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.

Duties

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 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.) Telework: Ad Hoc May Be Available VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.

Requirements

Qualifications

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. Applicants must possess a doctor of podiatric medicine, or its equivalent, from a school of podiatric medicine approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Approved schools are United States schools of podiatric medicine approved by the Council on Podiatry Education of the American Podiatry Association in the year in which the degree was granted. Residency Training. Podiatrist must have completed residency training, or its equivalent, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification. VA Podiatrists involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status. Approved residencies are: Approved residencies are:(1) Those approved by the accrediting bodies for graduate medical education, the Council on Podiatric Medical Education, in the list published for the year the residency was completed, or Other residencies and training experiences, or their equivalents, which the local Professional Standards Board determines to have provided an applicant with appropriate professional training. Licensure or Registration. Applicants must possess a 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. 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. References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-4 Podiatrist 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.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

• (1) Approved schools are United States schools of podiatric medicine and surgery, approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education of the American Podiatry Medical Association in the year in which the degree was granted.

Contacts

• Address VA TX Valley Coastal Bend HCS 2601 Veterans Drive Harlingen, TX 78550 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]