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The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System, Harlingen, Texas is seeking for Physician, Chief of Pathology and Laboratory Service to serve as the administrative and clinical Section Chief for Pathology and Laboratory Service and is responsible for the overall operation of the Service Line. A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may authorized for a highly qualified candidate. 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. 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. Licensure and Registration: 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: Those approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), b) OR Those approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA),OR 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. Physical Requirements: See outlined below. English Language Proficiency. Physicians appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d). Preferred Experience: At least five years of post-residency diagnostic experience in pathology and laboratory medicine, including surgical pathology, cytology, and clinical pathology. Current certification in anatomic pathology of Pathology by the American Board of Pathology is required. Current certification in both anatomic pathology and clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology. Experience as a laboratory service chief / medical director, an assistant service chief / assistant medical director, or other managerial role, preferably in VA or the Department of Defense. Working knowledge of laboratory budgetary requirements, fiscal planning, workload projections, and productivity measures. Working knowledge of laboratory regulations and preparation for accreditation surveys, e.g., College of American Pathologists, Joint Commission, OIG, CARF. At least 2 years post graduate experience in the VA or Department of Defense. 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. Physical Requirements: This position may requires light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds); walking (1 hour); standing (1 hour); ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; hearing (aid permitted); mental/emotional stability; ability to perform privileges; and independently perform physical exam as appropriate to position. ["The Chief, Pathology and Laboratory oversees clinical operations with responsibility for quality outcomes and patient safety. Administrative functions will include, but not be limited to, budget and fiscal management, human resource management, strategic planning, and program development. The Chief assures that the clinical and administrative functions are integrated in order to provide optimum utilization of available resources. The position ensures the quality and timeliness of the services provided, including customer satisfaction, as well as compliance with standards of accrediting bodies such as The Joint Commission, CAP, OIG, etc. The Chief functions as a provider in the pathology specialty, collaborates with referring providers, optimizes timeliness, and ensures quality or care; accomplishes the health care delivery mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs in general. Services provided are subject to close scrutiny by Congressional interests, service organizations, the general public and the media. Currently, the VCB laboratory does not provide blood bnak, autopsy, or frozen section services. FUNCTIONS OF ASSIGNED DUTIES Administrative: Assume the responsibility, in collaboration with the Lab Manager and administrative staff for the overall management of the VATVCBHCS Path & Lab Service across all sites of care. This includes the organization of the clinical and administrative day-to-day activities of the Service, development and approval of guidelines, SOPs and policies for Path & Lab Service and management of QA guidelines and protocols to ensure integrity and safety. Provide leadership and accountability for all aspects of Path & Lab services at the VATVCBHCS, assuring support of the mission and values of this health care system and VISN 17. At the discretion of the Chief of Staff Office, participates in Peer Review Board, Peer Standards Board, Clinical executive board, or other governing groups or committees. Assume responsibility for carrying out the goals, objectives, and plans and policies established by the Health Care System Director and COS/DCOS Office. Plan, implement, and manage the Performance Improvement/QM programs within the VATVCBHCS Path & Lab Service. Formulate and implement general policies, procedures, standards, and goals and objectives for the VATVCBHCS Path & Lab Service that are consistent with, and supportive of, the mission of the health care system and VISN 17. Coordinate and integrate the interdepartmental functioning of the VATVCBHCS Path & Lab Service. This includes chairing relevant meetings and committees. Complete performance appraisals, proficiency reports, and professional practice evaluations on staff pathologists and other direct reports within the Service. Approve staff leave, including review of conference relevance and approval if appropriate for educational purposes. Serve as VISN liaison for VATVCBHCS Path & Lab Service issues, meetings, collaboratives, and other activities. Responsible for sub-areas such as Hematology/Coagulation, Histology and Cytology and supervision of histology staff. Monitor and arrange for adequate coverage at all sites with minimal to no operational disruption. Directs the efforts and operations of the VATVCBHCS in providing laboratory services for non-VA provided orders that are valid for VA coverage under the MISSION act. Clinical: The Chief of Path & Lab provides interpretive and patient care services within the scope of Pathology & Laboratory services. Should research capabilities permit, participate as appropriate in clinical research activities in accordance with VATVCBHCS policies and IRB rules. Understand the VA mission to establish effective and productive relationships with medical center administration, staff, Veterans, and the community as appropriate; to comply with training requirements and to contribute to a safe environment for patients and staff. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized Telework: Ad Hoc May Be Available 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"]

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