Physician (Path & Lab)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to $200,000 in education debt reduction

50-55 days of paid time off

Free liability protection with tail coverage

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a licensed physician specializing in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. The position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and ample paid time off. Responsibilities include diagnostic interpretation of pathology services and participation in quality assurance programs.

Candidates must hold a medical degree and have the requisite residency training. The role supports veterans, contributing to a vital medical community.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed to practice medicine in the U.S.
• Post-residency experience in hospital-based practice preferred.
• Physical capability to perform essential functions.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for diagnostic interpretation of pathology work.
• Participate in rotating off-shift service calls.
• Oversee clinical lab consultation services.

Skills

Proficiency in spoken and written English

American Board of Pathology (ABPath) board-eligible in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology

Education

Degree of doctor of medicine or equivalent

Completed residency training in core specialty

Tools

Adequate knowledge in pathology-related tools

Job description

Summary

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30 - 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications and subsequent cut-off dates are on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

Qualifications

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 allopathic 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 accrediting bodies for graduate medical education – the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA) – in the list published for the year the residency or fellowship (if applicable) was completed.
• OR (2) One year of post‑medical school training (internship – first year of residency – or transitional year residency) approved by ACGME or AOA followed by two years of post‑training independent practice (performing under a full and unrestricted license) in the United States.
• OR (3) Non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of three years of verified independent practice in the United States (performing under a full and unrestricted license) performing duties related to the position they are applying for (United States fellowships would be creditable towards this requirement) – 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.
• Exceptions: 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 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.
• In rare and unusual circumstances, the Facility Director can submit a memo to the VISN Director through the VISN Chief Medical Officer who may approve requests for reasonable exceptions to the residency training requirement for physicians whose composite record of experience, accomplishments, performance, and qualifications warrant such action.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Preferred Experience: The physician must be at least American Board of Pathology (ABPath) board‑eligible in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology.
• All applicants should have post‑residency experience to include either hospital-based general AP/CP practice or formal fellowship training.
• Fellowship training in CT, SP, GU, or GI preferred – but all others considered.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
• Physical Requirements: Eligible applicants must be physically and mentally able to perform efficiently the essential functions of the position – with or without reasonable accommodation – without hazard to themselves or others.
• Depending on the essential duties of a specific position – usable vision, color vision, hearing or speech may be required.
• However, in most cases, a specific physical condition or impairment of a specific function may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid.

Duties

• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.
• VHA Physician Total Rewards.
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Authorized for highly eligible candidates.
• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): This position is eligible for the student loan payment reimbursement program.
• You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.
• Program Approval – award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application.
• Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply.
• Contact [e-mail] – the EDRP Coordinator for questions or assistance.
• Learn more.
• 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 days 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: One 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.
• Duties and tasks may include – but are not limited to: The AP/CP Pathologist is ultimately responsible for the diagnostic interpretation of any anatomic pathology and clinical laboratory work assigned to them.
• The complexity of the AP/CP work is commensurate with RHJ VAMC being a level 1A complexity facility.
• Responsibilities may include delegation as the Medical Director of a clinical laboratory section.
• Participate in rotating off‑shift service call on nights and weekends.
• Grossing when non‑Pathologist grossers and Pathology Residents are not available.
• Responsible for interpreting all aspects of Surgical Pathology as assigned.
• Responsible for clinical lab consultation service as assigned.
• Responsible for interpreting all aspects of Gyn and Non‑Gyn cytology with occasional ROSE when Cytotechnologist staff is not available.
• Routine Dermatopathology sign‑out with staff Dermatopathologists available for consultation.
• No autopsies are performed in‑house – but Pathologists are responsible for releasing the PAD and FAD for Veteran autopsies performed at our academic affiliate.
• On service and during off‑shift call – responsible for all aspects of frozen section diagnosis when on‑call Histotechnologists are not available.
• Participate in all the service Quality Assurance programs – which includes the OPPE‑related 10% retrospective review of all anatomic pathology cases.
• Participate in the facility's RQI quarterly BLS program.
• Ensure compliance with federal statutes – VA directives and policies – local facility policies – and all accreditation standards.
• Actively participate in facility and service committees as assigned.
• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
• Subject to change based on the needs of the agency.