Clinical Pathologist

Clinical Pathologist

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) is an integral part of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS). It consists of four lab locations spread across Texas; two full-service laboratories located in Canyon and College Station and two poultry laboratories in Center and Gonzales. TVMDL is the only state agency entirely dedicated to protecting animal and public health through diagnostic testing.

TVMDL is a state-of-the-art veterinary diagnostic laboratory that collects hundreds of data points concerning veterinary diagnostics and population health each day. TVMDL is a state agency under the TAMUS umbrella that serves the veterinary community and is an independent entity from the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Texas A&M System employees are eligible for health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs for employees and their family. Other standard benefits include generous retirement plans, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Wellness Program, flexible spending accounts, as well as paid holiday, sick, and vacation leave.

In addition, TVMDL offers its employees opportunities to participate in an educational reimbursement plan; discounted diagnostic testing, veterinary care, and pet supplies; a formal career ladder for advancement; and continuing education opportunities.

This position serves as a Clinical Pathologist I in the Clinical Pathology Section, a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory that conducts hundreds of diagnostic tests and panels daily. The College Station Clinical Pathology section at TVMDL performs standard clinical pathology testing such as CBCs, Chemistry analysis, Cytology, Urinalysis, etc. Additionally, the section has a robust endocrinology and parasitology test catalog.

Responsibilities

General Description: Performs diagnostic testing within the clinical pathology section. Tests would primarily include cytologic evaluation and interpretation, evaluation of blood smears, and interpretation of serum protein electrophoresis tracings. Consults with TVMDL clients. Assists laboratory staff with review and release of diagnostic test results. Serves as a subject matter expert in clinical pathology.

Sample Preparation, Sample Cataloging: Oversees sample processing and preparation performed by Technicians for certain specimens (e.g., bone marrow and fluid samples). Reviews submittal forms and interprets test requests/client instructions. Ensures appropriate test ordering in TVMDL's laboratory information management system (LIMS) and ensures samples are fit for purpose of test.

Testing: Performs cytologic evaluation and written interpretation of specimens submitted to TVMDL; interpretation of serum protein electrophoresis tracings and blood smears sent for pathologist review. Assists other clinical pathologists and anatomic pathologists with difficult cases. May work closely with Endocrinologists, Diagnostic Services, Section Heads and Veterinary Pathologists in the coordination and testing of multiply assigned cases. Serves as a section point of contact/subject matter resource for colleagues in other TVMDL sections or locations. Performs all work in accordance with validated test methods, SOPs, procedures, employee training and proficiency, and equipment standards, as applicable.

Data Entry, Interpretation, Results: Enters pathology reports into the Laboratory Information System (LIMS). Assists in review and release of clinical pathology results including, but not limited to, biochemical profiles, hematology tests, urinalysis, and endocrinology profiles. Interprets results that require complex subjective evaluation. Reviews and makes adjustments to observations, results and measurements by Technicians when scientifically appropriate. Leads efforts to identify, investigate and resolve unexpected results. May create new interpretative comments in LIMS.

Client Communication: Communicates with clients via telephone, email, and in person to gather clinical history, clarify requests, discuss and interpret results, make recommendations, and address other issues related to case management. Solicits information to better assess the feasibility and need for potential testing. Resolves complex, confidential, or sensitive case issues with clients, contracting agencies, and other customers. May speak at industry conferences.

Quality Assurance & Safety: Adheres and conforms to quality assurance and safety programs and procedures. Assists in identifying incidents of nonconformance and noncompliance. Actively participates in quality assurance and safety programs. Reviews quality assurance documents (Standard Operating Procedures, forms, etc.) to ensure clarity of instructions and perform trainings and testing within a timely manner. Is responsible for safe handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals when relevant.

SOPs, Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation: Reads, interprets, and performs all tests in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs). Reviews and recommends changes or improvements to section SOPS, procedures, forms or other documentation related to section protocols. Serves as the subject matter expert on applicable procedures conducted by the section, including cytology preparation, hematology, serum protein electrophoresis, etc.

Research, Reference Materials, Test Development: Responsible for continuing education and advancement of the section. When possible, writes interpretive comments, composes journal articles, presents scientific sessions, aids in test development, and participates in TVMDL case rounds and Clinical Pathology lunch and learns.

Supplies, Stock, Inventory, Equipment: Recognizes and informs management when supply inventory is low, inadequate, or expired in a timely manner.

Administrative Roles: Files and scans relevant paperwork into internal document management system as needed (including, but not limited to: worksheets, forms, accession forms, regulatory forms, quality assurance and safety documentation, equipment maintenance forms, and logbooks). Abides by agency and state records retention and confidentiality requirements.

Training and Mentorship: Trains Clinical Pathology staff as needed (e.g., following blood smear pathologist review, cytology specimen preparation). Miscellaneous assignments including mentoring pathology residents and veterinary students as needed and maintaining high levels of communication with Section leadership on training and mentorship progression.

Supervisory, Evaluation, Employee Support: Assists Lab Supervisor and/or Section Head in oversight of technical staff performing routine testing.

Teamwork & Cooperation: Fosters laboratory teamwork, cooperation, professional standards and communication. This is a 9am-6pm position. May participate in flex scheduling, including work prior to 8 AM, after 5 PM, on weekends or on holidays. Provides support to technicians in case of absences or high case load. Works with colleagues in other testing sections and laboratories to coordinate testing for shared samples. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Other: Performs work with adherence to federal, state, Texas A&M University System, and TVMDL safety rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Performs work in such a way as to not expose others or self to hazards that are avoidable by reasonable and approved methods.

Additional Position Details:

• This position requires a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series; TVMDL will cover all costs.
• This position may be eligible for the alternative work location (AWL) program for a maximum of 16 hours per week.
• TVMDL is located on the campus of Texas A&M University (TAMU). Parking permits are available from TAMU at the expense of the employee.
• TVMDL is considered an essential component of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) and remains operational for several "open holidays" during which overtime or compensatory time may be earned.
• All veterinarians employed at TVMDL are required to obtain either a full license or a special license from the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (TBVME).
• Occasional in-state travel is required. Operates assigned equipment in a safe manner and in adherence to all TAMUS, AgriLife, and TVMDL policies as well as local, state, and federal laws.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree form an AVMA accredited university.
• Completion of a formal clinical pathology residency program or eligible to sit for the board examination of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) or European College of Veterinary Pathologists (ECVP).
• Two years of related experience in clinical pathology.

Required Registrations, Certifications and Licenses:

• Texas Veterinary License or specialty license or ability to obtain within one year of employment.
• Must have a valid Texas motor vehicle operator's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Three or more years experience in a diagnostic laboratory.
• Current Texas veterinary license.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to interpret cytologic specimens, serum protein electrophoresis, blood smears, chemistry profiles, CBC automated data, urinalysis, hormone profiles, and reproductive tests.
• Ability to consult with TVMDL clients and create clear and concise reports about clinical pathology findings.
• Detail oriented, ability to reason and solve problems, calm under pressure, communicate well with staff and clients.
• Familiarity with content management system administration and template design.
• Ability to multi

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL)