About This Position
VISN 7 Pathology and Laboratory medicine at WJB Dorn VA Medical Center seeks a Board-certified pathologist in anatomic and clinical pathology. The successful candidate will report to the chief of pathology and will share anatomical and clinical duties/responsibilities in Dorn VAMC, pathology and laboratory medicine. Staff Pathologists provide coverage as needed during the entire period 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
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 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs and over); heaving carrying (45 lbs and over); straight pulling (over several hours); pushing (1-2 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 3 hours); standing (over several hours); repeated bending (several hours); ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; hearing (aid permitted).
Customer Service: Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures.
Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Age-specific care: The incumbent provides age-specific care that is appropriate to the gender, sexual preference, cognitive, emotional, cultural, and chronological maturation needs of the patient. Demonstrates knowledge of changes associated with aging and principles of growth and development relevant to the adult and geriatric age groups; ability to assess and interpret data about the patient's status; and ability to identify age-specific needs and provide the appropriate care based upon the age related factors.
Demonstrates knowledge of population-specific needs associated to cultural and environmental contexts of the Veteran and appropriately adjusts assessments and interventions to address these population-specific needs Incumbent is culturally aware of the bio-psychosocial needs of the homeless population and the services required to adequately serve this population. Computer Security: Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, Federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion.
Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc. Uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers; inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving e-mail. Uses the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) and Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) to access and enter information, as well as respond to pertinent reminders and use other clinical applications in support of patient care delivery.
Safety: ENVIRONMENT OF CARE: Follows Life Safety Management (fire protection) procedures. Reports on safety hazards, accidents and injuries. Reviews hazardous materials/Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)/waste management.
Follows Emergency Preparedness plan. Follows security policies/procedures. Complies with federal, state and local environmental and other requirements preventing pollution, minimizing waste, and conserving cultural and natural resources.
Implements and monitors OSHA goals for Life Safety Management, health and the environment procedures. Reports on safety hazards, accidents and injuries. Implements, monitors and reviews hazardous materials/Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)/waste management, fire protection.
Implements and monitors Emergency Preparedness plan. Implements and monitors security policies/procedures. Implements and monitors compliance with federal, state and local environmental and other requirements preventing pollution, minimizing waste, and conserving cultural and natural resources.
INFECTION CONTROL: Demonstrates infection control practices for disease prevention (i.e. hand washing, universal precautions/isolation procedures, including TB requirement/precautions. Implements and monitor infection control practices for disease prevention (i.e. hand washing, universal precautions/isolation procedures, including TB requirement/precautions. HEALTH AND SAFETY: Fosters a high profile of the VA Occupational Safety and Health Program by assuring employee awareness of potential safety hazards, promptly reporting all injuries and effecting corrective actions necessary to eliminate safety and health hazards in the work area.
Major Duties
Pathology coverage duties for Dorn VAMC primarily encompass general surgical pathology and cytopathology. This usually includes simple and complex surgical specimens from inpatient and outpatient settings including, but not limited to Dermatopathology, Gastrointestinal Pathology, Genitourinary Pathology, Hematopathology, and Head and Neck Pathology, and other body sites. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Provide Surgical Pathology procedures: Gross, Microscopic, Frozen Sections within the monitored time of 20 minutes after arrival in the frozen section (F/S) laboratory.
Performance and/or interpretation of fine needle aspirates and other responsibilities/duties as assigned by the chief of pathology. Prepare reports dictated via voice recognition technologies, adhering to guidelines and criteria for formulating and reporting diagnoses of Surgical Pathology, Cytology and Autopsies, including CAP Synoptic reporting. Prepare material for reference to Consultation Labs such as The Joint Pathology Center (JPC), and tissues referred for mutational and genetic analysis (such as by Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), or Flow Cytometry.
Participate in QA/QC and preparation for CAP Inspections. Prepare presentations, including imaging of lesions for the Tumor Board and other clinical meetings. Perform and/or interpret fine needle aspirations Provide diagnoses for routine Cytopathology - both Gyn and Non-Gyn.
AP reports are issued daily and include frozen section, gross and microscopic descriptions that are dictated for transcription by voice recognition technology.
Complete mandatory training (TMS) as required, and will comply with all security issues, BSL accreditation, maintain CMEs, participate in proficiency assessments, and secondary and tertiary reviews. Support the VA mission and customer satisfaction and provide care/support appropriate to the age of the patients served. Assist in supervision of Residents and Fellow from USC if they rotate through the VA Clinical pathology and hematopathology specimens/duties are currently primarily handled by a team of the section and consultation is performed by the staff pathologist on duties.
The incumbent may also be assigned medical directorship of a section or other administrative dutie Keep up-to-date with technology advances in Immuno-Histopathology technologies, Precision Diagnostics, Liquid Biopsies, Gene analysis and Viral technologies such as HPV detection. Additional Service responsibility/Duties: Accurate and timely pathology diagnosis. Provide consultation to clinical colleagues.
Participate actively in inter- and intra-departmental conferences. Perform medical director duties in specific sections of the lab as delegated by the laboratory director / chief of pathology. Participate in peer review.
Develop and/or participate in lab and hospital wide quality improvement programs. Teaching Duties may include: Train pathology residents. Contribute to the teaching of medical technologists and other trainees.
Participate in the continuing education of medical technologists and other support staff. Research Duties: Research is encouraged. This includes independent research and collaboration with investigators based at VA and Emory University.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized 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: Typically, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Working on weekends and holidays is not usually required but may be necessary. Call coverage is required.
Conditions of Employment
U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Education
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 an institution whose accreditation was in place for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved schools are: Schools of medicine accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) for the year in which the degree was granted, or Schools of osteopathic medicine approved by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association for the year in which the degree was granted.
For foreign medical graduates not covered in (1) or (2) above, facility officials must verify with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) that the applicant has met requirements for certification, and must obtain a copy of the ECFMG certificate, if claimed by the applicant. [If the applicant does not claim an ECFMG certificate, facility officials must still confirm that the medical school meets (or met) ECFMG eligibility requirements for the year the candidate graduated.]
NOTE: The Under Secretary of Health or designee in the VHA Central Office may approve the appointment under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 of a physician graduate of a school of medicine not covered above if the candidate is to be assigned to a research, academic, or administrative position with no patient care responsibilities. The appointment will be made only in exceptional circumstances where the candidate's credentials clearly demonstrate high professional attainment or expertise in the specialty area. Preferred Experience: Board Certification in AP and CP by the American Board of Pathology with three or more years of experience in anatomic and clinical pathology and/or surgical pathology Fellowship.
Additional sub-specialty training/expertise in hematopathology, Cytology, GYN and dermatopathology would be considered very favorably.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Your application, resume, C.V., and/or other supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. Veterans' Preference
Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
Additional Information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
How to Apply
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. To apply for this position online, complete steps 1 and 2 above by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/30/2026 to receive consideration. Please note, this announcement may close prior to the closing date indicated if the position is filled through other means.
If you are unable to apply online before the closing date click here and include the CBTB-12944323-26-TR in the Notes field. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a C.V. and/or resume. Other documents may be requested later in the process if needed. Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.