboration with the VA TN Valley Healthcare System Program, addressing appropriate and practical QI needs as indicated by accreditation, internal and external sources. Other duties as assigned. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more. EDRP Authorized: Contact Betsy.Quinn@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 Work Schedule: Based on the needs of the service. Regular rotational schedule to take call will be required."]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.