Associate Chief of Staff - Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Associate Chief Of Staff For Pathology And Laboratory Medicine

The Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS) for Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is responsible for the leadership, direction, and coordination of all activities within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the VA Medical Center. The ACOS ensures the delivery of high-quality and cost-effective laboratory and pathology services to meet the needs of patients and the healthcare team.

Leadership and Administration

• Develops, implements, and evaluates policies and procedures for the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service.
• Directs and oversees operational activities to ensure continuous quality improvement, compliance with regulatory standards, and efficient use of resources.
• Manages budget planning and financial performance, ensuring optimal utilization of departmental resources.
• Supervises, mentors, and evaluates staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Assures compliance with VA policies, CAP, CLIA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Represents the department in executive and administrative meetings, contributing to hospital-wide initiatives and policies.

Clinical Services

• Provides expert diagnostic services, including the interpretation of surgical pathology, cytopathology, hematopathology, and clinical laboratory tests.
• Ensures the availability of high-quality diagnostic services, including histology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunology, transfusion medicine, and point-of-care testing.
• Consults with medical staff on the interpretation and clinical relevance of laboratory findings.
• Ensures the implementation of standardized testing protocols and procedures.

Research Service

• Collaborates closely with Research Service to promote VA research activities to establish an efficient process whereby research investigators and programs can partner with and track various services within the laboratory and pathology service.
• Provides researchers and the Research Service with appropriate expertise and partnership on available laboratory and pathology service resources as well as timely review of new and ongoing research projects for regulatory approval.
• Engages in and contributes to multidisciplinary research team meetings, collaborative planning efforts and relevant research committees.
• Promotes a culture of teamwork and shared goals in VA research.

Quality Assurance and Improvement

• Develops and oversees a robust quality assurance program, ensuring adherence to best practices and continuous improvement.
• Monitors performance metrics, patient outcomes, and satisfaction to identify areas for improvement.
• Leads root cause analyses and corrective action plans when quality issues arise.
• Ensures compliance with safety and infection control policies and practices.

Education and Training

• Provides leadership in educational programs for residents, fellows, medical students, and laboratory staff.
• Develops continuing education and professional development programs to ensure staff remain current with advances in pathology and laboratory medicine.
• Participates in academic activities, including clinical research, publications, and presentations.

Interdepartmental Collaboration

• Coordinates with other clinical and administrative departments to optimize patient care and services.
• Engages in multidisciplinary team meetings and collaborative planning efforts.
• Advises and supports clinicians on the appropriate use of laboratory and pathology services.
• Promotes a culture of teamwork and shared goals across all areas of the organization.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and administrative skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills.
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems effectively.
• Commitment to providing high-quality patient care and advancing the mission of the VA.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday. Selectee will work four ten hour days at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, and the fifth work day at the University of Pennsylvania.

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized for well qualified.

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

US Department of Veterans Affairs