VISN 22 Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PALMS) encompass the consolidated laboratories located at specific VA facilities within VISN22. The Anatomic and Clinical Staff Pathologist provides diagnostic services within the Department of Pathology to include potential for subspecialty coverage as training permits (examples include dermatopathology or hematopathology.) 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. Additional Requirements: Qualified candidates will be board certified/board eligible in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and demonstrate a record of academic accomplishments commensurate with the rank of assistant, associate, or full professor and will be eligible for academic appointment through the University of California San Diego. 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. Preferred Experience: Recent substantial experience in provision of Anatomic/Clinical Pathology services within the last 2 years, or recent graduation from a training program in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. Sub-specialty Board Certification or eligibility in hematopathology (preferred) and/or other fellowship training including surgical pathology/GI and GU pathology. Availability to work Full-Time. Physical Requirements: VA Handbook 5019/1, Part II, Pre-Placement Physical Examination and Evaluation. ["VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. 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 Major duties include, but are not limited to: The AC/CP pathologist is ultimately responsible for diagnostic interpretation of specimens processed within the laboratory. The AP/CP pathologist will provide residents and/or trainees information on specimen processing and evaluation. Review of gross specimens Processing and interpretation of intraoperative frozen sections. Provide intraoperative and intraprocedural consultation as requested. Interpretation/sign-out of surgical pathology specimens within CAP guidelines for turnaround time. Ordering/interpretation of appropriate immunohistochemical stains and special stains. Participation in multi-disciplinary conferences such as Tumor Board, Chest Conference and GI Conference. Review appropriate clinical history/medical record when responsible for autopsy coverage and discuss with clinical team ensuring appropriate consent documentation before proceeding with autopsy. Perform/supervise autopsies. Issue preliminary autopsy findings within 2 working days of autopsy. Issue completed autopsy report with clinicopathologic correlation within 30 days of autopsy. Participate in Quality Assurance measures including 10% retrospective review of all anatomic pathology cases and inter-laboratory comparison programs as designated by the Chief of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Services. Provide 24 hour on-call services as designated in the monthly schedule. Review hematology fluids and issue diagnostic interpretation. Responsible for diagnostic expertise and sign-out in any area for which sub-specialty fellowship training has been completed. Train/Assist with residents. All other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VA health care teams are deeply experienced and guided by the needs of Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Our medical center provides primary care and specialty health services, including cardiology, mental health care, treatment for spinal cord injuries and disorders, suicide prevention, women’s health services, and more.
The Grand Junction VA Medical Center services those who serve our country providing critical medical services including acute and chronic inpatient and outpatient care. The facility consists of 53-bed capabilities for surgical procedures, specialty care, psychiatric in/outpatient services, as well as a Community Living Center, and social programs and services. The service area encompasses western Colorado and eastern Utah regions and includes the primary VAMC plus four satellite clinics.