Physician - Staff Pathologist

About the role

Ralph H. Johnson VA is located in beautiful downtown Charleston, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, idyllic coastal location, exquisitely preserved architecture, and celebrated dining. Settled alongside the Ashley rivers and Atlantic Ocean, Charleston has a subtropical climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. The city proper is surrounded by communities extending beyond the historic peninsula.

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship (non‑citizens only if qualified citizens unavailable per VA policy)
• Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree from an allopathic or osteopathic medical school approved by the VA for the year of study
• Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or District of Columbia
• Completion of residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty program leading to board‑certification eligibility (ACGME or AOA accredited; or alternative pathways as described)
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Preferred: ABPath board‑eligible in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology; post‑residency hospital‑based general AP/CP practice or fellowship training; fellowship in Cytology, SP, GU, or GI preferred but all considered
• Physical demands: primarily walking, sitting, talking, driving, telephone use; light lifting/carrying under 15 pounds; hearing (aid permitted); no strenuous physical activity required but must withstand pressure and stress

Responsibilities

• Diagnostic interpretation of anatomic pathology and clinical laboratory work assigned
• Delegation as Medical Director of a clinical laboratory section (as applicable)
• Participate in rotating off‑shift service call on nights and weekends
• Grossing when non‑Pathologist grossers and Pathology Residents are unavailable
• Interpret all aspects of Surgical Pathology as assigned
• Provide clinical lab consultation service as assigned
• Interpret Gyn and Non‑Gyn cytology, with occasional ROSE when Cytotechnologist staff unavailable
• Routine Dermatopathology sign‑out with staff Dermatopathologists available for consultation
• Release PAD and FAD for Veteran autopsies performed at the academic affiliate (no in‑house autopsies)
• Frozen section diagnosis during on‑service and off‑shift call when Histotechnologists unavailable
• Participate in service Quality Assurance programs, including OPPE‑related 10% retrospective review of all anatomic pathology cases
• Participate in facility's RQI quarterly BLS program
• Ensure compliance with federal statutes, VA directives/policies, local facility policies, and accreditation standards
• Actively participate in facility and service committees as assigned

Benefits

• Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (sign‑on bonus) authorized
• Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases
• Paid Time Off: 50‑55 days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays, possible 5‑day paid absence for CME)
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% VA matching
• Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care (many programs portable into retirement)
• Licensure: Requires one full and unrestricted license from any U.S. 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

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (subject to change based on agency needs).