Advance Your Medical Career: Pathologist Opportunity at the VA in Philadelphia

Are you a dedicated pathologist looking to transition into a role where your clinical expertise directly improves the lives of those who have served our country? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Philadelphia is currently seeking a highly skilled physician to join our laboratory services team. This position offers not only a competitive salary range of $250,000 to $325,000 but also the unparalleled satisfaction of serving the veteran community.

Job Responsibilities

As a staff pathologist, you will play a pivotal role in the diagnostic loop of hospital operations. Key responsibilities include:

Laboratory Oversight: Ensuring all laboratory operations meet the standards set by the CAP, Joint Commission, FDA, and AABB.
Diagnostic Excellence: Delivering accurate clinical laboratory results and anatomic pathology services (including surgical pathology, cytology, and autopsy) within specified turnaround times.
Quality Management: Collaborating with the Quality Council to implement and monitor continuous quality improvement plans.
Collaboration: Acting as a bridge between laboratory services and clinical medical staff to solve complex diagnostic problems.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Valid U.S. Citizenship (unless otherwise permitted by policy).
MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school.
Current, full, and unrestricted medical license.
Completion of an accredited residency in a core specialty.
Ability to pass a background security check and pre-employment physical.

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Benefit	VA Offering	Private Sector Average
Salary	$250k - $325k	Varies by Region
Paid Time Off	50-55 Days/Year	20-30 Days/Year
Retirement	Pension + 401k Match	401k Only
Insurance	Comprehensive Federal	Varies

Application Tips

Use the Template: The VA specifically requires a standardized resume document for clinical positions. Ensure you use the link provided to download the correct format.
Highlight Experience: Clearly document your board certifications and your experience in high-volume laboratory settings.
Early Submission: The job announcement may close early if a selection is made, so do not delay your application.

Serving as a pathologist with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Philadelphia is a unique opportunity to blend high-level diagnostic work with a meaningful mission. With excellent benefits, a strong salary, and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, this role is an ideal next step for a seasoned pathologist. Apply through the USAJOBS portal to start your journey.

Why This Physician (Regular Ft)- Pathologist Job Matters

Advance your medical career with the Veterans Health Administration as a Pathologist, providing essential diagnostics to those who served our nation.

Physician (Regular Ft)- Pathologist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Pathologist to join our Philadelphia team. In this role, you will provide critical laboratory oversight and diagnostic services, ensuring our veterans receive the highest standard of evidence-based medical care. You will collaborate with clinical staff to interpret complex laboratory results and maintain rigorous compliance with national healthcare accreditation standards.

Requirements for Physician (Regular Ft)- Pathologist

United States Citizenship (exceptions apply per VA policy).
Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
Current, full, and unrestricted medical license in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Completion of an accredited residency program (ACGME or AOA).
Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Physician (Regular Ft)- Pathologist

Board certification in Anatomic Pathology and/or Clinical Pathology.
Additional certification in Cytopathology.
Proven experience in laboratory management and quality assurance protocols.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with academic and clinical partners.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with annual performance-based bonuses.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
✓Generous paid time off: 26 days of annual leave, 13 sick days, and 11 paid holidays annually.
✓Professional development opportunities with potential CME paid time off.
✓Federal pension plan and 401k-style thrift savings plan with agency matching up to 5%.
✓Career stability within the federal healthcare system.

💡 How to Apply Physician (Regular Ft)- Pathologist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physician (Regular Ft)- Pathologist Job

Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Download the standard VA Clinical Resume template from the provided link.
Upload your documents, ensuring the template is in the 'Resume' field and your full CV is in the 'Other' field.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your CV clearly highlights board certifications and residency training details.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and follow the specified format.
Do not wait until the final day to apply, as the announcement may close early if the position is filled.
If you are a veteran, include your DD214 to claim preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical work schedule for this position?

This is a full-time position with typical hours from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with participation in a rotational on-call schedule.

Is board certification required?

While residency training is the basic requirement, being board certified in Anatomic and/or Clinical Pathology is highly preferred and expected for professional growth within the VA.

What is the expected on-call load?

*A: Pathologists participate in a regular, rotational schedule to manage on-call requirements for both Anatomic and Clinical Pathology services.*

Are foreign medical graduates eligible?

*A: Yes, provided you have ECFMG certification and meet the specific VA eligibility requirements for foreign-trained physicians.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As a pathologist within the VHA, you become part of a nationwide network of providers dedicated to compassionate, evidence-based care.