Advance Your Career as a Staff Physician (Pathology) at the Detroit VA
The John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit is currently seeking a dedicated Staff Physician specialized in Pathology. This is an exceptional opportunity for medical professionals who are passionate about diagnostic precision and committed to honoring the service of our nation's veterans. Working in a Level 1B complexity facility, you will engage in high-level clinical and surgical pathology tasks that directly impact patient treatment plans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Staff Physician in Pathology, your duties will be commensurate with your documented training and credentials. The role encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities, including:
- Surgical Pathology: Performing gross and microscopic examinations of tissue samples and providing intraoperative frozen section diagnoses.
- Hematopathology: Expert interpretation of blood, bone marrow, and lymph node preparations.
- Clinical Pathology: Providing expert consultation for hematologic, chemistry, and molecular diagnostic testing.
- Quality Assurance: Participating in laboratory management programs and meeting institutional performance measures.
Specialty Areas Comparison
| Specialization | Key Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Hematopathology | Bone marrow, lymph nodes, and blood analysis |
| Dermatopathology | Skin biopsy interpretation |
| Transfusion Medicine | Blood product guidance and safety |
| Cytopathology | Cellular specimen analysis |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the basic federal medical standards, including:
- Possession of a Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine degree.
- A full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States.
- Completion of an ACGME or AOA accredited residency program.
- Proficiency in English and successful completion of a pre-employment physical and background check.
Salary Overview
The salary for this position is highly competitive, ranging from $240,000 to $270,000 per year, prorated based on your specific intermittent work schedule. The VA utilizes a formal pay-setting process to ensure equitable compensation based on your unique experience and board certification status.
Benefits
Joining the VA means gaining access to a comprehensive "Total Rewards" package, which includes:
- Generous Paid Time Off (Annual and Sick Leave).
- Federal Retirement Plans (Pension and 401K-style Thrift Savings Plan).
- Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance.
- Malpractice protection with tail coverage.
Application Tips
- Use the official VA Clinical Resume document.
- Clearly outline your subspecialty experience.
- Verify your eligibility for Veterans' Preference if applicable.
- Ensure all required documentation is uploaded to the appropriate fields in the online application.
Serving our veterans is a rewarding path for any physician. If you are a pathologist with a desire to make a difference in Detroit, apply today to join our team at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center.
Why This Staff Physician- Pathology Job Matters
Advance your career in pathology while serving those who have served us at the prestigious John D. Dingell VA Medical Center.
Staff Physician- Pathology Job Overview
The Detroit VA Medical Center is seeking an experienced, intermittent Staff Physician specializing in Pathology. This role, situated within the Department of Veterans Affairs, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a Level 1B complexity facility. Ideal candidates will possess specialized expertise in Hematopathology and a commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to our nation's Veterans.
Requirements for Staff Physician- Pathology
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply only under specific VA policy)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited school
- Current, full, and unrestricted medical license in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Completed residency training in an accredited core specialty program
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening
- Must undergo a background and security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Staff Physician- Pathology
- Advanced fellowship training or clinical experience in Hematopathology
- Board certification in Pathology or subspecialty areas
- Experience in academic or teaching hospital environments
- Demonstrated expertise in surgical, clinical, or cytopathology
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive annual salary with performance-based bonus potential
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Federal pension and 401k-style thrift savings plan with employer matching
- ✓Generous paid time off, including 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave
- ✓Malpractice liability protection with tail coverage
- ✓Professional growth opportunities and potential CME reimbursement
💡 How to Apply Staff Physician- Pathology Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Staff Physician- Pathology Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Download the mandatory Clinical Resume document from the provided VA career site.
- Upload the required one-page Clinical Resume and your full CV/detailed resume.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your CV clearly highlights your specific experience in Hematopathology.
- Double-check that you have uploaded your documents into the correct, designated fields.
- If you are a veteran, include your DD214 and any relevant SF-15 documentation to claim preference.
- Monitor your email for status notifications following your submission.
- Use the contact information provided if you experience technical issues with the online portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This is an intermittent appointment, offering flexibility in hours based on the needs of the laboratory department.
Do I need to be board certified?
Physicians must have completed an accredited residency leading to board eligibility. Board certification may be a requirement for faculty status in academic programs.
Are there opportunities for remote work?
This position requires physical presence in the laboratory to perform gross/microscopic tissue examinations and consultations; therefore, it is not eligible for telework.
Is this a full-time position?
This is an intermittent position with hours based on operational needs.
Can I apply if my board certification is pending?
You must have completed an accredited residency; board certification requirements may vary based on faculty status.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care for over 330,000 veterans in the Southeast Michigan area, the Detroit VA is a teaching facility that emphasizes state-of-the-art technology, medical research, and compassionate whole-health care. We believe in empowering both our patients and our staff to achieve optimal health outcomes.